Long crank time after car sits

donnie_diamond · Post by **donnie_diamond** » 15 May 2010, 03:47

I got a weird problem. If i let car sit for a few days then try to start, i have to let it turn over thirty + times before it fires up. It gargles a little, but always starts. If i drive every day it starts on first or second turn, perfectly. If i go a week, it has taken long enough to kill battery, but getting another and trying again, it always starts. Once it goes, its perfect. No idle issues, no misfires. Any one know whats going on?

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 May 2010, 11:43

I would suspect the fuel is draining back.

Bill.

donnie_diamond · Post by **donnie_diamond** » 15 May 2010, 12:47

that was my theory, but wasnt sure if that was something that actually happens. Is it a leak in the fuel lines, or a leak in a pump?

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 May 2010, 15:18

Sorry, I should have gone a bit further. There is a non-return valve in the line between the tank and the main pump. It sits in the rear of the pump and they do, occasionally, fail.

Both IPD and FCP have pictures of them. This is from FCP.

Bill.

NcTrooper10722001 · Post by **NcTrooper10722001** » 15 May 2010, 15:37

Donnie.. U forgot to mention that the front main bearing cap fell out..Id crank hard too with a bearing half missing.. LOL

donnie_diamond · Post by **donnie_diamond** » 15 May 2010, 17:45

HaHa, funny guy, not the same car though, Trooper. Ive got two 240s, one wagon and one sedan. The one with missing bearing is running perfect, like it always has. Drove it on highway today at 70 mph, about 80 miles, no problems! I should mention the cars odometer quit working at 150k, 4 years ago. I drive about 40,000 miles a year for last three years, so its up there! The sedan is the missing bearing, the one painted like the swede flag in my avatar.

Thanks Bill, did not know there was a one way valve, but that really does seem to fit the problem, Ill keep thread updated after fix...

karenanne · Post by **karenanne** » 23 Jun 2010, 07:38

I have a similar problem and wonder if it's the same. I also have the long crank time happening in my '89 740 GL and the longer it sits the longer the crank time, however as soon as it started I noticed a puddle of fuel forming under my drivers door. The leak seems to be coming from a component. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Post by **billofdurham** » 23 Jun 2010, 11:33

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The main fuel pump and filter are under the car at that location. They sit side by side in a cradle. One of the pipes or unions could be leaking. It needs to be fixed ASAP as it is a fire risk.

Bill.

karenanne · Post by **karenanne** » 24 Jun 2010, 07:18

Thanks! Yeah that's what I thought, but I just wanted to make sure. I haven't been driving it because of the leak. Is it possible the filter just needs to be changed? Or does it sound more serious than that? Also, can this type of repair be attempted by an amateur or do I need to take it to a professional? Thanks again!

Post by **billofdurham** » 24 Jun 2010, 11:36

It is highly unlikely to be just the filter. I would suspect that one of the pipes has worked loose or has developed a small leak.

Have a look underneath whilst someone switches on the ignition and you should get a good idea of where the petrol is coming from. If it is a loose connection you can fix that yourself. If it is a leaking pipe, unless you are a very experienced amateur, you could be looking at having it done by a garage as the pipes are high pressure.

Bill.