1990 Volvo 740 GL will not start

Rafael · Post by **Rafael** » 20 May 2012, 12:05

Dear gentlemen,

I have a 1990 Volvo 740 GL, VIN # YV1FA8845L2412205 that in good shape but lately
I have been experiencing some problems related with fuel flow.

Unfortunately here in Venezuela we don´t have much experience with Volvo and there
Are no mechanics that know what they are doing.

I need to purchase some parts, no doubt, but first I would need to double check what I have
With how the car should be.

I need some detailed pictures of the engine in several views and close ups and most of all
Of the fuel system in its entirety so that I can make sure that everything is where it should be
And then check each individual part and purchase the faulty ones.

I plan to do this myself because I like said there are no mechanics that know what they are doing.

I think that I have a fuel problem because the car starts ok but dies out immediately. I have checked
The fuel Fuel Injection Pressure Regulator, I have changed the Regina Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve, the
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), the Regina Manifold Pressure (MAP) Sensor and still I have ignition
Problems.

Last year I changed the fuel pump using a Chevrolet Cavalier 2000 pump and worked just fine. Yesterday
I changed it again because I was told that the pressure was too low and bought another one exactly
The same and still I have problems turning on the engine.

I also changed the original Volvo spark plugs with brand new Bosch spark plugs and nothing.

I of course have also changed the fuel filter, engine oil , air filter and oil filter.

One last thing, when I spray S&Q carburator into the air intakehose, the car starts just fine and
sounds really powerful BUT as soon as I stop spraying the engone sputters and dies out.

I really don´t know what to do because I am not a mechanic and I love my car.

Can you help? Please? Thank you very much.

Regards,

Rafael Volpe
+58-412-622-4543

Post by **JDS60R** » 20 May 2012, 13:36

Hi Rafael,

Could you please hook up a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail, Then hook up a meter to the positive side of the coil and a test light to the negative side of the coil.

I would like to see if you are losing fuel pressure, coil voltage or coil signal after the car starts. many time this can be as simple as the fuel pump relay failing.

I will process your request for the fuel system overview next. I can not decode your vin so I will assume it is a non turbo motor.

Post by **JDS60R** » 20 May 2012, 13:38

Ok, there are many non turbo motors and fuel systems. I will need to know your motor code

Post by **JDS60R** » 20 May 2012, 13:51

Ok - I got your vin decoded and see you have an 88 in the vin which equals a B230F
Fuel system coming up

See attachment for clearer Vin decoder

Volvo 1990 Version Identification Number (VIN) Decoding

VIN number breakdown
YV1 A X 45 4 X L 1 000000
| | | | | | | | |
Manufacturer's code = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = + | | | | | | | |
Assigned by ISO | | | | | | | |
Series = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = + | | | | | | |
A = 240 Sedan & Wagon, F = 740 Sedan & Wagon | | | | | | |
G = 760 Sedan & Wagon, H = 780 Coupe | | | | | | |
Safety system = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = + | | | | | |
X = 3-point seat belt security system | | | | | |
A = 3-point seat belt & drivers' side airbag | | | | | |
Engine = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = + | | | | |
69 = B280F, 87 = B230F-Turbo, 88 = B230F, 89 = B234F | | | | |
| | | | |
Body = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = + | | | |
2 = 2 doors, 4 = 4 doors | | | |
5 = 5 doors | | | |
Check figure = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = + | | |
Calculated from other digits | | |
Year model code = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = + | |
A = 1980, B = 1981, C = 1982, D = 1983, E = 1984, F = 1985 | |
G = 1986, H = 1987, J = 1988, K = 1989, L = 1990 | |
Manufacturing plant = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = + |
0 = Kalmar, Sweden, 1 = Torslanda, Sweden |
2 = Ghent, Belgium, 3 = Halifax, Canada |
A = Uddevalla, Sweden, D = Turin, Italy |
Chassis number = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = +
For 1990 year models, the serial numbers start at:
240 4 door ... 386700 , 240 5 door ... 846100
740 4 door ... ??????, 740 5 door ... ??????
760 4 door ... ??????, 760 5 door ... ??????
780 ... ??????

Post by **JDS60R** » 20 May 2012, 13:57

Here is the fuel system - I only have a parts diagram.

Let us know what you found out about fuel pressure and coil voltage and signal.

If you only have a test light - start with the coil
Place positive to positive an ground to ground - you should see the pulses of the coil.
If coil is ok
Put test light on fuel pump 1 at a time if you have 2 - see if you are getting voltage/amperage to the pumps. One of them is giving out on you .

When the car dies - if it stutters and stops then suspect fuel first. If it runs and then dies like someone turned off the key - suspect ignition and related pulse sensors (crank sensor etc)

Post by **JDS60R** » 20 May 2012, 14:09

here is your owners manual to help with fuses etc.

Post by **JDS60R** » 20 May 2012, 14:22

Pics of relays to check

Rafael · Post by **Rafael** » 20 May 2012, 19:56

The VIN is the following: Y = Sweden, V= Volvo, F=740, A=3 points seat belts, 88=2.3l, 4 cyl, B230F
4=50 states, 5=internal number, L=1990, 2=Belgium, 412205=Serial.

My Volvo is not Turbo.

It has a Regina fuel system.

Can you please tell me what is a "coil" and where is it? Tomorrow the mechanic is coming and I will share all of this info with him.

When you wrote "Put test light on fuel pump 1 at a time if you have 2 - see if you are getting voltage/amperage to the pumps. One of them is giving out on you ". My car only has one. Should I put the test light with the key in the start position? Should I crank the engine? Or simply put the test light with the engine off.

I will let you know tomorrow of the outcome.

Thank you very much.

Post by **JDS60R** » 20 May 2012, 20:48

By coil - I meant ignition coil ( device that makes the sparks)

Test the ignition coil and the fuel pump while the car is running. When the car starts you have both ignition and fuel working . When it is stalling you are losing at least the spark or the the fuel (needs both to run. By monitoring both you will see which one is failing on you.

Post by **JDS60R** » 20 May 2012, 20:51

picture of ignition coils for 740