Starting issues with Volvo 850

[Vladimir24]

Hello guys !
I have new problem with my Volvo ... It won't start. I have spark because it starts with break cleaner. Fuel pump starts only sometimes and when engine starts it don't want to idle for half a minute or so. Fuel filter is very old. Maybe it is plugged and that´s why fuel pump won't start? Or maybe fuel pressure is droping? But when I get it stared it goes normaly. But no power untill 4000 rpm. It is T5 from 95 in manual and petrol. Also interier of the car smels like fuel it is leaking somewhere. Car was swapped with 2.5 N/A engine by old owner and he did very poor job Got any idea what can be the problem?
Thanks for your time.

[454cid]

I'd suspect the pump is going out.... electric fuel pumps (in general) can work intermittently before completely failing. The first thing, I'd do is put a fuel pressure tester on the fuel rail.

[scot850]

You need around 40psi at the rail for the car to run well up to 1998. For 99- you need mid-50's psi

If the filter is really old, swapping it is a good idea. Not knowing how good your petrol is and if you maybe got a tank with lots of dirt in it I think it is unlikely the filter would suddenly stop the car. 454cid is saying what I am thinking too. Fuel pump.

Neil.

[scot850]

However, I forgot you said you can smell fuel in the cabin of the car. I would look around the fuel tank for signs of leaking fuel. You can remove the cover in the back floor of the car to the fuel pump and check in there to make sure there is not fuel sitting on the top of the tank from a leaking pipe.

Neil.

[hausmeister]

before replacing the fuel pump also check or replace the relay
fuel smell -> would check the fuel pump area that is accessible from the inside at least and outside as much as possible