My 1992 940 GL recently began cranking a bit longer (a second or two) before it started. I thought maybe it just needed new spark plugs. The shop I took it to said this is due to a leaking Fuel Injection Cold Start Valve. They said the fuel pressure drops while the vehicle is sitting and recommend replacing the cold start injector before performing any additional testing. So it seems they are not even sure replacing this valve will fix the issue. They want $246 labor and $986 parts to replace that valve. I was shocked at this quote, and just wondering what others think of it.

Hi,

I have a problem with the diagnosis being a leaking injector since there are four others that get used a whole lot more. Have you got information that these have ever been a problem child on other 900s?

If it is truly losing rest pressure then is it flooding the engine. So the amount will be laying in the intake manifold waiting every time? Is it that repetitive?

So if it cranks does it hit some right away?
Do you think it turns so suddenly rich that it swamps all the plugs at once? That would take a tremendous amount of fuel. Do you smell raw fuel?

Then more cranking goes alone to where it runs leaner somewhere along the line.
Is there a roughness with the idle for a tiny bit?
On some units there is no cold start or its activation, unless, it’s really cold. This is where a coolant sensor can be faulty.

Then, after it’s kicking over it all switches back to normal as the fuel pump catches up to filling up the rail and makes the injectors spray correctly.
The cold start injector, if it is bad, is not just going to stop leaking.
The management system will adjust or reduce the pulse width on all the injectors to compensate.
This all happens so fast that there is no need for a cold start injectors most of the time. Even in Wisconsin. It’s spring time now on a warm engine.
So with that what is going on could be the coolant sensor or a leaky FPR couldn’t be a cause.
Could be bad or intermittent in-tank fuel pump or really rare a bad check valve on the main fuel pump.
Are problems worse with less fuel in the gas tank?

For me there are too many other choices to go with and cold start valve being a definitive fix.
Once the shops get your hood up past the cost of a diagnosis it can turn into a “free for all” on your wallet being held open to see how deep of a pocket it came out of.

I don’t have any idea how long and how often looked for clues without showing proof and right themselves out an excuse disclaimer at the same time either.

If it was me I cracked open my tool box or internet and start investigating the normal directions of troublesome causes without the shops hourly labor rate from what they quoted you!
Like it was said, in the thread that valve is not that hard to access.

Be careful using that same shop. You got away from them with minor injuries, this time.

Keep posting as you have been at this for sometime already.

Phil

Hi Phil,

I share your question about the diagnosis.
It's odd that Techron seemed to solve his problem for a while.

Tom you might try getting your gas at a different station. Years ago my dad
had all kids of hassle with his car and it turned out it was crap fuel. Some
scandal with the gas merchant. Where are you? Does your state allow more than 10% ethanol? I'd like those Ethanol mobsters to take a long hike offa short pier.

If it is the cold start injector, then they should be able to get an injector kit and replace bad O-rings. But they jump to buying a pricey new injector.
This sounds a lot like aggressive dealer Bravo Sierra.

My 93 945T has what looks like an extra injector connector below the rail,
but no cold start injector. I see the Regina engines have that cold start along with some special OBD codes, and I found the info to test them electrically.
Are there Regina 900's?
Unless you live in Siberia you could just take it out, plug the fuel ports, and see if that solves the alleged problem.

First try a different gas station.

Cheers, Bill

There was a service bulletin on some of the Rex/Regina cars to disable the cold start valve as a solution to flooding problems. I’m not sure if your car is included in that bulletin. I believe the 740/940 FAQ on this site discusses it. It involves snipping one of the wires running to the valve. Sorry I don’t know the TSB number but someone else around here may remember it.

https://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo/1272310/740/760/780/cold_start_issues_ok_now_im_mad.html
--
Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now

I have no problem with the diagnosis, but agree that the labor seems high. However, I don't know where the injector is located (my 940 has the Bosch system, yours would have to be Rex/Regina). They're usually right out in the open, but if the intake manifold needs to come off because it's in a weird spot, I can see why the labor would be on the high side. But even then, $986 sounds overkill. Are you sure they didn't suggest starting with the fifth injector, and maybe quoted parts and labor for a worst case scenario like replacing the lift pump in the tank?

If I was working on the car, and suspected the fifth, I would either:
1) remove the injector to see if it bleeds out overnight (or maybe even energize the pump with it out by turning the ignition to on with the car off)
2) simply put a hose pinch off plier on the line going to the injector (they're separate from the fuel rail), let it sit overnight or however long is necessary to present the symptoms, and see if that solves the issue.
This second method certainly wouldn't take more than minutes, and can rule out a leaky injector.

Anyway, I feel the injector suspicion can be verified without needing to replace it. However, it's been 20 years since I wrenched professionally, and I'm just a random voice on the internet.

If you are uncomfortable with either the price, or aptitude of this mechanic, then get a second opinion. Most pro mechanics in their early 40's or younger started out after OBDII was introduced, and may not have much experience with these older systems. That doesn't make them bad mechanics, but experience counts a lot. I think there is a TSB from Volvo for a leaky cold start injector, and that may be why the tech is gravitating to that as the most likely cause. However, after 31 years, this may have already been addressed, and as said, I think there's a better way to go about it. Sometimes swapping the part makes the most sense, but based on my experience, this isn't one of those cases.

Check for black smoke from exhaust on cold startup when the problem occurs (maybe get someone to start the car while you check, as it will be brief). A leaky fifth will not only let fuel line pressure drop, but it will let raw fuel pool up in the intake after the car is shut down, which might cause the smokey startup. If the fifth is leaking badly enough, it will leak while car is running, and probably cause the idle to hunt.

Best of luck in solving this cheaply, and hopefully someone experienced with the Regina system can chime in with more specific guidance.

Thanks for all that information! I'll first try the Techron® High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner, as BB suggested. I may have a different mechanic try some of your suggestions.
Tom

If it turns out you do need the cold start valve -- I do have a collection of them. They are not organized by the model they came from but if you can send me a picture of how yours is mounted I may have be able to save you a lot. I'm working on liquidating a near 50 year collection of Volvo parts. If I have a valve to match---figure $25 plus postage. Call me at (six-three-one) 968-8933 or write to ---- fastforwardphoto(AT)yahoo(DOT)com --- Dave

Dave,
Thanks for that helpful information. I added the Techron today, and I'll see if it helps. But I'm actually trying to sell the car. I need to do some downsizing and liquidating.
Tom

Dear TCATDI,

Hope you're well and stay so! Techron takes a little time to work. It gradually dissolves paraffins - waxy gasoline components - that slowly coat fuel system surfaces.

About once a year, I add a bottle - just before a fill-up - and then try to let the car sit for a couple of days, so the paraffin deposits can be dissolved.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook

Hi Spook,
Thanks for the tips and information. I believe there has been a distinct improvement in the starting, and the engine even seems to perform better. However, one time today, the engine had trouble starting again after it sat for about 45 minutes. Subsequent starts were good again. I'll keep monitoring it.
Tom

In that case, an extra good dose of Techron in Super Premium gas of your choice followed by one heck of a long "Italian tune-up" through the closest mountain range to work it in and try to get all the built up cholesterol out of the bloodstream and fouled injectors. And if it helps, let me know, and I'll try it myself, my own body I mean. Unlike aging me, my 940s have another 30 years in them if well maintained by some kind of specialist.
--
Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now

Dave,
I've been driving the car on the highway a few times (not a lot -- about 20 minutes each day). I've put on about 50 miles since the Techron fuel treatment. Except for one time today, the car has been starting well and I think running better.
My boss posted the car for me on his FB Marketplace, but there's been interest. I'm sure it's priced too high. I'll probably end up keeping it until summer, and perhaps see if I can find someone interested at the Iola Car Show. Or I maybe post it in the Brickboard Classifieds. I'm happier to keep the car if it runs well and doesn't cost me an arm and a leg.
I think I'll do another Techron treatment, along with Shell Premium, when I get through this tank of gas.
Thanks!
Tom

Hi Wilson,

The 89 740 Rex has the starter valve and the 93 940 Rex/Federal doesn't.
So it might be an option to just get rid of it at that steep price ?
The ECU reports a shorted injector coil to OBD, if it gags with an open circuit,
its easy to stick a resistor on the start valve connector.

I like your ideas to diagnose instead of expensive guesses.
Could it be that mechanic is going through a divorce and battling poverty ?
Wait for ___?___ to return with your "Attaboy".

It's freezing now and I'm waiting for a warmer day to bother changing that washer pump. It's not a priority item so I can procrastinate, something I'm skilled at.
With any luck I can put it off until next summer, when I can use "The too hot
excuse" to forget it.

Cheers, Bill

You needn't tell me about procrastination. I've been fiddling with my car so much lately as a way to avoid doing other needed things around the house :-)

Hi __?__,

That's quite a quote, certainly not good for the digestion.

First try some Techron injector cleaner and see if that helps.
If it does solve your problem, consider sending a generous gratuity,
15% +- of expected huge savings to Brickboard, and you will be upgraded to
"Subscriber".

Check your OBD codes.
See if you get a 3-2-1 on port 2. That indicates a bad or shorted valve.

To find out the cost:
Call a Volvo dealer with your VIN number to find out the correct part number.

3531228 is NLA from Volvo, but Ebay $320 new,shipped from Greece.
3517130
https://www.fuelinjectionproducts.com/products/volvo-new-cold-start-valve-bosch-0280170446-fit-240-740-760-780-941 $465 new

There's shops that specialize in injector service.
https://www.injectorrx.com/

Some fuel setups include check valves at the fuel pump that can leak.
Don't be in a hurry to throw parts.

Dig around for cold start threads with the search engine and in the FAQ to see what others have done to solve your problem.

Hopefully your digestion will be OK, Bill

Bill, the Techron seems to really have helped. I have not had a slow start since I've used up the tank of treated gas, even in the colder weather. And I did subscribe! I also posted the car in the ClassAds. Thanks
Tom

Hi Tom,

That's good news that you avoided throwing expensive parts.

I wonder if the much cheaper Walmart injector cleaner works as well?
Something hard to prove, but I use it occasionally and rub the beads.

Happy holidays, Bill

Thanks for the tips and all that information! I'll try the Techron. I assume I would get this:
Techron® High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner
I'll let you know how that works out. Unfortunately, I'm not a mechanic.
Tom

I’ve also used Techron. It used to be called Techron Concentrated Fuel System cleaner. Just bought some recently and it appears the name has changed to High Mileage (75k +) cleaner. Also remember seeing a Fuel Injector cleaner but didn’t see that in the store. Suggest pouring the Techron in your tank when almost empty. Then refill with a high quality premium gas such as Shell that has a lot of cleaners in it to maximize the cleaning effect!

Another option is BG 44K Fuel system cleaner.

--
Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

Thanks! I put a bottle into the 1/3 full tank today, then filled it. So far, too early to tell if it is going to help or not. Unfortunately, I did not use a premium gas, but just KwikTrip 87. If there's no improvement, I'll try again with an emptier tank and filling with Shell Premium. I've decided to try to sell the car, because I'm not a mechanic and therefore it's becoming too expensive to maintain.

Yeah, Techron is good stuff. I've used that and LiquiMoly. I also hear good things about BG.

Starting here is a no-brainer. I've never actually solved an issue with fuel system cleaner, but that's probably because I use it regularly. At least a few times per year. Less than $10 to try, and you're doing good things for the car even if it doesn't solve the issue. In your case, run the strongest dilution recommended on the bottle. It will tell you the minimum number of gallons to mix it with, and the maximum. I have a can of the LiquiMoly Pro-Line gasoline system cleaner on hand, and it says the 500ml quantity is sufficient for 7 to 18 gallons. So I'd use it with a third of a tank or so, in your case. Maybe repeat it, or run two or three cans through a full tank.

Thanks. I put a bottle into the 1/3 full tank today, then filled the tank. So far, too early to tell if it is going to help or not.

I've done the fuel treatment a few times. I thought this was the fix, but the starting issue came back. It starts fine if it has been sitting for a while (such as overnight, or for 8 hours), but when restarting after a few minutes or a couple hours, it cranks longer. I've been pressing the gas pedal a little to help it get started (in case that helps - doesn't seem to hurt). Maybe it is the cold start injector. A mechanic said, "we found that the cold start injector in the intake manifold is leaking, and the fuel pressure drops while the vehicle is sitting. We would recommend replacing the cold start injector before performing any additional driveability testing."

Hi Tom,

Is that a cold start injector? I took a quick look and someone with a 240 found
theirs was leaking and fixed with an O-ring Volvo 949761.
Maybe this part uses a standard injector kit? I don't know.
You can look for 940 injector kits on Ebay and email the seller to see if they have kits to re build your 1992 940 cold start valve.

Good luck, Bill