1989 Volvo 240 Volvo Cranks no start, fuel issues

TRENTSTEEL590

MEMBER
1989 VOLVO 240
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

A few weeks ago my volvo was experiencing long starting. The engine would crank but would take 5+secs to fire. I bought a fuel filter and installed it after I was left stranded. I installed the filter the next day and manged to place the wrong size washer on the filter causing fuel to spray out everywhere. So I know the external pump is getting fuel and doing its job.
After the filter was installed it started right up and works fine the entire day. The next day it left me stranded in a tumbleweed parking lot with my friends.
I assumed it could be a faulty fuel pump relay so I bought 2 at a junkyard. Both of those failed to fix the issue. The car just cranks and does not fire. Im going to test for a spark later tonight but I am not hearing the fuel pump relay activate when I try to crank the car.
Im a rookie at these sort of things but I figure this could simply be a wiring issue. I need to get my hands on a voltameter and make sure the relay is getting a current and im also go to check the wires on the external pump and make sure its activating. Any imput would be greatly appreciated.

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

The car just cranks and does not fire. Do below and see what happens and report back your findings

If the engine's condition is in tip top shape-do below to determine if its fuel or spark problem that's if its cranking over and refuses to start

Get a carb cleaner and spray into the carb or the throttle body on an EFI. Did it start and die? If not disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors-

If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time