I have a 1990 Volvo 240. I just purchased it this month. When I start it cold or hot, it cranks for a while. The only way to get it to start, is to give it just a little gas. I know with fuel injection, you shouldn't touch the accelerator while starting, but that is the only way it starts. Is this the long crank problem that signifies that i need a new fuel pump?

It also runs just a little rough when first started. it clears up in seconds.

I would look for split vacuum lines and leaks. Also look for holes in the large hose that goes from the throttle body to the air mass meter. Clean the throttle body - especially where the plate closes against the inside of the housing - usually their will be a build-up of nasty stuff in it.

My car has had both pumps and filter replaced, decent tune-up, etc - and it still has to be cranked for a second or two before it will run, unlike other fuel injected cars that start instantly.

One that I haven't tried yet is cleaning the idle control valve, I'm hoping doing so will help a little.

Check your fuel pressure with a guage-36psi at injector gallery. Old regulators can cause trouble-check your fuel mileage if you can, it will indicate fuel probs.if excessive.

what kind of mileage should I be getting?

I average around 25 mpg.

My 89 245 has a long crank too, plus when it starts I have to keep my foot on the gas or it will die.after a bit it idles quieter than my 93.Is this a vac hose or fuel pump prob?

Vacuum/fuel prob? either, can't tell without further data. you'll have to look and measure.

I used some Thottle Body cleaner and cleaned out the TB. It was not really that bad -- not even half as bad as my Ford Expedtion with is 11 years newer and has fewer miles. But, it does seem to start a little easier. I took it on a trip this weekend. I drove it about 650 miles and I got 26.3 mpg driving at 70-75. So, I am very pleased with the mileage.

Well, I guess it has to be decided what a 'long crank' really is. Mine takes a second or two too, but I'm not concerned by that, if it took 20 secs regularly, then I'd be much more worried. V's seem not to start 'immediately', so I might not panic just yet, if I were you. Perfection in the automotive world, is non- existent-ultimately, everything is a compromise between ideals and cost, and some things are just there to keep the dealers' cash registers ticking. Sorry, but it's so, & it makes me mad as hell too. I don't have the resources to build it myself, so I have to put up with other peoples' ideas of what makes a good car. As yet, none have been perfect. Some have been suitable. The present is adequate to the requirements-if expensive to run and repair.

I experienced the same problems (long cranking) and I did do the following:

- new sparkplugs
- new ignition wires / Coil wire
- new distributor cap
- new rotor
- Cleaned the throttle body (took it out)

and never had crank-problem anymore.

(used orignal Volvo-parts).

By design, an LH V must rotate at least 300 degrees before it can fire, and possibly much more.