Hi everyone! I just inheirited my mother's old 1990 Volvo 240 DL which I love. I am having a slight issue though. When I attempt to start the motor from cold or hot it requires quite a lot of pumping of the gas. It always starts but not like it used to. Any ideas? It's a 5 speed. I am unsure as to the exact engine but I belieive it is the redblock 4 cylinder.

use site search option on "starting" to find other posts on same topic. common prob. not usually expensive, tho can be. Basic Q's revolve around fuel supply/pressure, clean throttle body, and sparks. Always check compression. Check for what's in the exhaust tailpipe-examine it carefully. repost. Congrats BTW, & hope u didn't mean literal inheritance.

Haha nooo. I mean I was "given" the car. She is alright. I have cleaned the throttle body before just with some cleaning spray and a toothbrush. Is it better to completly remove it and wash it out? I will look at the plugs tomorrow and see if they are dirty. Exhaust from the tailpipe always comes out clean.

When is the last time the fuel filter was changed? A clogged up fuel filter means low fuel pressure.

Also you might want to dump a can of fuel injector cleaner into the gas tank.

I can't recall the last time the fuel filter was changed. As for the plugs they look ok, but I will replace them as it is probably due anyways. Looks like I will have to take a trip to canadian tire tomorrow. Thanks guys. I will post when I have tried those options.

Examine Exhaust pipe for traces of: hard dry carbon/soft carbon/oil/oily water/grey/black inside pipe. Insert finger and scratch if necessary. report.

new fuel filter req'd at least every 30,000mi, btw.

Ok I have a new fuel filter and I will install it tomorrow. I installed new plugs and it didn't help the matter. The car just got new Dist cap, wires, and rotor a year or two ago. I looked at the exhaust pipe and it is fairly clean. Just a little carbon. Not nearly as much as my 93 toyota had. It doesn't burn oil ever, and I run synthetic.

"carbon" == hard or soft???? it's important-hard and baked on thin black layer indicate avg, grey indicates V good running motor, loose soft black indicates rich mixture-wet indicates bad rings/valve seals wet with water mix indicates cooling system failure. ordinary water and steam output normal. smoke: if just on cold startup =valve stem seals or after engine braking either or both valve seals+ rings.

If new fuel filter no cure-measure fuel pressure without stopping the return flow-==68psi,


NOT in this order-cheapest first!!!

check airfilter for clean-replace as req'd.
if >5% error-replace fuel pressure regulator and recheck pressure-
if still bad-new pump(s?)/relays/wiring.
Do check fuel pump fuse & fuseholder for clean-use ONLY copper/brass ones. consider replacing fuseblocks with blade fuse types.
Do voltage tests at battery, fuel relay and at fuel pump-be xx.x accurate.
Remove injector gallery as a connected unit and with ign on, inspect for leaks-max 1 drop/30sec total-not good but will run-clean/replace bad injectors.

Remove throttlebody to clean and make sure these are done right.

Did you reset the butterfly stop and the switch on the throttle body when you cleaned it?
Is your throttle cable tensioned correctly?
does your throttle linkage have excess play or incorrect adjustment?
Does the throttle position sensor work correctly, and is it in correct adjustment?
Is its connection ok? clean idle mixture adjust bypass passage with plastic air bleed screw-readjust correctly

Clean idle air regulator, check ALL vacuum hoses-esp those involved in crankcase ventilation
for blockage or leaks-old, stiff/blocked/cracked hoses need replacing. NB flame trap must be clean replace it-they're cheap.
Remove concertina hose to examine properly-replace if ANY damage/crack/wear/leak.