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V70 suddenly not starting. Now fine. V70-XC70 1997

The day before yesterday, I drove my V70 and parked in at home as per usual.

Yesterday, my husband and I drove his OLDer Volvo to go look at another Volvo as we're hoping to get a slightly newer one.

When we got home, I went to start my V70 and it would start. It'd make the cranking noise, but not actually start at all.

Today we tried jumping it. No such luck. Kept trying to start it about 20 times and FINALLY it started, but was idling very rough. Turned it off, and started it again .... fine, but rough.

After talking to my dad, we determined to replace the spark plugs. It's starting beautifully for now and not idling rough at all and has more spunk on accelerating.

What is going on here? Is there something else I should be worried about or should I be safe to drive it and NOT worry about that happening again?








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    V70 suddenly not starting. Now fine. V70-XC70 1997

    Did you happen to move the car without warming it up?

    If so, you had 'lawnmower syndrome' (do a search, it is common) - you move the car to get the lawnmower out, then it won't start.

    Volvo white (aluminum) 5 cylinder engines suffer from this.

    Raw fuel on the rings or cold valve guides cause a low compression and a no start.

    The customary solution is to crank and crank until it starts. It may stumble and stumble during this effort.

    Often it cranks a little faster than normal.

    If it gets towed to a dealer, they install new plugs and change the oil because it has fuel in it. (Ask me how I know that!)

    Check your oil, if it is high - change it.

    After my episode, I kept a new set of plugs in each of our 3 850s,

    AND we had a family rule - never start an 850 unless you warm it up fully.








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    V70 suddenly not starting. Now fine. V70-XC70 1997

    Sounds like it is running 'rich' and eventually fouling the spark plugs. Unless the old plugs were really worn out.

    A rich condition is normally the result of one of the vacuum lines developing a leak. Has the PCV system ever been serviced? One way to find out if the system is not creating enough vacuum is to take an old latex glove, remove the oil filler cap, and cover the filler cap with the base of the glove. A rubberband may be needed. Then start the car. If the glove inflates, then you have a problem.







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