AboutRay Niemi Expertise ASE Master Rated. Ask any questions about Volvo models up to 2000. Runnability, starting and charging system, diagnostic codes, brakes, front end, where to get certain parts. Should I buy this Volvo or not? I will try to answer your question and give you the knowlege to make the best decision in your case.
Experience I started working on Volvo's in 1978 at the dealer and attended all the schools and achieved a Master rating. Since 1999 I have worked at independent shops and now own my own shop.
Organizations Alldata on line repair manuals. IATN network of techs.
ASE rating of Master.
Expert: Ray Niemi Date: 6/9/2008 Subject: 1990 240 spits and sputters
Question I have a 1990 240 DL. It has been sitting for year. Very little gas in the vehicle so I filled it up put some BG in the tank. It starts fine and runs fine for 5/10 minutes then it starts to spit and sputter, loses power but rarely dies. I can turn it off and immediately restart and it runs again fine for the 5/10 minutes, then starts the cycle over and will do this over and over. I know this car has two fuel pumps and I think that one or both are bad and the recycling simply resets the pump or pumps. The fuel filter has been replaced. Is this symptomatic of something?
Answer Dan,
Use a fuel pressure gauge and see if when it dies it is because of low pressure/no fuel. Also see what the running pressure is? Pull the vacuum hose off the fuel pressure regulator and see if gas comes out. If it does that is a leak and will need replacement. Test the in tank pump by removeing the hose off the rear of the main pump and crank over the engine to watch for fuel.
