Volvo 850 no start

bewinder · Post by **bewinder** » 10 Nov 2017, 20:52

Hey dudes! I woke up to find my 850-R cranking, but not starting...

I'm getting spark at the distributor, fuel at the rail. Battery and alternator are new. Keeps sputtering but just wont start! I tried a few time and the iac was still buzzing after I stopped. The batter eventually was drained after a few starting attempts and leaving it alone.

I was having some strange issues that went unresolved before this happened... you can see the thread HERE: viewtopic.php?t=78069l

In unrelated news! I love this car, but I'm going to be letting it go before OR after I get it going. It's a 1997 Red 850-R with about 230k, the head was recently rebuilt as well as some other work. I have receipts for most of it. Decent black interior with walnut burl trim. I know the R's are getting harder and harder to come by, so I'd like to sell it to another 850 enthusiast. If you're interested, MAKE ME AN OFFER! I live in Roseburg, Oregon about 3 hours south of Portland. I'm looking for cash or a pickup truck in decent shape. In the meantime... Any troubleshooting help is appreciated!!!

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 11 Nov 2017, 07:33

Any codes or lights?

BeachWagon · Post by **BeachWagon** » 11 Nov 2017, 09:25

You have fuel but how much fuel? Could have low pressure caused by plugged fuel filter or failing pump..

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 11 Nov 2017, 11:58

BeachWagon wrote: ↑11 Nov 2017, 09:25 You have fuel but how much fuel? Could have low pressure caused by plugged fuel filter or failing pump..

I was going to mention that. Might be a good idea to get a fuel pressure gauge and check the rail pressure. It's possible that you don't have enough fuel to start.

bewinder · Post by **bewinder** » 11 Nov 2017, 18:50

That's true, didn't think about that. Now that you mention it, it's just a small little spurt from the rail, instead of a heavy flow like I'm used to seeing. I'll work on getting a fuel pressure gauge from Harbor freight or renting one. I was throwing codes for ECT before even though I replaced it. PCV codes even after i Cleaned and replaced the whole PCV system. My code reader is probably broken since it won't pull any codes but I still have a CEL.

Can the pump partially fail? I hear it buzz and prime when the key is turned.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 11 Nov 2017, 20:54

When was the fuel filter last changed?

When I was having issues I could swear the pump was running, but since I had a fuel filter that was sketchy, I wasn't getting the correct volume of fuel flow. Since replacement that problem hasn't occurred. Pumps can fail to deliver the correct volume or correct pressure and still make noise. =(

Check your fuses, particularly the cigarette lighter fuse. Some vehicles (not sure about Volvo) have the cig. lighter and OBDII +12v running off the same fuse.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 12 Nov 2017, 09:02

I think you're low on fuel pressure. It would definitely be worth replacing the fuel filter anyway unless you've recently changed it, as it could be very backed up.
The fuel pump usually goes out completely and quickly, but it's definitely possible for it to be weak.

BeachWagon · Post by **BeachWagon** » 12 Nov 2017, 10:32

Yes, a pump can partially fail. The best thing to do is test pressure to verify. Pending results, replace your filter first. Test pressure again. Move on to the Fuel Pressure Regulator, if your car has one. Finally, if pressure is STILL low, replace the pump. Worst case scenario, you now have a new filter and regulator to go along with your new pump!

I'm not typically one who advocates "shotgun repairs", but it's kinda the only way to work out fuel pressure issues.

I did just have a look at your other thread and noticed your mention of a few electrical gremlins. Have you checked and cleaned all of your major ground straps?? It could be as simple as the pump not getting clean power...maybe look into your grounds since it's technically a free repair. Anywhere there's a wire that ground to the body or engine, clean it up with a wire brush.

Good luck.

bewinder · Post by **bewinder** » 12 Nov 2017, 22:49

Thanks for all of the input. I went out and bought a fuel filter today - going to throw it in this week. FPR was replaced with a used one a few months ago. Regarding the electrical, yes I did clean and brush/sand down all the grounds that I know of. Do you know of a list of all the grounds I could double check?

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 12 Nov 2017, 23:07

Was the used fuel pressure regulator known good, or just used? Reason I ask is some used parts are in great condition, and some may be on their way out based upon wear or age. Just a thought...