What else do you observe?

Is the fan running the minute you turn to POS II on the ignition (one notch before crank)? If yes, then its the ECT Sensor that needs looking it. Doesnt mean have to replace totally yet.

What about the fuel injector relay? Could you feel a click when you turn to POS II? Place a finger at the relay to feel the vibration.

It could also be the flywheel sensor - remove the sensor head and clean it. Also check the connections to the sensor.

Or what about the CMP sensor? Got oil at the rear cam seal?

I hope your battery was strong when you tested it.

GOT THE CAR STARTED!! I talked to the original owner, and although he never had the problem with THIS car, he suggested the "teaspoon of oil, in each cylinder" trick...and it started right up! Smoked up the neighborhood for a few minutes, but it was running, so I didn't care. He told me it was a compression issue, and by putting the oil into the cylinders, it built up the compression. He aslo said that it was a one in a million chance that this would happen, and will probably never have that problem with it again. Sounds like a crazy idea, but it worked. Hope this helps anybody out there, that might be having a similar problem. PEACE!!

May still have to work on the compression thing, dude.
:)

Well, no......the car ran like a top, BEFORE this happened, and runs perfectly fine, now. Has all the power, that it has ALWAYS had! Weird, huh?

Hmmm. Well, thanks for the update.
:)

And the reason is this.

In certain circumstances engine oil may seep under the hydraulic valve lifters (tappets) and prevent the lifters from settling back to their correct position.

This means the valves are kept ever-so-slightly open and the car will crank but not start.

However, if you keep cranking, oil pressure will eventually pump up the lifters and the engine will fire.

But this process might take about 80 seconds of solid cranking (don't stop) with the accelerator pedal flat to the floor before the engine rights itself enough to fire - but it will.

:clap:
Hi,

I just want to ask a quick and maybe naive question.

I have 1995 volvo 850 ran 250,000 miles.

It has been OK since I had a mechanic changed fuel pump last summer. It is not staring now. I am sure it's fuel problem because it crank but doesn't catch it. Fuel guage is not functioning correctly cause it is showing empty level even though it has 5-6 gallons of gas. What do I need to check? Fuel filter or fuel pump relay or else? If fuel pump (or pressure) relay marked 103 is not good, the engine doesn't start at all? I have to figure it out before taking action. :liebe011:

Your answers are here in the other post you made.

http://www.volvo-forums.com/index.php?show...3089#entry73089

i hd this problem with my 850 and i found it was the fuel pump i got a new one and fitted it and it worked ok for about a month then it did it again i cleanded the crank sensor and its been fine ever since. :banana:

Thanksful advice from 70_140
====================
A quick way to check the fuel system - assuming you do not have a proper F.I. pressure tester.

pop the black cover off the thottle area. There is a schrader valve on the end of the fuel rail (used to check fuel pressure )- Turn the key to run, then turn it off. Poke the tip of something in the valve (like you were deflating a tire) A healthy spray of gasoline should come out. Be careful, don't have the key on, don't be smoking, wear safety glasses, etc, etc.

If gasoline sprays out chances are fuel delivery to the injectors is ok. Check for other issues - electrical, spark, etc.

If you have been cranking the car over and over to get it started, when you get it going change the oil. When you crank a car over and over the gasoline that isn't being used makes its way into the oil.

Thanksful advice from ampangbear
=====================
Good tip, by 70_140.

Another thing you may want to look at is the fuel injectors relay. It's located on top of the radiator area. There's the fan relay bunch on one side, and the injector relay on the other (single-standalone). It's grey in colour.

Try to 'feel' for a click movement, as you get someone to turn the key to Pos II. If no click, replace that.

=======================
I've tried a couple of things below that I can. Could any other tips available? Thanks

Thanks ampangbear,

There's no click movement when the key is on Pos II (as you get someone to turn the key to Pos II --> The key stays itself on Pos II so didn't need to get someone to hold the key). I got a couple of questions related to this.

According to 70 140's grateful advice, I checked schrader valve after turning the key to run, then turning it off. No spray of gasolin came out when I poked the tip of schrader valve. So it must be a fuel problem there.

Fact 1. I feel trottle area working sound or vibration when key is on Pos II position even though no gasolin comes out.

Fact 2. I don't feel fuel pump working sound or vibration under the trunk cover. I have a mechanic installed a new one last summer but it could be broken again. Not sure so will appreciate your opinion.

I have no way to check fuel pump relay marked 103 but there are some suggestion to replace it. So I bought one from used volvo and replaced it but it didn't make any change.

Fact 3. There is no click movement from fuel injector relay. Do I have to replace it anyway even there is no working sound or vibration from fuel pump? --> I bought a used fuel injector relay anyway and switched it with old one but didn't make any change. I don't feel anything at the fuel pump at all when my key is on Pos II. Is this gone bad again after 6 months?

It is frustrating cause it seems that there is anything left for me to try. This site is really helpful though and thanks experts here for advice.

This post has been edited by my0806: Mar 5 2008, 06:07 PM

RIGHT, but err... the click was supposed to engage the second you turn the ignition. If you turn the ignition to Pos II and then run to the front of the car to feel the click, chances are that you'll definitely miss it. Its the first light of current that makes the one initial click.

Same way for the 103 Fuel Pump Controller. Fortunate for us, the right hand-drivers, the 103 fuel pump relay is just at the base of our windscreen. So, we can turn the ignition with the left hand, and feel the click with the right hand.

Dont worry, there are many things left for you try.

If you know how to, check the fuel pump for current. Or get a mechanic-friend or any of the DIY-stores to help you here.

Hi, I just bought a Volvo 850, 1996. I have a starting problem. I can start it up just fine but any time after I shut it off I run the risk of it not starting. I'll have it start and stop and start and stop and sometimes it'll start up up to four or five times, but I'll have other times where I shut it off once and it won't start. I have to wait overnight in order for it to start again. I think it might be the fuel pump but I'm not sure. Anyone have any suggestions?

It could be the fuel pump or fuel pump Relay. Do you hear the fuel pump run when you turn the ignition on to POS II when it wont start ?

useful messages.

Sounds like what Ryan said to me if you want a second opinion.