I have pored over the posts and FAQs on this forum and really appreciate all the fine info I've come across. However, I'm stumped and need a bit of help.

We bought our first Volvo a couple of weeks ago, an '82 244 DL. It's a nice solid car and we enjoyed it even though the main fuel pump fuse would blow every once in a while. Well, a couple of days ago when it stalled on the highway we assumed it was the fuse again, but it was okay and yet the car wouldn't start. Only after removing a spark plug (the one closest to the front of the car) to check for spark did it start. I turned the engine off, replaced the plug, and it started right up and off we went.

Well, after getting home okay, it wouldn't start unless I removed the spark plug, and then eventually that didn't work anymore. So, now the car will not start at all.

I've followd most of the troubleshooting procedures I have read on this forum and determined the following:

The fuel pump relay appears to be OK, although the pump works when the key is in START position, but not in the RUN position. I jumpered the fusebox so the main fuel pump would run before the key was turned, but the car did not start.

There is spark at the plugs when the key is in the START position. Gas is getting to the cylinders, I can smell it on the plugs. In fact, when the key is in the START position and I pump the gas, the engine revs up fine (not great for the starter), but as soon as I release the key, the engine dies. I could feel the fuel pump relay click off when I released the key.

That's about all I can do to figure this puzzle out. If anyone has some ideas, I'd really like to hear them and try them out, as this car is our primary transportation right now.

"Stuck in Austin"