problem of "running out of fuel"?

Hi,

Recently I encountered a strange problem of my Volvo car which is 1988
240 GL model. The car's engine would stop running when the fuel tank
has less than 2/3 of the petrol. The situation became worse when the
car was on the uphill slope at that time, the engine would not even be
started. But if I moved the car to a level land when there was less
than 2/3 of the petrol in the tank, the engine can be started but then
the car would not be able to climb the hills.

The problem disappeared when I add petrol into the "2/3 full" fuel
tank. But it is a pain, since the car has a 60 Litres fuel tank, each
time I had to add about 20 Litres of petrol even there still 40 litres
left, and I dare not to drive far unless I am sure I can find a petrol
station nearby.

I'd greatly appreciate it if someone can shed some lights on this
problem.

Thanks very much.

Best Regards

Martin

 

Perhaps there is a tear or opening in the hose connecting the in-tank
prepump (I assume your car has one?) to the metal fuel pick up line.

I have read that problem can cause wierd driveability issues.

 

Sounds like a bad fuel pump, probably the one inside the gas tank.

 

Hi,

Thanks very much for your information.

As I am new to car repairment, if it is not too complicated,
would you mind telling me where and how to check and replace the faulty
part?
Are there any information on the net about how to do this job?

Thanks very much.

Best Regards

Martin

 

Hi Tim,

Thanks a lot for this information. As I am a novice to car repairement
(but like
car and keen to know the how), is it possible to let me know where and
how to
check and replace the inner fuel-pump, and any good information that I
can
find on the Internet?

Thanks very much.

Best Regards

Martin

 

Well, really checking it is about 95% or replacing it! Depending on
the model, you may have to remove the fuel tank. Some models have a
"port" in the floor of the trunk which will give you access to the
tank and the pump. Note however that there is a certain amount of
danger given the gasoline fumes and all- this is a job I'd farm out
to a professional mechanic.

However, you should be able to start the car on level ground with the
tank nearly empty, open the gas filler cap, and put your ear to the
filler neck. You ought to be able to hear the in-tank pump humming
away. If you don't hear the pump, then I'd check the fuse for that
circuit. The owner's manual will specify which one that is.

http://www.swedishbricks.net/faq/fuelpumps.html

http://www.swedishbricks.net/700900FAQ/FuelSystem.html

http://www.vlvworld.com/indexframe.html?VolvoRepairManual/Section_2_5.htm

http://www.cartalk.com/content/puzzler/transcripts/199808/answer.html

 

Hi Tim,

Thanks so much, I'd really appreciate it.

Regards

Martin

 

[ ... ]

Your car has two fuel pumps, one in the tank which is connected to the
fuel supply line with a section of neoprene fuel hose. This hose does
not last forever; it has cracked or broken where the tank is 2/3 full.
This causes the main (external) pump to start sucking air instead of
fuel, and the engine quits. On a slope, the fuel runs to one side of
the tank, exposing the crack or break, with the same result.

The fix involves pulling the in-tank pump out of the top of the tank
and replacing the hose. There's a gasket around the bung; probably a
good idea to replace it when you do the repair. Or, take it to a shop.


Gary

 

Hi Gary,

Thanks a lot for your clear and useful information. I appreciate it.

Regards

Martin