'91 240 Wagon Won't Start Intermittently Topic is solved

[volvolugnut]

I think our original poster has moved on after one post.
Not a problem. Our information will still be useful for other 240 and 740 Volvos.
volvolugnut

Hi there. I haven't moved on. I am passing the super helpful info on to my husband and son who will be working on this but they have both been exceedingly busy. Another hangup we had is that I had a hard time figuring out what part to buy b/c there are a few and the owners of sites weren't responding to me at all so I got stuck there. I really appreciate all of the help so much and will be back after we try to address this. Thanks again!

I suggest you do some tests before you buy parts. It may be a simple loose part. Also, at this point what part would you buy if you don't know what is wrong? This is called throwing money at the problem. It seldom works.
volvolugnut

[122sPhil]

volvolugnut thanks for the info on the '38 ford. nice to hear it has the blank plate and it seems that is one of the correct vehicles for my radio, and not everyone wants an AM radio There are other options. One day Il focus upon it and I can likely restore it then it should really go to an owner that wants it for a restoration. I collect radios fro this era but usually nit car radios.
sorry to intuerrup tthe thread.

it seems the original poster just had some delay ,
I assume we may hear back wtih further questions and their findings on this no start issue.

[volvolugnut]

A slightly loose battery connection could cause occasional, random non starts.
I suggest removing both battery connections, clean them with a battery terminal cleaning brush and reinstall tightly. Check the other end as well as the battery end.
Don't just tighten them. If they are loose, they likely have some corrosion and that makes a poor electrical connection.
If the cables look bad with corrosion, try to replace them. On the 240 they are short and could be replaced them generic cables from an auto parts store.
volvolugnut

[122sPhil]

I remember my 740 cranking fine and failing to start. not the main cable, but one that was joined right at the positive battery clamp was not tight.

i like to drop the cables into a jar of baking soda and water, let them sit a while, it will bubble and clean them up well,

I also use steel wool or sandpaper to fresen up the posts and inside the bore of the battery clamps.

I also take a cloth soak it in baking soda and water, let it hang and dry and then place it below the battery on the shelf. it neutralizes any stray acid so then my battery shelf area won't rust out, They often do.