Volvo: 240 GLE engine stalling, matter of honour, dash light

Question
My daughter was given a 240 GLe by her boyfriend so she would have a car to drive to work. He always had a bit of trouble with it quiting while driving. It was not in the best shape so I took it in and had the following done before i would let her drive it. Front end tie rods replaced, alignment, new mass air valve(?), new spark plugs and wires new distributor, tune up. She drove it about a week when it stalled out 7 times, I found a bad alternator so I bought a new on.

She drove it home from the repair shop and the next day in the morning it wouldn't start. It cranked but it woundn't turn over. When I got home
it started right up and I put it into the driveway. That night my wife drove it, no problem. This morning she started it up, it died, she stared it up after a few tries, then it died again going out of the drive way. I could not start it again. All of the dash light s come on as normal, I can hear the starter turning but it just won't fire off and run. I know when I get home tonight I will start it right up, with out any problem. I am flustered. this car has probably cost more in parts and repairs than it is worth so now it is a matter of honour. Any ideas.

240 GLE
1986
4 door sedan
no turbo

Richard Boisvert

Answer
I had this exact problem with my 245 for months before I figured out what it was.  Turns out, the 12V contacts around the outside of the coil had enough corrosion on them to cause random no start issues, while other times it would run perfectly.  I pulled off all the contacts, thoroughly sandpapered all surfaces to bare metal, and reconnected them.  It has worked perfectly since then.  I would give that a try.  Good luck!