my volvo wagon has a problem. When i step on the gas pedal it feels like not enough gas is getting to the engine. She sputters and has no give at all. If I drive with a bit of choke she picks up a bit, but not for long. Is there something i can do without taking it in? Also she is terribley hard to start. Is this just normal ? i can live with that if i can get her running with a bit more give.
thanks for your suggestions!

If it goes better with a litle choke, you may have a partially plugged main jet.
All carbs require occaisional maintnence ,mainly cleaning.
I'm not sure what type of carb is on that thing , so I can't be any more specific.
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-------Robert, '93 940t, '90 240 wagon, '84 240 diesel (she's sick) , '80 245 diesel

Alright! A cdn carbed B21!
What kind of carb do you have?

"Is there something i can do without taking it in?"
Carbs are pretty easy to adjust. I don't suggest taking it in, as mechanics who tend to rely on computers to do the diagnoses on FI systems, are lost when it comes to adjusting carbs. Ie. It may cost you a lot for them to make things worse.

"Also she is terribley hard to start. "
Could need more choke or base idle needs adjusting. Need more info. but Haynes has a whole section (4B) for carbs.

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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans

If the choke helps there may be a vacuum leak. Please tell what engine model and fuel system your car has.

It has a B 21 a engine, Canadian. It does NoT have fuel injection.
If you think it is a vacuum leak , how do i check? Also is it expensive to change the fuel system to fuel injection or is that not possible with this type of engine?

Actually, now that my memory has had time to work, another possibility is the accelerator pump in the carburetor. I think all carbs have one. This device squirts one shot of extra fuel into the throat of the carb whenever the pedal is depressed, even with the engine off.
Checking for vacuum leaks is mostly a visual inspection; hoses, gaskets, etc. You can also spray something like WD-40 or carb cleaner around all the intake connections and seals while the engine is idling. If the idle changes, that indicates a leak.
Changing to FI is a lot of work and probably costs a few hundred depending on availability of parts. It might be easier to change the engine, wiring, and controls.

Choke?

Is this a Canidian car? Is it a Stick or an auto?

I don't know the first thing about opperating a choke. You should read your owners manual to see what you need to do. Don't have a manual? You can order one here:

http://www.volvotechinfo.com/

That's a great place to get info and such.

Also, pick up a Hayes manual for your 245. Bentley is the best, but it only covers models made after '83.