85 240 Wagon Intermittant no start

wrxprt20 · Post by **wrxprt20** » 22 Jul 2009, 06:49

As close mechanically challenged friend purchased an 85 240 Wagon a couple of months ago and called me after he heard a "pop" while driving after which he lost power and smelled oil burning. When he pulled over and popped the hood there was much oil on the back of the engine that was running onto the exhaust header pipe. My inspection revealed that the flame filter had not been cleaned recently (or ever @ 125,000 miles?) and the pressure blew out the cam plug in the rear of the head.
I replaced the all of the PCV system and also found that the fuel lift pump tube had deteriorated so I replaced both pumps and the fuel filter.
Now the vehicle is experiencing an intermittent "crank but no fire" condition that seems to be related to the position of the steering wheel (according to the owner). Could we have an ignition switch/wiring problem?
I'm a semi-retired auto service veteran (started in 1958) but am not sure that I understand all I know about Swedish Engineering! Any similar problems out there?

Post by **billofdurham** » 22 Jul 2009, 11:22

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Volvos often suffer from wear in the electrical portion of the ignition switch causing intermittent problems with starting, radio, heater and other accessories. A quick check is to turn the ignition key back a little bit from the normal running position.

Replacement is simple and the switch can be obtained from any of the three sponsors at the top of the forum.

Bill.