Hi Everybody ! I am a new user of this great site where I've learned a few things about my volvo already - Thanks to you all.
I have a 240 dl 1987 roughly 150,000miles. Few days ago it did not start and I'had a couple mechanics look at it but did not start one said the fuel pump and the other said the main computer problems!!! so after reading some suggestions on this site - relay, in tank fuel pump... when I took the relay out and put it back the car started - been driving it for 3 days but a couple time I refuse to start and then started in a few minutes. Today I washed it in a car wash and when I got home turned it off and now it won't start - when I took at the relay it was full of water - shook it , got rid of the water, put it back and it was full of water again, water comming from the plug. So I am letting them dry a bit before I try again. But now I am scared for it not to leave me stranded somewhere.
What can I do? all suggestions are appreciated - Could the water damaged the relay of the electrical system?

I think the other guys hit it on the head with the relay and you already knew that. Kudos for figuring it out.

The lesson to take away from this is, no matter your mechanical skill level, if you cannot find a Volvo specialty shop that always has a lot of RWD bricks in it...do all your troubleshooting yourself with the help of this board.

Assuming the one mechanic was indicating that the main fuel pump was bad...he is most likely a GM mechanic with years of experience. My personal belief is that the main pump is the most robust single electrical part on a RWD Volvo.

Most individuals with two hands, at least one working eye and the combined ability of explaining their problem in detail (year, model, mileage, enging and tranny type where applicable) while following instructions, can diagnose almost anything on these cars...often with a tool set that costs under $100.

This does not mean you have replace parts yourself if you do not feel up to the task but it is easier in the long run if you do all the easy stuff yourself.

The second guy is even worse...the ECM/ECU on most years of 240 are again, close to the last item that needs replacing. Is it a good idea to get a known working spare for your car...sure. But there are about 10 other parts that should be checked before we get to a 1987 ECU as a suspect part and this guy did not check one of them.

Onkel Udo

Hi there,

I learned very early in my volvo ownership experience, the windshield can leak.

If it does leak, or should I say, when it does leak, the water will follow the wiring harness like it follows the gutters on your home. If you have any relays upside down, they should be mounted closed end up. The harness now has a drip loop.

If you get a new windshield, get a 91 version with the integral rubber trim, rather than trying to deal with re-installing the aluminum decoration.

Normally I'd recommend you resolder your relay, spending nothing, but once it has been under water, you're better off replacing it.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

When an actress saw her first strands of gray hair she thought she'd dye.

Your description of the water thing/windshielg explains a lot - I was wonderinfg how the water got in - this is very helpful, I would be able to avoid such things in the future ... I appreciated the info.
Thanks a lot.

Replace your fuel pump relay,also replace your main fuse its an 25 amp mounted on D/S fender.Its gets corrosion inside and cause starting problems,maybe time to check your fuses inside your fuse box for corrosion also.

Thanks for your helpful reply - Indeed when I checked the fuse 25 amp, it needed some cleaning and also it did not look too good inside the socket. is it a big job to replace the socket itself - complicated ? do I need to replace the socket?

Not a big deal to replace the socket for the 25 amp fuse.It is only 2 wires.Get a waterproof fuse holder and just spice it in with a new fuse.Use heat shrink on the wires.