Questions and Answers

Volvo 740SE Dies Going Uphill Q. Hi Vincent, Your worst nightmare. 1990 Volvo 740SE, B200E engine, 160,000 miles. Dealer full servicing. Problem: Intermittent fuel starvation/cut off, over 18+ months.

Occurs: in any environment (hot, cold, wet). Engine hot or cold. Mileage intervals range from a few to hundreds.

Remedies tried so far: Removed, cleaned and checked tank unit. Renewed filter and pressure regulator/accumulator. Checked fuel lines and external electrical connections. Checked for air leaks on hoses.

Observations: Seems to occur when increasing revs (going up hill or pulling away). Often it will not recover for hours or days, when it will not start though the engine turns freely with even ignition as though there is some fuel going through (plugs remain dry) Sometimes it occurs at start up after running normally. It has not occurred with a full tank of fuel but that may be just a coincidence.

A recent scenario: Drove eight miles, parked and one hour later wouldn’t start. Started after 45 minutes, only to stop ½ mile on, going up a hill. Would not restart for the next 90 minutes. Next morning it started first time and ran normally and has done since.

I can do most mechanical or electrical repairs but am not familiar with the Volvo injection system. Without any advice I am inclined to strip it all down in the hope I find something that may be sticking. Any pointers to this problem would be so welcome. I live in the Outer Hebrides where there are no Volvo agents.

Thanks for your time.
Kind regards.
Bill

A. Going uphill and pulling away strike me as clues to the problem. The first thing I would do is drop the gas tank and look inside. I'll bet you find either a clogged fuel pump sock, water in the tank or some crapola that is stopping up the fuel pick up.