'93 240 - fuel gauge working on and off

I can start the car and the fuel gauge is working, then it stops
working for the rest of the trip. Or I can start the car, fuel gauge
not working, then it comes back for a few minutes, then go back to not
working.

All other instruments in panel are working.

Any suggestion?

Thanks.

 

Is there any particular amount of fuel that causes this, for example a
dead spot in the sender? You might also check the wiring to the bung
plug on the tank, there's a connector there.

 

Nop, happens all the time, irrespective of the amount of fuel. This
morning I drove to work, wasn't working when I started the car, Worked
for less than a minute midway. That's it. Out of 45 minutes driving,
it worked for about 30 seconds.

Thanks for any help/suggestion you can provide.

 

The fuel send unit / fuel level float in the gas tank may be corroded
and deteriorating.

It has been a while, but I once owned an '85 240 wagon that had
similar symptoms. As I recall we had to pull up a floor panel in the
rear compartment to access the fuel tank. The fuel send unit is
basically the port where the gas exits the tank, and there is an
internal float mechanism that indicates your fuel level to the gas
gauge. It sits on top of the fuel tank; it is a circular disc that
locks in place with a half-turn, so you have to turn it back to unlock
and remove the unit.

My buddy who is an experienced Volvo mechanic did the repair in my
driveway. The part was pretty stuck, so he had to beat it loose with
a large screwdriver and hammer - a delicate operation! Careful to
avoid getting rust/debris in the gas tank! Also no smoking! Anyway,
once he installed the shiny new send unit the gas gauge worked like a
champ.

I recommend leaving this operation to an experienced mechanic, due to
the fact that you're dealing with gasoline, fuel tank & lines.