This is my first ever post on Volvo-forums.com. I have a 1987 240DL with a bit over 200k on the odometer. I just purchased it off of the second owner. The problem is- every morning when I get into the Volvo to go to work/school, it takes me exactly 4 cranks to get the thing to move. The first two cranks- the car starts and then immediately dies. The third crank, the car starts and idles but dies when I apply any gas. On the fourth try, the car cranks and idles and drives, but doesn't drive smoothly at first- I have to feather the gas pedal to go forward. I just had both the fuel pumps replaced because the thing cut out on me in friday rush hour traffic on I-85 north. I have also changed the plugs/wires/cap. Can anyone help me with this problem? I leave very early in the morning and have been waking up my elderly (on all sides) neighbors trying to crank my poor Volvo. Recently, i've started parking down the street from my house to avoid disturbing my neighbors' sleep.

Thanks in advance!
Tom

I would start with a can of Techron or other fuel injection cleaner in the gas tank.

I've actually (twice) used 16oz can of Seafoam. It didn't help with the starting problem but did seem to make the car run a little smoother. I got into the Volvo this afternoon and it is a warm day (80 degrees) and I had the same issue (4 cranks to successfully start the car) so the temperature outside doesn't have to be cold for the problem to occur.

It would be good if you could check the fuel pressure when you first try starting the car to see if the fuel pressure is low until the car stays running if you have good pressure then check the ECT Engine Coolant Temp Sensor and check for vacuum leaks around the fuel injectors and the big intake hose between the AMM Air Mass Meter and the throttle body you can try unpluging the Air Mass Meter with the ignition off and then starting the engine and see if it starts any better or easier.

I will try unplugging the air mass meter tomorrow morning before I try to crank the car to see if it helps any. Thank you very much for the suggestions. I will keep everyone updated.