'81 Volvo 240 Fuel Pump

Hi there. I was recently offered a 1981 240 wagon that has trouble
starting, perhaps due to a fuel pump problem. I don't have too much
experience working with cars, and I was wondering how long it would
take me to replace the fuel pump and if the Haynes or Bently manuals
would be helpful, which manual was better, and if you don't like
either, what is suggested. Also, what's a resonable price for a fuel
pump?
thanks so much for the help.
-daniel

 

I can recommend the Bently manual as being a better manual.

I had to replace both fuel pumps in my 88 240, but I had a local,
independent shop do it for me. The previous owner's mechanic
didn't bother to change out the fuel filter at the 60k service.

Jeff Dantzler
Seattle, WA

 

Had continuing faults with pumps failing within 12 months or so on model
without in-tank pump. (Behind left hand rear wheel only). Always blamed the
fuel. Wrong! Found protective coating on the inside of the fuel tank was
slowly disintegrating and the minute particles killing the pump. Solution?
Installation of a fuel filter prior to the pump (suction side). No more
problems.

John
Kangarilla, Australia

 

Do some diagnosis before you start replacing parts. Check the fuel pump
relay first.

 

How am I supposed to check the relay? I assume it's there...
thanks

 

I've got an '83 that "never" has had a relay problem !!
you might want to detail what the symptoms are, so we can better advise
Herman '83 282 5.o H.O., formerly 242 Turbo intercooled

 

You can easily pull the relay and jumper between the two contacts in the
plug that have heavy wires going to them. Often if the relay is bad it'll
have a physically darkened pin or melted plastic, of course this can mean
the pump is about to fail too, but it can just be corrosion that causes it
to heat up.