Volvo: Starting, wausau wisconsin, volvo dealer

Question
I have a 1991 Volvo 740 Wagon and on occasions it will not start.  This has been a very trying problem.  The car has been towed several times and each time the car would start and could be driven off the tow truck.  

I have been told by the local Volvo dealer, in Wausau Wisconsin, that there is a problem with the fuel pump and the valve that prevents the fuel from returning to the gas tank does not work and allows the gas to return to the tank.  They feel that is why it starts slowly.  The starter turns over very well and it appears that the problem is a fuel shortage.  However nothing has been determined for sure.  

When the car does not start and it is on an incline I allow the car to roll forward and then slam on the brake and the jolt "seems" to jar something loose an the car then starts.  I have replaced the white box that is accesable via the ashtray and that had no effect.  

I am desperate please help.  The car runs fine otherwise and the fact it is a wagon has been very useful.  It is a second car and will only be used around the city but IT NEEDS TO START.

Thank You

Bill

Answer
Hello Bill! My best guess would be that it is a fuel pump fault. However, when the car is not starting you will need to know what is missing in order to get an accurate diagnosis. Otherwise, all you can do is guess. Is there spark present? Is there fuel? Is there injection pulse? These are some the the areas that need to be checked when the car is not starting. Is this car a turbo or non turbo? I could narrow it down for you if I have more info.

Jimmy