QuestionI have a 1992 Volvo 240. It has 154,000 miles or so. For a few
months now it has been giving me a little trouble starting up,
especially in the morning.
When I first start up the car, the engine tends to turn over
several times before it will start. What I usually have to do is let
it turn for a little while (approx 10 seconds) and then stop. Then
I turn the key again and press on the gas pedal and it eventually
starts. Once the car has been started for the first time in a day,
it usually starts without much trouble afterwards. In addition,
there is a short, one- or two-second long grinding sound about
every four out of five times that I start the car.
The length of time that I have to let the engine turn for has
improved since the weather got warmer. I have never been in a
situation where the engine would not start...it just takes some
time.
I have been using this car to get to school and back everyday.
The total ride is about 12-14 miles. I don't use the car much
outside of short-distance driving, and because I am going to
college in the fall I would like to sell it.
I would like to know possible reasons for this starting problem,
and if any possibility would render the car unsellable.
Thanks a lot for your help,
Eash Cumarasamy
Answerthere are really many things that could do this.a few would be the engine coolant temperature sensor,fuel pressure regulator leaking out the vacuum side,possible carbon build up in the intake or on the intake valves.the noise may be the starter hanging up intermitently.this stuff should not make the car unsellable.
