My beloved 79 volvo starts fine then dies immediatly?

Question

it has been not going anywhere for two days now
and I am no longer living near the incredible mechanic I used to use

would fuel injectors clog up in the head?
would a clogged catalytic converter choke it even if there was no discernible smell? I was dissuaded from opening that to check by friend who insists they smell like rotten eggs when clogged
would it be (over 50 times) getting gas to start and then dieing if the fuel pumps were deficient
I am way out in the woods far from a garage unable to drive it to garage
normally I am pretty adept with a lot of stuff but this has my stymied ... help ... please

Answer 1

Since volvo made several models in 1979, it is a bit diffcult to answer your question.

First thing, check your fuses, your Hayes manual will tell you where to find it. The fuses look pretty odd, rather primative, - and they're somewhat hard to find at the store - but they work really well. Find the fuel pump fuse. Remove it. Get an emery board and file the brass fuse-holder clean. Get a new fuse and coat the ends with dialytic grease. Re-install the fuse.

If it turns over but doesn't run the problem is fuel. Clogged fuel filter, ancient fuel pump or crimped fuel line. It shouldn't be a catalytic converter because Volvo didn't put them on their cars until the early 1980's. I might be wrong but you can see for yourself by taking a peek. While you're down there check to see if the exhaust is crimped or if the muffler is plugged.

Clogged fuel injectors would only give you a rough running car, but it would run, you report it starts but won't run, so it shouldn't be clogged fuel injectors.

Check the web-site below ... it's a site devoted to volvo freaks. They exchange tips and might help you if you ask nicely.

All in all, a car that starts, but doesn't run sounds like a clogged fuel filter. You can take yours apart and clean it out, but you'll get gas all over the front of you clothes.

Smoking is strongly discouraged.


EDIT: I was completely wrong about the catalytic converter, sorry, I hope I didn't lead you astray.

Answer 2

Because your engine is cranking, there are only 3 reasons the engine would stop running- ignition, fuel, or air. (the components of the fire triangle). The way to test it is to take out a spark plug and hold it with an insulated wrench about 1/4 inch away from "ground" (negative power- the negative battery terminal) and crank the engine. If there is spark, you're good. If not, you can determine that there is an electrical problem.

Check the fuel- when was the last time you changed the fuel filter? To check, pull out an injector and hold it into a cup or flask of some kind. While cranking the engine, there should be fuel squirting out. If not, check the obvious- gas getting to the engine, check for fuel leaks, clogged filter, etc.

Check the air filter. Often times they get clogged and you don't even realize it.

If these tips are good, then there is a problem inside your engine, for instance a valve or something not doing its job. I would highly recommend that if you are not near a mechanic with this vintage of Volvo, you need to get a set of service manuals (try to get the actual Volvo manuals, not the Chilton manual).

Answer 3

79 is the cis-L system two things can cause this .
1 if starts in crank position continue holding in crank for a few seconde and give it a little throttle [this is hard on the starter motor] if it continues to run and will rev you need a new ign switch [the electrical part not the whole thing.
2 if it dies out in step one suspect fuel pressure problem[s]
2A fuel system pressure is 72-75 psi and with adaptors can be measured at the fuel filter outlet if low suspect pump[s] and filter.
2B if step 2a is within specs suspect the warm up regulator,
the quick test for this is slightley loosen the regulator inlet fuel line at the regulator, and attempt to start the car. if car now runs replace the regulator
[DANGER NOTE] due to the close proximity of distributor to warm up regulator a fire may occur so have somone with a brain in the drivers seat ready to cut car off and keep a good A.B.C. rated extinguisher handy and preform this outside [not in a garage] wear eye protection note it is always best to test control pressure with the proper gauge and adaptors warm up regulator pressures vary with tempature 23 psi at 68 degrees f and 52-54 psi at normal operating tempature. use common sense around fuel at all times no smoking or unshielded lamps good luck and be safe

Answer 4

My guess would be that you have either a fuel pump issue or a problem with the fuel pressure regulator. You are apparently getting enough fuel to start the car, but then there is not enough to keep it running. I would first think pressure regulator.

Answer 5

Check the carborator it might have moist in it or in the lines being the weather ant been the best. Or its a blockage in the petrol tank, when the petrol gets low it may have become blocked with a bit of dirt. Loose connections like spark plugs and battery leads.

Answer 6

sounds like either the ignition coil or the electronic ignition box.
have it towed to a garage with diagnostic tools.

Answer 7

this sounds maybe silly but check the exhaust pipe for any blockage,it's possible that that's the reason that the engine dies

Answer 8

fuel pump relay is my guess.

Answer 9

it's not getting air. or there is a vaccum line unhooked somewhere.

Answer 10

it's a 79' man i think it's time to get a new car