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Would anyone on this list care to offer some suggestions on a problem that exists with my 1993 Volvo 240 (127K miles) with automatic transmission. At least, I see it as a problem....this car will reach an absolute maximum of 26mpg on interstate hwy at 55mph steady speed and warm starting is problematic. The hwy mileage seems low to me. Around the city, mileage is about 18-21. Here is another piece of information that might be significant: when ambient temperature is under 50F, the engine will start up instantly (less than 2 revs) after being parked overnight. If the temperature is over 80F, the engine will require cranking at least 10-15 revs before starting after being parked overnight. After being driven until warmed up, then shut down, the car will only restart after 10-15 revs. Oh, forgot to say that if I shut it down, then instantly restart, it is running within 4-5 revs. Upon starting after 10-15 revs, the engine runs very rough until it clears after about 15 seconds. Obviously the engine has overloaded on fuel while cranking the 10-15 revs. That slow start, partial flooding issue is the main problem I'm trying to figure out as I think it is also related to the warm startup issue. Here is what I have had done in an effort to solve the problem: 1. replaced spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and coil. This might have helped a little bit, but not that much. The tech who did the work suspected a faulty coil. 2. The tech also checked the fuel pressure and it held pressure fine for 1/2 hour. He didn't say what the pressure was, but I assumed he knew what it should be. So, I'm thinking the problem is not related to fuel pressure. I'm not at step 3 yet, but a service advisor at the local Volvo dealership suggested replacing the fuel pump relay, and possibly the coolant temperature sensor. Before we go ahead, what do you guys think about this? Are we moving in the right direction, or might there be some other possibilities we haven't identified yet? I forgot to mention that once fully warmed up, the engine idles reasonably smooth with only occasional "misses", but not anywhere close to the smoothness of the Toyota Camry the neighbor has.... Thanks very much in advance for any suggestions on how to get this car running as it should.
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