I have a 1994 850 (non turbo) with 133K. New cap and rotor about a year ago. 5 new volvo plugs two weeks ago. (Self installed) Car has been running flawlessly ever since. Today I started the car this AM to move it to the street to shovel snow. Ran fine, 3 hours later I go to start it and the engine wont turn over. Plenty of juice from the battery....... it seems like it wants to fire up and then it just dies. Almost like a clogged fuel filter or fuel pump that is on it's last legs. Anyway it wont start. Any ideas before I have it towed top the local Volvo shop ???

Thanks,

Dave

Yep, sounds like lawnmower syndrome.

I did it when I moved my car to touch up some paint.

Taking the plugs out to dry them may help you to start it. I now keep a new set in every 850.

It is a family rule - If you start an 850, you must run it until it warms up!

If you tow it to a dealer, they will change the plugs and the oil and filter if they think that there is any fuel in the oil.

Good luck.
--
3 8s & 2 7s 725,000 miles total

Change the fuel pump relay. Typical promblem for 850 of early 90´s.

It could be your fuel pump. Remove fuel line from from either the fuel filter or the fuel line that goes to injectors by timing belt cover above spark plugs cover.
Remove the spark plug coil cable to prevent the spark and crank the car and see if you have fuel coming out. If not, you will need a fuel pump.
That's how I found out about my bad fuel pump. Dealer sells it for $350 and about $235 at local parts stores. Check in some volvo parts websites for about $170. Good luck.

Dave,

I think you are experiencing the "lawnmower syndrome" that is mentioned fairly frequently here on the board. I just experienced it myself earlier last month. There are varying opinions on how to "fix" this condition, but for me I just put a really good charge on my battery, depressed the throttle peddle approx 1/3 of the way, and cranked the engine for 2 or 3 minutes. Yes, you really do have to crank the engine that long. My engine eventually started with some foul grey smoke out of the exhaust. Hope this is all that your problem is! Good luck.

2nd the lawn mower syndrome diagnosis.
Looks like the car is cold, you start it pull it up the street and shut it off before the engine warmed up. If that is the case, it fits the classic lawn mower syndrome scenario.

-steve
94 855NA 125k miles

I dont´t understand what you guys mean by this "lawnmower syndrome" in a ECU driven car. This is a common problem for carborator engines, but when you have the computer, and every sensor is in good shape there should not be this kind of problems. Replace (or atleast check) your temperature sensor and throtle sensor.

Do a search on lawn mower syndrome, you'll find plenty of posts on the subject.
The synptom does match carb. flooding. You would think going to ECU, this would go away but I've heard of occurances in other makes using ECU also. I think they may behave similarly but the source of the problem is different. There are lots of theory on why this is happening. Valve sticking, carbon build up, etc. Why cranking it for 2-3 minutes would eventually start the car is beyond me. There are no official service bullitin on it. I can only speak from my experience-3 times under very similar conditions. Fortunately, I was able to eventually start the car everytime.