By all means, hook up a temporary fuel tank, with a shut-off valve, (a riding mower tank works great) & add a piece of wire or chain to hang it from the raised hood while you try to get it started. NEVER try to start any old car that's been sitting for any length of time, using gas from the main tank. They're usually full of rust, water, & all kinds of crud which will clog the lines, & fuel pump & carburetors. Remove the tank and flush/clean thoroughly, inspect, and reseal as necessary. Don't forget to blow out & flush the lines.
A clean fuel-system is crucial for a good running engine.

Sport refers to the twin carbs. Euro standard models had a single carb - a downdraft Zenith, I think. - Dave

Hello,

Is it a 1962 or a 1963?

If it's a 1963 then it should have a B18 engine and those cars have a 12 volt electrical system.

Although a 1962 should be the same, sometimes a 1961 is registered as a 1962 and a 1961 will have a B16 engine and a 6 volt electrical system.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

Your car may surprise you by starting with a little tinkering! And driving as well - they are tough cars.

Rough and dirty things you can try - shade tree stuff - I have obtained two free cars over the years if I could start them.

Fuel, air, and ignition.

As for the carbs - Make sure that there is some oil ( I do not know the weight, but I used 10w30 in my mini - my '64 544 has never needed any oil there, so I have not researched this. ) - Make sure that the slides move up and down in their bores - If they do not move, spray the bores and try to move them by moving then with your finger or the linkage, lubricate the throttle shafts and try to move the linkage back and forth. Be gentle. See that the choke cable works, and set the choke. These carbs really try to work - they automatically move the slides depending on throttle opening to adjust fuel flow.

Check the battery, oil, and water, check for spark - I use a spare plug for this. If you have no spark try disconnecting the ignition condenser - They often short out, and the car will run without it, but this is tough on the points.

If you have access to a motorcycle or lawnmower fuel tank set up a gravity fuel supply by connecting it to your carbs. Don't forget to properly stop the flow of old fuel from the fuel pump if you disconnect it. Most electric fuel pumps develop too much pressure for your car - if you purchase one, do some research.

Squirt two eye droppers of fresh gas into each throttle bore and install the air cleaners. ( I have drilled two 1/8 inch holes over the bores in the air cleaner covers and plugged them with sheet metal screws with flat and rubber washers - I use these as priming ports if my car does not start after two tries with the starter)

Remember - the gas pedal does not control the engine speed if you prime the carbs - shut the key off if the engine runs too fast.

Copies of shop manuals are available from several vendors for your car. I have a xerox copy of a manual and an old manual that I purchased on eBay - some other manuals, such as Clymer's have some good info.

I have videos that show how to rebuild SU carbs - one issue appears to be leakage around the throttle shafts, the car

will usually run with this condition but poorly depending on wear.

544s are fun to drive! Tons of stuff is available for your car.

I have dealt with -

Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

He frequently posts to help brick boarders on this site. He may talk your ear off!

I'm sure that others will pipe in with more official input!

Welcome!