96 Volvo 850 won't start after gas fillup, tank was close to

bramir731 · Post by **bramir731** » 16 Mar 2011, 07:28

Have 1996 Volvo 850 GLT sedan 100k+. Let it run down low on fuel, almost to the red line (first time I've done that in almost 15 yrs). Was running fine, no starting problem, new battery, engine sounds good.
After I filled up with gas, car wouldn't start. Engine cranks good. Checked fuse, it's ok. Fuel pump seems ok, I can hear it with switch on II. Removed fuel pump relay and jumpered the 12V connections to relay (as suggested somewhere in this forum), fuel pump purred continuously.
Thinking I got bad gasoline, I put some Techron in fuel tank ... didn't work.
Is it the fuel filter (it's the original-so 15 yrs old)? Could it be so clogged that it won't let gas thru? Or do I have worse probs?
Wanted some comments before I take it to the shop and spend big $ (I'm not a DIY).

Benny (Texas)

Post by **jblackburn** » 16 Mar 2011, 07:35

Did you "top off" the tank after the pump clicked off?

You may have flooded the evaporative canister. There is a line from the intake manifold to the purge valve on the radiator. Unplug this line and see if the engine will start (highlighted in red here).

bramir731 · Post by **bramir731** » 16 Mar 2011, 09:03

The engine was not running when I filled up and 'topped off' so I assume the pump had turned off (no sarcasm intended, I appreciate your help), if that's what you were asking?

Does this answer change your suggestion? I have not attempted to do it yet. I'll wait for your reply.

Post by **jblackburn** » 16 Mar 2011, 09:11

I figured you had common sense enough not to fuel with the engine running

The same still applies - if the canister is flooded, it floods the intake with fumes at startup. Also, you will want to test at the fuel rail for pressure. Flip the key to position II, and then back off again. At the fuel rail, there is a little blue cap under which is a Schraeder valve. Remove the cap, shield your eyes, and grab a rag or something and depress the stem. You should have a healthy spurt of fuel pressure - if not, you might be right with the clogged filter.

Let us know what happens; there are tons of causes for a no-start condition that could be unrelated, but that should give me an idea of where to start.

bramir731 · Post by **bramir731** » 16 Mar 2011, 18:32

The fuel pressure is good- did the test as you suggested (thanks)at the schrader valve - so it's not the fuel filter. Think you're right about the evap canister.

Was the pic you attached for a 1996 850 or another model and year? Can't seem to identify that evap system hose in my car.
Also where and what exactly is the purge valve on the 850?

(BTW, in your first msg, by 'after the pump clicked off' I thought you meant the fuel pump, but of course you were referring to the gas pump. Oh well, my mistake led to some levity, at least.)

Post by **jblackburn** » 16 Mar 2011, 20:48

That is from my S70, but the purge valve should be in a similar location on a '96. Look for a round plastic valve attached to the radiator shroud somewhere near the battery (if you follow my line there, you will see the square one on my car at the bottom left of the picture).

Post by **Matty Moo** » 16 Mar 2011, 21:37

I've had the similar issues after doing a full top-off on the tank, but mine was stalling issues. I don't top it off anymore.

Another time I had a bad purge-evap valve.

bramir731 · Post by **bramir731** » 19 Mar 2011, 18:53

jblackburn wrote:That is from my S70, but the purge valve should be in a similar location on a '96. Look for a round plastic valve attached to the radiator shroud somewhere near the battery (if you follow my line there, you will see the square one on my car at the bottom left of the picture).

Sorry about the late reply.

I disconnected the rubber hose from the evap purge valve to the manifold. Same result: engine cranks, fuel pump purrs, but car still won't start. (After reading some of the posts elsewhere in this forum,I was almost sure it was a bad evap purge valve. )

What do I check next?

mcp · Post by **mcp** » 19 Mar 2011, 20:43

I had the same experience and mine was the fuel pump. I pulled into a gas station to fill up when I was really low on gas (low fuel light on). Filled up and then could not get it to start. Had to have it towed. Swapped fuel pumps and it started right up. No problems since. (I could hear the original pump run when I turned the key.)

jgray850turbo · Post by **jgray850turbo** » 19 Mar 2011, 21:22

bramir731.

Are you saying that you have not been able to start your car since March 16th or only after fill ups? Does it ever try to fire or is it just turning over and over?

Thanks,