My primary suspicions would be fuel pump relay, vacuum leak, MAF, in that order. First and last are pretty easy to test in just a few minutes. Also, a burnt valve should cause a constant missfire which should cause a flashing CEL. Even running on 4 of 5 cylinders, engine should not be struggling to ...

Yes...these engines runs pretty good on 4 cylinders.

Check the MAF, it's free and easy to do and a good possibility.

Doesn't sound at all like a burnt valve. Vacuum leak also fits, have the lines ever been replaced or are they 20 years old?

It’s also worth checking the fuel pump relay (as someone suggested) and fuel pump. Low pressure or unevenly operating pump will cause your symptoms, and probably not set a code that will stay until you get a readout.

- S

bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑19 Jan 2019, 15:02
I'd say check the cam sensor and crank sensors

I thought when cam sensors fail it causes a no start?

check the coil.
fuel pump is usually ,no start
valves would not be intermittent. cam and crank you would think throw codes.

Cam and crank sensors are no-start, yes. Sometimes with a code, more often without because they get checked at startup and if the car won't start ...

Fuel pump relay is likely, pump relay and fuel pump problems can be no-start or they can be flaky, either way.

I thought when cam sensors fail it causes a no start? Not always. When my crank sensor went out, it was having these weird "hiccups" when I would start accelerating from a stop, almost cutting out. It was a little scary at times! Eventually I got a multi-cylinder misfire code and a crank ...

Check your PVC for pressure, if your catch that before it gets pressure, you save a lot of money.

Are you a DIY chap/ gal? Many here have picked a wrench for the first time with guidance both online and sometimes just meeting new people

When was the timing belt done last? And by timing belt Chuck means if the timing rollers, tensioner and belt have ever been done. Leave the Volvo water pump alone, some people foolishly replace it at the ~100k timing belt job. But the water pump can easily go another timing belt change. If the roll...