I have a 1986 B230F, estimated 230K miles. Yesterday, at store near home, turned key to start - it sounded normal for a half-second and then quit with a small shudder. No luck on re-try, camshaft is turning.

Had to leave it there while wife & I attended short meeting. Returned and gave it another try. Good turn-over, and engine tried to catch, this time quit in about a quarter second. Checked 25-amp fuse. Holder severly overheated, crumbled to pieces. Dis-mantled and stuck a known good fuse in the female clips, tried again - zilch. Towed it home. Wife & I once again thank Volvo for providing tow loops that a 15 ft tow strap fits just fine.

So now I've got to run the track. I believe that (1) the in-tank pump failed some time back - a few incidences of extra turnovers to start. No other noticable symptoms. Then (2) the main pump had to work harder, thus the overheating of the 25-amp fuse holder. So (3) both pumps are toast.

I was so sure the fuse was the problem that I haven't checked for spark yet. But - is the fuel pump scenario a good one? I would appreciate some confirmation of that diagnosis, or a pathway to get to the real problem.

If the fuel scenario is good, I'm off to pull pumps off my 1987 parts car. A major PITA, doubly so if that's not the problem.

Many Thanks,

Bob

:<)

PS Please answer on BrickBoard. Direct email is nice, but no one else gets any help.