I have a 1985 740 gle and i have a problem. It always starts fine but when i step on the gas it stalls out it dose not always happen it also can do this when driven . any suggestions please let me know thank you.
scott taylor
philadelphia pa..

The number one cause of this kind of problem is a faulty Air Mass Meter, although someones suggestion of cleaning the throttle body is a very good idea to start with. Chech the air intake tube after the throttle body to see if it,s torn, quite frequently they get contaminated with oil from neglected P.C.V. systems. Also check the connections at the Air Mass Meter to ensure they are clean and proper, and despite what some people may think, never, ever, use after market rubbish, want to ruin your car, use junk parts. I work at a private Volvo repair shop, we have alot of experience and believe me when I tell you after market parts are no where near the quality of the original equipment parts that came from the factory. Also, you can here the main fuel pump under the car run for a moment as it cycles when the key is turned to the run position, the feed pump (the one in the tank) can also be heard running if you are under the tank and someone is obviously helping you by cycling the ignition key. If all else fails, take it to someone qualified to repair Volvo's in your area, they are great cars and usualy are worth repairing, GOOD LUCK!.

Scott, the key here is "qualified". Many dealers of these cars don't know much about repairing them. I have been taken to the cleaners many times by "qualified" mechanics. Sure, they'll charge the $75/hr and claim to fix it, but rarely do. This is the main reason why sites like this one exist, I'm supposing. Get a reference from someone you trust. I'm certainly not saying all mechanics are disreputable. Just enough to make it harder for the good ones.
Buy yourself a Haynes manual and a few good tools and you should be able to handle the basic repairs yourself if you have average mechanical skills. Just take your time and it will work out OK.
As far as aftermarket parts. I know that others see it differently-and that's their right-but my experience has been that aftmkt parts are just as good as factory. True, they may only meet "minimum" specs., but they are warranted. Your choice also may be dictated by how long you plan on keeping the car and, if you're like me, the size of your bank account. I guess if my ride was down and I had money only for an aftermarket fuel pump, I'd go that route. Beats walking. In fact, I know that sometimes dealers go to aftmkt stores for certain parts. So, to me the question does not seem so cut and dried as others see it. That's their right though. One exception would be rotors. Go factory with those and NEVER machine them. Toss and replace. Always use factory pads too. They are simply better. Haroon's suggestions are good. These problems are just rather tough to track down but it can be done.

Been there, done that. Probably a bad fuel pump. I replaced/cleaned lots of parts and the only part left to replace was the fuel pump. Some of these cars have 2 pumps. If money is not a problem forget about the pressure testing and replace both, they are inexpensive. Same advice for the fuel pressure regulator. Also, the idea that you MUST use Volvo parts is, in my humble opinion, BOGUS. Go to NAPA or AUTO ZONE and you'll be OK. These things aren't Rolls-Royces, in spite of what some would have you believe. A friendly reminder; fuel vapors are HIGHLY EXPLOSIVE! Just be sure to disconnect the battery to make sure someone does not turn the key on while the pump is out of the tank. If they do, the Volvo will no longer be a problem.

check for vacuum leaks. Also clean the throtle body.