84 240 volvo...won't accelerate in 1st or 2nd gear

kristen · Post by **kristen** » 13 Nov 2003, 13:25

Ok, I love my old 1984 240dl volvo.
4spd with overdrive.

the problem:

The car has difficulty starting, idling very low, and now, sputtering, lurching and feeling as though in 1st or 2nd gear it gets very little fuel. Trying to get the car moving from flat is difficult, hills are ridiculous.

I'm pretty sure the fuel feed pump inside the tank needs replacement, but this feels as though the problem is originating just under the drivers side.

Any suggestions?

Kristen

Keith · Post by **Keith** » 29 Nov 2003, 18:39

Sound similar to the problem we are having with my sons 1984 GL 4 speed. We've been told to clean or replace the throttle switch and check/replace the plug wires. Will let you know what happens.

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 30 Nov 2003, 03:10

Sounds like a typical Volvo carburator problem if you have a Zenith or Stromberg carburator. The diaphragm is broken. Loosen the big hub at the top of the carburator. Suck up the oil before doing that. Look for small cracks in the diaphragm. If it is broken, the throttle is not opening and you get very little power. The diaphragm use to last for 10 years.
Of cource, you also have to check the oil level in this carburator. If you twist the small cap off, the oil should reach the level indicator inside, approximately 10 mm from top. Use ATF oil and don't overfill.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 30 Nov 2003, 21:06

Keith wrote:Sound similar to the problem we are having with my sons 1984 GL 4 speed. We've been told to clean or replace the throttle switch and check/replace the plug wires. Will let you know what happens.

"Assuming you have fuel injection and not a carburetor"

Keith · Post by **Keith** » 09 Dec 2003, 18:48

Replacing the throttle switch worked well for us (remember it's fuel injected). Cost 48 bucks from auto parts world counting shipping. Much cheaper than the dealer. Also when we got into it found that the rear suspension rubber mounts all needed replacement which seems to aggravate the problem.

Les Richardson · Post by **Les Richardson** » 31 Dec 2003, 20:24

Check the fuel pressure. Then the fuel pump relay (and also clean the contacts on any fuses!). Lastly look at the main pump.

Les Richardson.