Volvo: 1992 Volvo 240, ken rogers, 1992 volvo 240

Question
Hi Ray,

I have a 1992 Volvo 240 series that will not start after sitting up for a year. I would normally start the car every two weeks to keep the battery charged. However, the engine started running rough and later would not start at all. The engine turns over but will not start. I have checked the fuses and when I turn the key on, I hear a brief humming sound. I do not know if this sound is coming from the internal or external fuel pump. Is this a fuel problem, if so, how can I check the fuel pump(s). The car acts like it is out of gas, however, this is not the case. The car has 90,000 miles on it.

Thanks for your help.

Ken Rogers

Answer
Ken,
Test the fuel system using a pressure gauge at the rail. The pressure while running or cranking 42 psi. You could also make sure that the feed pump in the tank is working by removing the hose at the rear of the main pump and cranke over the engien to see if gas comes out.
The noise you hear might be the fuel pumps charging the fuel system, that would be normal. They will turn on for 2 seconds when the key is first turned on.