Volvo won't start

  • Thread starter Thread starter leseckman
  • Start date Start date
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leseckman

I recently purchased a 87 Volvo 780 that's been sitting for a few years.
It will turn over, start once every 10 minutes but won't idle right. It
acts like its starved for fuel, but its got plenty. Any ideas what might
be wrong?
Thanks
Les
 
First thing that comes to mind is the gas. If thats the same gas thats
been in the car all those years its probably pretty much tarnish by
now. I'd start by draining/siphoning the old gas, pour in a few gallons
of fresh stuff, change the filter and try again. You may also have to
clean the injectors so I'd pour in a can of cleaner with those few
gallons of gas and go from there.

Dave
 
leseckman said:
I recently purchased a 87 Volvo 780 that's been sitting for a few years.
It will turn over, start once every 10 minutes but won't idle right. It
acts like its starved for fuel, but its got plenty. Any ideas what might
be wrong?
Thanks
Les
Click to expand...
Ignition?
 
I put in new gas, gas cleanerand it seems good at the engine. I've even
tried using starter fluid but it just cranks but won't really fire. When
it does start it acts like a vehicle that's running on half its cylinders
and blows some nasty white smoke but dies when I pump the gas. I checked
all my plug wires and am getting spark, changed out the plugs and coil but
it just doesn't want to run on its own. Any assistance would be greatly
appreciated.
Les
 
leseckman said:
I recently purchased a 87 Volvo 780 that's been sitting for a few years.
It will turn over, start once every 10 minutes but won't idle right. It
acts like its starved for fuel, but its got plenty. Any ideas what might
be wrong?
Thanks
Les
Click to expand...


Fuel filter might be clogged, that's also within the range of years with
the biodegradeable wiring so if the engine wiring harness is original it
will need to be repaired or replaced. It's actually not too hard to
repair once you get it untangled from the engine but that part really
isn't much fun in the middle of winter as I found out.
 
leseckman said:
I put in new gas, gas cleanerand it seems good at the engine. I've even
tried using starter fluid but it just cranks but won't really fire. When
it does start it acts like a vehicle that's running on half its cylinders
and blows some nasty white smoke but dies when I pump the gas. I checked
all my plug wires and am getting spark, changed out the plugs and coil but
it just doesn't want to run on its own. Any assistance would be greatly
appreciated.
Les
Click to expand...

Are you sure the firing order is correct? From left to right looking at
the distributor from the front of the car, the wires connect straight
across in the order 4-3-1-2, lots of people mess that up not realizing
the way the pancake dist cap is wired internally.
 
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