The saga continues.

In previous posts I mentioned that the 1988 Volvo 240GL did not pass the emissions test here in New Mexico. I did many of the things mentioned previously (yes - the hose connecting the AMM to the throttle body had holes in it - replaced it) but still had problems. One thing I did notice (and posted) was that the throttle body was extremely dirty (subject of earlier post).

Today I removed it, cleaned it (tried my best to not get carburetor cleaner in the throttle switch). I even removed the idle adjustment mechanism (on the side of the body - has big plastic knob on it) and cleaned it (I did remove the adjuster). I also removed and cleaned the fire trap (I think that's what it was - one of the vacuum tubes from the throttle body goes into it - has a plastic filter?).

Reassembled everything (including an Air Mass Meter loaned to me by a recycling yard), called my daughter out to start her car and guess what? It ran for about 15 seconds (ran much better, I must say) and then died. Acted like it wanted to backfire.

Now it will not start and my 16 year old daughter claims 'I broke her car'. Any advice (other than to leave town) for this marked father would be greatly appreciated (even an enchilada dinner here in Albuquerque if it works!).

Many thanks - Ted in Albuquerque