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1993 Volvo 850 Consistent Starting Issue

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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alexk243
Posts: 362
Joined: 13 August 2011
Year and Model: 1993
Location: Chicago, IL

1993 Volvo 850 Consistent Starting Issue

Post by alexk243 »

So my Volvo 850 has had its share of problems, but this one seems consistent.

When the vehicle is being started (warm or cold) it cranks for a very long time and sometimes does/doesnt start, but regardless of how long you crank if you release the starter and then turn the key again it will start right up.

Thoughts?
1993 Volvo 850 (w/97' engine in it)

xHeart
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Post by xHeart »

Robert's youtube video covers start issue very well.
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misha
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Post by misha »

alexk243 wrote:...When the vehicle is being started (warm or cold) it cranks for a very long time and sometimes does/doesnt start, but regardless of how long you crank if you release the starter and then turn the key again it will start right up....
Bad fuel pump check valve.

Try this....before you start the engine,prime the fuel pump 3-4 times before you start the engine.Priming fuel pump is like this...turn the key in ignition II,wait 2 seconds,go back to ignition I and immediatelly go back to ignition II.Repeat this 3-4 times and 3rd or 4th time start the car.It will start right up.

Bad news is that fuel pump check valve is integrated in the fuel pump itself.You can add auxilliary one if you want.
'97 850 2.5 20v / fully equipped / Motronic 4.4 from the factory / upgraded with S,V,C,XC70 instrument cluster / polar white wagon
History of Volvos in the family:
'71 144 S
'73 144 De Luxe
'78 244 DL
'78 244 DL
'79 244 GLE
'85 340 GLS

alexk243
Posts: 362
Joined: 13 August 2011
Year and Model: 1993
Location: Chicago, IL

Post by alexk243 »

Yeah, the priming thing seems to work. So what do I need to do to fix this issue? Fuel pump replace? is there any cheaper options now?
1993 Volvo 850 (w/97' engine in it)

Ozark Lee
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Post by Ozark Lee »

You can add a check valve to the fuel line back by the fuel filter but you will need to cut the fuel line in half to do it. Even replacing the fuel pump insert won't fix your problem, the check valve is integrated into the plastic fuel pump housing rather than being on the pump itself.

...Lee
'94 850 N/A 5 speed
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe

alexk243
Posts: 362
Joined: 13 August 2011
Year and Model: 1993
Location: Chicago, IL

Post by alexk243 »

Is this something that will leave me stranded? (worth replacing the fuel pump?)
1993 Volvo 850 (w/97' engine in it)

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misha
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Post by misha »

Nope,as long as fuel pump is running.
'97 850 2.5 20v / fully equipped / Motronic 4.4 from the factory / upgraded with S,V,C,XC70 instrument cluster / polar white wagon
History of Volvos in the family:
'71 144 S
'73 144 De Luxe
'78 244 DL
'78 244 DL
'79 244 GLE
'85 340 GLS

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