Stalling Problems

Hi Folks,

I am hoping that somebody out there can shed some light on a problem that I am having with my '92 Volvo 850 2.0 20V. It's an intermittent problem (the best type!!). When I am travelling in the car it can suddenly just die for no apparent reason and all the lights on the dashboard light up. I let the engine rest for 10 - 20 seconds and restart and off it goes again. Usually though it will die again within the next few minutes. After that it may continue for another few hundred miles before the problem raises its ugly head again...any ideas folks. Any steerage in the right direction would be much appreciated.

Rgds,

Colm

[markas]

Hi ya,

One question does the Lamba light come on at all before this happens ?

Have you or know that all the usual servicable items have been checked or changed. After reading my personal tips i would follow the links to the Uncle Sam site i am a member of for inspiration :-)

If you are a bit of a DIYer take the flame trap out for starters it of no use anymore as it allows better breathing of the engine. This normally get gunged up, clean with Carboretter cleaner best.

http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/ftrap.htm

Next take the rotor cap off if not repalced it recently and rub down the contacts to get rid of the pitting.

Next if you haven't done so remove the air filter and take of the side of the Throttle housing that connects to the Air Filter. Give this a good clean with Carb cleaner again do make sure the flap moves easily.

http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/egr.htm

I found mine was running rough and with cleaning my K+N filter with the above i passed my MOT!

Next, How old are you HT leads, if they are very old replace them even the King lead worth while investment IMHO.

Next when was your last Fuel filter changed ? I do mine once a year or about 30k miles, again look at this link so see how do it and how clogged it can get. If you have a Fuel pressure problem thats another story for later.

Clean up the Battery connections and treat them with a grease to protect them. Ensure the Coil looks in good condition and any other earth straping.

Hope some of this helps.

Mark.

Mark,

Thanks a million for all your tips. It looks like I have a busy weekend ahead of me. I am not sure about the lamda sensor coming on. I will try to catch it the next time it happens. When I feel the car dying I try and get in off the road ASAP as I don't fancy trying to push the bugger off the road in case it doesn't start...it's also a bit of a danger being stationary in the middle of the road. Once again, thanks for all the tips. Much appreciated.

Rgds, Colm.

P.S. What's an ex-brummie?

[JOHN 850]

Forget the above initally & replace the fuel pump relay which is located in the main fuse box. I had a 92 850 2.0 20v which did exactly the same thing, gradually getting worse & worse, which ended up being dangerous (espcecially when it cut out on the Leeds inner ring road going 50mph & no hard shoulder) !! It took several trips to diff. garages before the fault was sorted, as the diag. comp. won't pick this fault up !

If the above fails, then start replacing the other items - I must of spent £100 on replacing all the obvious bits first !!

Cheers,

John.

[markas]

Hi John,

Glade to hear you got rid of your old tank. Yes you are also right to mention the fuel pump relay i forgot to mention that to be honest, as it didn't mention starting problems from cold.

Mark.
Exbrummie means someone from Birmingham and the Black country.

[JOHN 850]

Yep, it went to a club member in Harrogate, so you may still see it at some point ! Very pleased with my S70, so far !

We'll speak soon no doubt when the club starts meeting again etc.

Cheers,

John.

P.S. Hope your motor is o.k. - have you been away, as you don't seem to have posted on here for a while ?

Hi Folks,

Just thought I would drop everybody a note to say that I have found the cause of my problem. Plastic swarf was wrapped around the fuel pump gauze causing my intermittent stalling problem. Who knows how it got there, I'm just happy that it's now gone along with my stalling problem. I have attached a photo for anybody that is interested.

Thanks for all the input,

Rgds,

Colm
1992 Volvo 850 2.0 GLT