Last year I purchased a 1983 Volvo 240DL (1st Volvo) which is now having a problem starting. Since the problem started I have replaced the plugs, distributor cap and rotor with no change. We have also been able to confirm a spark from the plugs and battery is good.

PROBLEM: It originally was acting up by jumping/hopping down the road and then would run fine (This was during the winter). Then one day it would no longer start. If the car has been sitting a little (serveral hours to days), the first start of the key will make an effort to turn over the engine. However, it just does not appear to have either enough power or fuel. Other immediate attempts do nothing.

OBSERVATION: I had been looking into this being either a fuel pump or fuel pump relay, but upon tracing the fuel line discovered an unconnected hose. Fuel line comes from back of car to engine and then splits. First hose goes to the engine, but the second one wraps around the back of engine then over the top. From the top, it passes through a small round filter (?), behind the alternator and belts where it abruptly ends.

I am guessing this may be a vacuum hose, but not really sure. I have also looked all over the engine, but can not find either another sliced hose or connector missing a hose.

As you can tell, I am not that mechanically inclined on autos, but trying to slowly learn. Any advice you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you!

Welcome to the land of "no-cold-start-injector". Search the site for hard start 83 and you'll find I've been conversing with some of the really excellent posters on the board about just such a problem with our '83. There is very interesting input about the Volvo/Chrysler ignition system with the older, V/C distributor as opposed to the later Bosch unit. Also input on fuel pumps and injectors. One of the respected members on the board currently has be checking spray patterns on my injectors. My problem is that the car will not start on the first crank....or almost never. However it fires right up on the second shot! Cold start enrichment on this year is not handled by a cold start injector, but by enrichment of the regular injector flow. Take a look, we can share results as we go if you like. dpsam@sbcglobal.net

Cheers!

DS

You should probably start by getting the Bentley manual and figuring out what all those hoses do. I can't figure out what hose you're describing. A dangling vacuum hose would certainly cause idle problems, but shouldn't keep it from starting.

Since it does sound like it could be a fuel delivery problem, and if you don't know when it was last replaced, I would replace the fuel filter. But you should also check and replace cap, rotor, and spark plugs if they're not good.

Does the fuel level in the tank make any difference?

You could also try running the pumps by jumping the fuses and see if that will help.

Also, try starting it after disconnecting the AMM. (Squeeze the spring clip at the connector with ignition off.) It should idle okay, but not drive very well. If that's the case, your AMM is probably bad.

Ohh, and welcome to Volvo-land, hope you have a great time with it. You will especially want to learn the mysteries of the flame trap when you get it going again.

--
'81 GLT 245 @ 259K; '83 DL 175K