Another "Cant Keep Running" post... PLS Read!

[PATA]

1989 240 .... car had problems where it wouldnt stay running. We replaced the fuel filter and it ran without those problems. All of a sudden today it stopped. Here is what it does:

- Turn the key and it starts up... starts to die... feather the accelerator pedal and you can keep it going.
- That worked a little but then it didnt (All this done on the side of the road in 10 minutes)
- Then I started it... FLOORED it for a second and it reved hi... then as if it was totally starved of fuel it died... BUT... just before the engine was out of momentum.... it flutters and revs again (pedal to the floor the whole time)

I am a total shade tree mechanic... will explore anything... could it be a fuel pump? builds up pressure then dies... then builds up then dies? Maybe not.. maybe I shouldnt have suggested the thought. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[MazdaMech]

First of all CHECK YOUR FUEL PUMP RELAY! It's the orange relay at the passenger side behind the glove box/next to the heater fan assembly. Get down In my six years of servicing and restoring 240/740 series Volvos, that was the number one "hidden" problem. The contact coils heat and short--BANG--no fuel. Then, when they cool, the contacts close again, and your car may strart briefly. While 600 miles from anywhere, including a parts store, I have popped the relay cover, used a folded piece of paper to force closed the contacts, put the cover back on, and plugged in the relay---you should hear the pump energize(buzz)---now take the key and start the car. If it runs fine, drive to wherever you need to go, turn it off, and PULL OUT THE RELAY! You dont want the pump running for extended periods without the engine consuming fuel, If that is not the problem, then here are further probable causes---defective air mass meter. I have several on hand for your particular version of the B-230F four cylinder. If you haven't replaced the fuel pressure compensator on the fuel rail---the part with the black vacuum hose at the front of the fuel rail/10 mm bolt, do that before you worry about the air mass meter. Also, the undercarriage pump is the secondary---there is an in-tank pump also, which may not be delivering fuel to your secondary(clogged screen/clogged fuel filter/failed pump). If you need any parts---check with me---COSTS LESS.