Volvo RWD 200 Forum

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Runs Rough, Stumbles Dies, Starts Runs fine for a few minutes 200 1991

1991 240, Standard Trans, 173k


I was driving home tonight with all of a sudden the car lunged then started to die. It was barely moving then for no reason started to run again, just fine, only the check engine light was on. A few minutes later the same thing happened, but it died. I tried to start it and it idled all over the place then died again. Started it a second time and it ran smooth for a few minutes but then died. It repeated this a few times then decided to run just fine long enough for me to get the last 5 miles home. NO idea what is going on. The check engine light is on, it has pleanty of gas, now it is running just fine, though the idle is a tad higher than normal.

I added a can of seafoam to a fresh tank, 78 miles ago.

What could it be? What should i check?
--
85 240DL 189k; 91 240 169k








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Runs Rough, Stumbles Dies, Starts Runs fine for a few minutes 200 1991

I just had a very similar issue on my '89 244. I was sure it was water in the gas as the issues started a few miles after I filled the tank, until I changed the filter & pumped most of the gas out. I also tried some additive to absorb moisture. Both of the pumps checked out good… I found very little water and it would idle fine & still have no power most of the time under load, yet it would run ok for a few minutes (2-15 minutes) at times.
My 3 year old replacement catalytic converter was rattling for a while, but stupidly I’d been ignoring it. When I pulled it off, I found an awesome “cat ball” inside. I replaced it and now the car is back to normal!








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Runs Rough, Stumbles Dies, Starts Runs fine for a few minutes 200 1991

Hi,

Welcome to the Brickboard.

Yes, water in fuel tanks at some gas stations happens that are not used very frequently.
This has been reduced tremendously since so many “Ma & Pa” convenient type grocery stores have vanished.
There is quite the investment involved in buying enough fuel to keep it fresh and keeping a tank “permitted” under watchful environmental requirements.

Thanks for the response but I doubt the original poster will respond back since the thread was started back in 2005!
It’s a common issue to have this happen to oneself if you are not aware of noticing posts dates when responding. Trust me, we have all done it and still do despite knowing better too!
The search feature sets us all and new comers more times than not.
I assume you are one since you do not have a profile but are only “claiming to be someone.”
The Board leaves like that!

A profile is as generic and as anonymous as you want it too be for yourself.
The profile records your posts about your car, held all in one place, so it builds a background on your cars maintenance background and aids others to zero in on a diagnosis for your car.
It only helps to know what state the car is in, or even nearby, so we know it’s weather environment during seasonal changes.
It also helps us know how much you know about your car and your experience in working on the car yourself or IF any other mechanical person is doing work on your car.
This is a big help to steer, a many old car owners away from shysters, that just want to swap parts in and money out of a wallet that drives or gets towed in.


Some extra knowledge and TLC doesn’t cost as much, if you network correctly.
This helps with the latter if you see or hear the car talking to you!
The bit about realizing you had just filled up means you are very capable of holding your own!


Thanks for stumbling onto the BB!
We like the entertainment! (:->)

Phil








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Starts and idles fine won't accelerate 200 1991

Read the codes on your OBD this may give a clue where to start looking. This is located on the back side of the front drivers side wheel well. Check the FAQ's to learn how to get the codes if you don''t already know. Dan








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Runs Rough, Stumbles Dies, Starts Runs fine for a few minutes 200 1991

It could be any number of things but the first thing I would check would be the fuel pump relay and the crank position sensor.
--
90 744ti, Airbox, K/N, Cold air, G-Valve, Dual boost control, VDO, Modified exhaust. 88 745 gle, 99 Camry








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Runs Rough, Stumbles Dies, Starts Runs fine for a few minutes 200 1991

I had the same problem it was the in tank fuel pump. It could also be the main fuel pump or relay or fuel regulator.

Opp's I put this in the wrong thread.
--
Kevin * HONDA spanking,1985 240DL * VOLVO ON!!!!








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Runs Rough, Stumbles Dies, Starts Runs fine for a few minutes 200 1991

How about a fuel filter? I am going to try that swap.

I have a hand-full of extra relays, so I'll also swap the fuel pump relay.

--
85 240DL 189k; 91 240 169k








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Runs Rough, Stumbles Dies, Starts Runs fine for a few minutes 200 1991

Almost never the fuel filter.

Try these :

Fuel pump relays - Cheap and easy to replace - keep extras. When these cut in and out seems like the car is bucking like a horse.

IAC - yes this causes these types of problems, it happened to me. Even if you clean it, it can be so out of spec that it causes this type of problem. I cleaned mine and assumed everything was OK, not until I replaced it, did I realize this was my problem. Same type of problem you reported.

Vaccum leaks ?

Other things to check:

Overheating fuel pump - rare.

Tank Pump or hose connector if you are below half a tank. Is your tank pump working ?

Did you check the FPR ? Is there gas in the vacuum line ?

Engine or ignition harness and ignition module connector. Also the connectors on the passenger side by the strut tower.

Pick-up or distributor. Are you getting a good strong spark ?












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Runs Rough, Stumbles Dies, Starts Runs fine for a few minutes 200 1991

I drove it to work this morning and everything was perfect, until the last half mile. It started to surge again. The surging is completely independent of what is going on with the gas pedal.

--
85 240DL 189k; 91 240 169k







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