1987 volvo 240DL, 140K

I have a hot re-start problem with this car. Every morning it starts just fine. If I make a short trip to a store, turn engine off, and try to re-start, it won't start. Starter spins and spins but engine does not crank...So I just sit there for 10-15 minutes for things to cool off and then it starts just fine....I only have this problem in summer, at high (more than 80-90 F) ambient temperatures. Sometimes it even shuts off in the middle of driving...again, it starts fine and drive, ONLY after I wait 10-15 minutes. During winter, it drives and starts perfectly, every time...

Fuel pump relay was installed new, two years ago. Battery is fully charged/new. Spark plugs are 6 months old/new. Cap/rotor/spark plug wires where installed new 2 years ago (at 120K)

any ideas what may be wrong? Could it be that ignition coil/wire went bad?
Or something with the starter?
...thank you in advance for any advice.
d

Same problem on my 89'. I repaced the main fuel pump check valve as well as RPM/Speed sensor (I tkink thats what's it's called). I think the check valve was mor critical since it was 13 years old. But the sensor wire shielding was toast as well. If you replace the sensor which sits right on top of the tranny be careful the bracket is very weak, if you break it you will have to drop the tranny to repair.

Good luck

> Starter spins and spins but does not crank engine
Hi d,

This sounds like a problem with the starter solenoid not properly engaging the starter gear with the ring gear. Check the voltage at the solenoid, and ensure the wiring and connectors are good to the starter solenoid.

If you are not getting the proper voltage or sufficient current to the solenoid, then there will not be enough force generated to thrust the starter gear into the ring gear and "crank" the engine. At the solenoid, compare the voltage at cold start with the voltage at warm start to see if you see any difference.

If the solenoid is getting the proper voltage - and the wiring from the battery and wiring from the ignition switch look good and clean, then solenoid may be bad. But check all the easy things first.

> Fuel pump relay was installed new, two years ago. Battery is fully
> charged/new. Spark plugs are 6 months old/new. Cap/rotor/spark plug wires
> were installed new 2 years ago (at 120K)
Nothing to do with fuel/spark plugs/cap/rotor etc...

> any ideas what may be wrong? Could it be that ignition coil/wire went bad?
A coil problem would be an independent issue, nothing related to the "crank"ing
problem.

I would also suggest getting a Bentley manual. You'll be glad you did.

Regards,

Tom

This sounds like a problem in the distributor electronics. You most likely will have to replace the Hall effect part.