Dear Brickboard folks
I have a 1992 Volvo 240 (170,000 miles) that has trouble starting especially when it´s been raining or snowing (high humididty) and completely cooled down. I have to keep the pedal pressed down and the engine struggles. At times it sounds like small back fires are occuring during this starting process. After getting it started the car tends to konk out at red lights or stop signs unless I keep revving the engine. These problems all disappear when the car has been driven for a while and warmed up.
All of these problems started after having had the timing belt changed last Spring. Initialy the car started all right and only seemed to stall at red lights. Then after a period of time, the starting problems began. I´ve been back to my mechanic repeatedly. He changed what I believe is the temperature sensor. When this didn´t help he changed the spark plug wires. Both times the car started up fine but when it got cold and humid the same problem arose and it seems to be getting worse.
My mechanic refuses,however, to draw a connection between the changing of the timing belt and these starting problems. One of the great joys of this old Volvo was that it always started immediately in any weather. Up until the timing belt was changed that is.
I hope there is someone out there who might be able to help. This Volvo is my baby and I hope to be able to keep her some time yet.
I´d appreciate any ideas