Got my first Volvo last month,saved from the Crusher.Car has not run since Feb.
I was told from PO that it needed a new wiring harness,not the starter.I removed intake manifold ,removed sheathing from starter all the way around to amm and ign mod.
Besides the usual rot around the grey conn (front rt corner) and a small section (blue/green starter wire) covered with oil ,I have found nothing that
would fail to get car started. Has new battery and alternator. Should I remove
starter and test? What else should I check? Sorry for the long post.

What happens when you turn the key? Do simple things like the lights and radio function?

Your posting implies that the engine does not turn over when you turn the key. Do you hear anything that would indicate that the starter is trying to turn the engine, a click or anything? To back up a little more, can you turn the engine over by hand? (With the key off of course.)

Dan

When key is turned dash lights go out,headlights will dim.I hear a click from
pass side area ,fuel pump sounds,and can smell fuel.Tried push starting car last month to no avail.Also tried jumping starter across starter terminals,got
spark only,no action from solenoid. thanks,sps240

Still sounds like a completely dead battery..

I agree with both posts. Follow them in this order:

1. Remove plugs, leave ignition off, and try turning engine over by hand -- you can do this with a 24" cheater bar. If it really won't turn, have a good Volvo mechanic diagnose the engine. I bet you won't need to do this, though: these engines are incredibly tough.

2. I also think the battery is just about dead. Charge the battery and see whether the starter turns while the plugs are still out. If the battery won't charge, change the battery. Replace the plugs, check that the fuel pumps work (you can hear both of 'em -- 1 is in the tank, 1 is under the car on the driver's side beneath the rear seat). Now try turning the car over -- it should catch and run. If not, have a good Volvo mechanic diagnose the engine.

Good luck with the car. It should last you a good long while.
--
-- Bruce / '82 244 (323k miles!), '86 745, '87 760Ti, '94 854

I will try switching batteries,ck the posts,grounds,etc and look at the pumps
Thanks for the help, guys.