89 volvo hard starting-sometimes Forums at Automotive.com
»Locate a Dealer»Find a Used Car»Get Financing

Automotive Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

  
 
 
Home | Active Posts | Search | Login | Register | Terms | FAQs
Item Posts   

89 volvo hard starting-sometimes

 
vanman vanman
New User | Posts: 4 | Joined: 12/06
Posted: 12/24/06
08:03 PM

I have a89 volvo 4cyl. non turbo,lots of times it will not start on its own. Replaced fuel filter,pump runs,when it won't start shot of either will start it in about 10 turns of engine,any ideas?  

 
spectria spectria
New User | Posts: 21 | Joined: 12/06
Posted: 12/24/06
10:24 PM

Hello vanman.

Glad I found something I know about.

The 89 volvo (740?) has a pre-pump in the tank and a main pump outside the tank. The pre-pump can go bad and you would not likely know it, but hard starting is common when that happens. There is also a screen in the tank at the pickup that can cause similar grief.

Try turning the key to lights on and listening to the fuel pump (the one you heard) until it cycles off (usually about 3 seconds) then turn the key off. Do it again, without starting the car until after you have done this 3 times in rapid succession. At the end of the 3rd time, turn the key all the way to start and see if it doesn't start fairly quickly.

You are simply doing the job of the pre-pump by cycling the main pump on and off several times.

PS. If you forget and crank the engine a bit, the pumps won't cycle like I mentioned until you stop and wait about 30 seconds for the FP relay to reset itself.

Of course, there might be other problems, (you took care of one other key one, although low main pump pressure can also cause this problem) but the pre-pump is the usual cause of delayed starting as you mentioned.  

 

Get a free and easy new car
price quote in minutes

Sponsored Links