Fuel pressure loss? No start in morning

90 240 wagon,sits over night and will not start on first turnover in
morning. Second crank and she fires up. First crank can be long or
short, still no start on first try.
My other two 240's fired up no problem. there is definitely a problem
here.
With car running can here muffled whistling from filter, or pump not
sure which, and thats with my head right there next to pump and filter.
no loss of power on accelaration.
Previos owner had new gas tank put in do'nt know why, back a few years
ago

 

You nailed it - that is a classic indication of fuel pressure bleedoff.

You can either live with it (this is probably year 3 for my living with it)
or hunt it down. The main suspect is the check valve on the output of the
main fuel pump. Otherwise, you can try a bottle of fuel injector cleaner.
May help, probably won't, sure won't hurt, cheap, easy.

Mike

 

How do you check the valve on the pump.
Can you replace the valve or must you replace the pump
Ray

 

I have replaced the valve on an early 80s 244.

It ain't easy.

The problem is that it is tough to get a wrench in to hold the fuel
filter between the two electrodes: not enough clearance.

Twice I destroyed the plastic fuel line running between the pump and
the accumlator: once with air tools, another with hand tools.

An exercise in caution, patience and ingenuity.

 

That's where the adventure starts! The valve is separate, threaded into the
end of the pump. It's enough of a pain to get in and out that blind
replacement makes sense once you get it out. I imagine the price is between
$20 US and $50 US, but that's only a guess.

Mike

 

Just get in the habit of bumping the key once, then bump it again and
it'll start.
Grinding just wears out the starter...