Hi,

I have an '88 240DL wagon. It has 225,000 miles on it. For the past few months it had been hesitating every once in a while when driving. I was kind of ignoring it because I was in the process of getting a '94 850 which I am driving now. The last day I drove the 240 to work it started hesitating worse than it ever had before, then lost power and stalled. It would not start again until about 40 minutes later. I figured I'd try to make it to work but it stalled again just a few miles down the road. After that I gave up and called AAA for a tow. I don't know if this is related but for some time now the fuel gauge has been working intermittently.

I would like to get the car running again, without sinking a whole lot of dollars into it. I'm so-so at diagnosis, but I can swap any part. (I replaced the transmission and more in the car) I think this might be a fuel delivery issue, but would love to hear suggestions from anyone who might help me to narrow down the problem. I was thinking of just buying a fuel pump and throwing it in to see if it would make a difference but figured I'd tap into the wisdom here before I pull out the credit card. (I'm a transplanted New Englander, not cheap, just thrifty, and value consious - that's why I drive a Volvo! :-) I replaced the fuel filter about 15,000 miles ago.

I appreciate anyone's input.

Thanks,
Stan

Check the simple things first. Check the fuel pump fuse and holder for corrosion. Turn the key and see if you hear buzzing noise as soon as key goes to start position (means fuel pump relay is working). If not replace $27 fuel pump relay.

I have put 220,000+ miles on three Volvos and have yet to change the pump itself. That's not to say it's not the pump, but $27 is cheaper than throwing $150+ at a pump until your sure. If you think its the pump, remove the cover from the fuel pump relay, turn on the key to start position and push the relay contacts with you finger and see if you can hear the pump running.

Gary

See if you can hear the in-tank pump running with your ear at the filler neck opening. Also see if the car starts and runs better with a full tank of gas. You could have either a filure of the in-tank pump or a deteriorated in-tank hose connection causing loss of suction(?) with a low tank level - easy to fix.