S40: Starting issue

[theravenousbeast]

Hello.

First off, car is a 1996 Volvo S40 1.8 (not GDi) with 297000km passed. It has had a quality LPG system installed for maybe 6-7 years. It has been serviced on time for the most part.

Yesterday my brother left the car parked for the night at a friends' house and this morning it wouldn't start. The engine cranks fine but it doesn't start. We tried jumpstarting it but it didn't want to catch. I drove the car the previous day and had no issues with it.

A few notes:

• Weather has been -0 Celsius for the last month or so.
• The engine has stalled on me shortly after starting twice this last month with the clutch depressed reversing out of my parkway.
• The car lost power in 2nd gear once this month, felt like the engine was just about to stall.
• One more thing: because of the weather there have been large icy banks built up on the road to my parkway, so maybe something might have got damaged on the undertray?

I'm thinking it's something with the fuel but I wouldn't consider myself car knowledgeable.

Can someone help out how to more accurately diagnose this?

Thanks

EDIT: The fuel filter hasn't been replaced in some time as far as we can recall. The fuel pump hasn't been replaced at all AFAIK. We're second owners of the car, got it with around 230/240k. If someone thinks it most likely is this filter I'd appreciate some help on how to replace that since I can't find much for pre-2000 S40s.

[druid]

Ok stupid question, have you/brother reversed by snow? Works like a potato in the exhaust. And as you are around 0 it would not melt if the car is cold s it would stay blocked.
As your LPG as well, will it start if LPG is on?

Edit for your edit

Get the filter done, on most its under a plastic flap just in front of the rear left wheel.

[aldred309uk]

Sounds like it's either not getting a spark or it's not getting fuel, are you able to choose between running it on petrol or lpg or can you only use lpg? If you can change, try the other fuel system and see if it starts. I know the factory 1.8 bi fuel starts on petrol then changes to lpg.

[theravenousbeast]

Might be a much bigger problem than I thought. Opened up the large plastic plate and found oil leaked.



Checked the engine oil dipstick and it showed it had almost nothing. There's been no oil level warning or engine warnings.

I called the mechanic I usually go to have a look at it, he'll be here in 15 minutes

[theravenousbeast]

Well after refilling the oil it managed to start with the help of some sort of starter spray and only on LPG. Guy says it's the fuel pump. I've left the car at his shop. Will see how goes.

Regardless thanks for the help.

[gatos]

The oil you see at the top of the engine is not a problem. Most of it comes when people fill the car with new oil and spill it all over the place.

From what you are describing, it could be the fuel pump. You should be able to hear the pump running for 3 seconds when you turn the key to the ignition position (II). You can lift the back seats and the carpet and put your ear near the fuel sender unit in the middle. Have another person turn the key to the II position and you should hear the pump.

[theravenousbeast]

Yeah, after I wrote I actually went along with him to his garage. Couldn't hear anything in the back. However a light knock on the pump and it actually started on petrol alone We'll be looking for a replacement now.

The oil cap actually wasn't sealed properly because one of the cables got caught underneath it (see the pic). Need to be more watchful for that kind of stuff I guess.