Hi im having a problem with my 86 Volvo 240 it will not start. The Engine is turning over fine but just wont start. It seems to me like its not getting fuel i use to run it alot low on gas do you think ive caused some problem with the fuel intake. Like i said it just cranks and cranks but wont get fuel. Is there anyways i can pour gas in the carburetor to get it started or no? I know little to nothing about cars def. not a mechanic so any help would be great.
thanks
Sam

use 'search' feature on this website for old posts re no starting. Lots of things it could be, but most of them well covered previously. we can help more if you still can't find it,. Welcome the the world of DIY mechanicing-it will take some adapting too, but will be rewarding, especially as it will help you keep your V going and affordable, as mechanics charge big $$$ just for a few minutes expertise, which we can provide for free, if you are willing toget a little greasy and be patient with your car. Later,you can become of great help to your friends and family as you are able to help them with their mechanical and electrical problems, automotive and non. It is a steep learning curve from noob to fair mechanic, but we'll help. HINT: get used to buying GOOD tools, and look after them-they will preserve you car, and your hands. Good tools are usually more expensive, but they fit and don't break or slip, and don't damage the nuts. You may find yourself buying a tool you only ever expect to use once, so sometimes you hire them, but I've found other uses for most tools over the years. 86 you say, that's 2x13 yrs old. significant because abt 14yrs is the average life of a master cylinder-brakes and clutch. Slave cylinders are similar-so expect to HAVE to replace if if it's not new looking. They aren't expensive, non-OEM abt $120- here. Abt 15 min to replace IFF you have a brake line spanner-a 'pipe' spanner. Do NOT attempt it without one, you'll just round off the nuts-and that's a then expensive repair to replace upper brake lines. The 240 is relatively simple and easy to keep running, if the maintenance is done properly and on-time. Please now check carefully for any documents in or on the car, inc, on the windscreen and in engine bay, which might indicate when the last servicing was done. Without proof of serving, you must assume its due, and change all oils, filters and coolant. This because if it is due, then to keep running without doing it is to destroy the motor/transmission/diff. We get a lot of ppl here with problems from this, and its really just cheap insurance. Sellers are liars, too many discover too late. You can't afford to trust anything they say without documented proof, & some fake that too. Memory is unreliable, paper doesn't forget so easily. If you're going to pay someone to work on it, have a good income first, Euro cars are usually extra expensive labour rates, and take it to someone familiar with the model, or you'll be paying for his learing about them. It's usually cheaper to DIY, if you work from"how much will it cost for a mechanic if I damage x, and consider how to and what are the consequences of doing x', and what tools/knowledge do I need'. NEVER refit a damaged nut or screw, they're impossible to get off again later. Always replace them..

No carburetor, it's fuel injected.

First thing I would do is replace the fuel pump relay.

My quick and dirty test for is the engine getting fuel is to remove one of the bigger hoses from the black plastic tube that goes into the intake manifold and squirt it with a bit of staring fluid. You may have to buy starting fluid. This is right in front of the throttle. You may be able to remove one on the tubes on the engine side of the throttle and squirt the starting fluid in there, this would be better. Try to start the engine. If it starts or sounds like it is trying to start, the problem is that it is not getting fuel.

Maybe someone has a better description of where to squirt starting fluid here.

To test for no spark, get an old spark plug. A new one will work too. Remove one of the spark plug wires from a spark plug. Insert your loose spark plug into the end of the removed spark plug wire and hold it against the a good clean metal part of the engine. Then have someone try to start the engine. You should see a blue spark from the spark plug during cranking. If not you may have a spark problem.

While the engine is cranking hold the spark plug against metal engine part. If you don't, the spark will be looking for somewhere to go and if you are touching the spark plug and any metal part of the car, it will be going through you. :o Many autoparts stores sell a spark tester that has a spark plug with an big clip attached to it. This is a safer because you don't have to hold it. You could also make it yourself.

On most other fuel injected cars you can turn the key to the ON position and listen for the sound of the fuel pump to turn on for 3 seconds. With my 240s I don't usually hear it though.

Sounds like you might have clogged the fuel system by running low on fuel in this old car. This is also caused a lot by people getting rear ended, which loosens all the junk in the gas tank and clogs the fuel system. Why don't you buy a manual and check the fuel pressure first. There's a description in my Haynes manual.