This is my first Volvo (86 740GLE, love it), but I have some experience from some of my other vehicles that all had their own certian "charm".

-listen for the fuel pump turning on when you put the ignition to "run"... it is a humming... this could be the fuel pump relay or the fuel pump.

-check for spark (you simply by a little device at your local parts place that goes between the plug and wire, then you turn the car over, if it sparks, you can take that off your list)

-not sure if the car is fuel injected or carb... if it is injected, there should be a pressure valve (like the valve stem on a tire) on the fuel rail, turn the ignition to run, press the valve (put a rag over it or you will have some gas in your face and possibly blind yourself), if there is fuel pressure, it isn't a fuel issue. For carb, take off the air filter, have someone turn over the car, and watch to see if you see gas going in, or smell it.

-you have a short in a wire for the fuel pump

-ignition coils, distributor???


That's my advice... hope it helps... if anything, try some Yoga technics to save your sanity.