1981 244 DL fuel problems Help Please

Zeeman1 · Post by **Zeeman1** » 02 Feb 2012, 10:48

This is my back up car, and it quit suddenly while going 60mph and pretty much running fine. It would not start after putting a new fuel pump relay (the green box under the dash) in. I took the sending unit out of the tank, and the short rubber hose was corroded completely. I have a new piece of submersible hose to put back on it, but my question is, why am I not hearing the pump buzz when I turn the key on? Also, I think I will need to drain all the gas and junk out of the tank because it has been sitting for about 3 years. What is the best way to start figuring out what to do to get it running again? Thanks for any help you can give me.

Post by **billofdurham** » 02 Feb 2012, 12:02

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

If the in-tank pump isn't working it could be the problem. It is a priming pump for the main pump which can cope without the in-tank pump if the fuel level in the tank is above half. Check fuse #5. If you have the in-tank pump out you can do a bench test to see if it works when you hit it with 12 volts.

To empty the rubbish out of the tank the older models did have a drain plug located at the opposite end of the tank to the filler. Whether or not this will come out after all these years is debatable.

Bill.

Zeeman1 · Post by **Zeeman1** » 02 Feb 2012, 14:34

Thanks Bill. Should I still be able to hear the main pump humm or buzz when the key is on? It really seems unlikely that both pumps would go out at the same time. My fuse number 5 is good, and I have cleaned all the terminals in the fuse box. Thanks.

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Feb 2012, 19:01

Have you checked your timing belt?

Zeeman1 · Post by **Zeeman1** » 03 Feb 2012, 07:18

Yes, it's still there, and looks to be in good shape. I did not check the timing though, because the car only had about 90,000 miles. I believe it was changed at around 60,000 miles.

Post by **billofdurham** » 03 Feb 2012, 12:08

Recommended change intervals for the timing belt on that year 240 is 45,000 miles.

You should be able to hear the main pump when you switch on. If there is fuel in the system between the pump and the engine it will only be momentarily as it cuts off if it can't push fuel through.

After trying to start the car take a spark plug out and check to see if it is soaked with fuel. If it is dry you have a fuel problem. If it is wet you have a spark problem.

Bill.

Zeeman1 · Post by **Zeeman1** » 03 Feb 2012, 20:50

Thanks again Bill. I will start with the plug test in the morning.