1998 V70xc - Hard to start the day after a long drive

[moosemoose]

Hi everyone,

I've been looking on have for a while (you guys are very helpful). Currently I'm getting ready to a cross country drive (SF -> Boston) and one of my main concerns is how hard it is to start my Volvo after a long drive. The car has been working well, but it does throw a P0442 (small evap leak) code on long drives. I'm about to order some parts to prep the car and was wondering if you guys had any advice on things to changes so I can add it to the order. I'm getting a tune up kit (spark plugs, distributor, wires, air filter), new thermostat, ECT sensor (I took the car in and the mechanic pointed out that it was looking corroded, but no symptoms), and gas cap (for the CEL but I doubt it will fix it).

So the symptoms are:
If I drive >1.5 hours in the car, it will always start right up that day, but the next morning it will crank for 10 secs before catching. Last weekend I drove 4 hours, then went for a several hour hike, then went to a campsite. The car started very quickly each time (even after the hike) but in the morning it cranked for a while then sputtered to life.

Does anyone know what could be causing this? It's never not started for me but I concerned it won't start in a remote place in the center of the country. The mechanic (an independent Volvo specialist) said it had nothing to do with the CEL and that shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks!

[misha]

Fuel pump check valve or canister purge valve is bad.
Let's try this...Next morning,before staring the engine,prime the system for a few times.
That said...turn the key to pos.II and back to pos.I for a 3-4 times in a row.
Turn the key to pos.II...wait 2 sec...turn it back to pos.I and immediatelly back to pos.II.Repeat that 3-4 times and on 3rd or 4th time start the engine.
If it starts as it should...check valve is bad.
If it remains the same...canister purge valve is bad.
What was the last time when fuel filter was replaced?

[moosemoose]

Thanks misha!

Drove the car an hour last night then this morning primed the system before starting and it remained the same way. Just added a canister purge valve to my cart.

And I am not sure when the fuel filter was last replaced. I bought the car in February.

[misha]

Check yours before buying a new one.
Blow through it.When it is disconnected it must be closed in both ways....that indicates that it is ok.
If you can blow through it when it's connector is disconnected...it is bad.

[abscate]

Your hard start has nothing to do with the evap code, well done by your mechanic.

Get all new ignition parts, check your fuel pressure regulator for leaks, test fuel pressure at rail.

[misha]

Just to add....
ignition parts...wires Bougicord only,cap & rotor Bosch only,spark plugs genuine Volvo ones (highly recommended) and if you replace ect make sure that it is OEM Volvo one.It is very important.
Thermostat recommendation is Wahler(oem) or Vernet.

[moosemoose]

Thanks again! I had all those brands in my cart except the ECT was made by FAE. I'll swap it out for SWF.

[misha]

Ouch..FAE ECT!
Well...it seems that we found a problem.

[moosemoose]

@misha Sorry to bother, but I have been looking around and can't seem to find where my purge valve should be. 1998 V70xc turbo seemed to have a split year. On FCP Euro both parts say they should be near the radiator and I found a few post that confirm that, but I also found posts that say its behind the passenger rear wheel. Do you know where it is?

Links:
1: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... ve-8627005
2: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-s ... 0280142300

[misha]

Motronic 4.4 management can have both locations...because there is early and later M4.4.....then non-turbo & turbo models.
If it isn't by the radiator,then it is at rear beside fuel tank.
Being an XC and awd model it should be beside fuel tank.