Volvo: 92 240 slow to start, fuel pressure regulator, crank sensor

Question
I 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

Answer
Hello! There are many causes for that problem. Some of the more common problems would be, a crank sensor, fuel pump check valve, fuel pressure regulator or ignition module. I thinks the only way the car would be "unsellable" is if it will not start at all. Although, it would be nice to fix the problem before it is sold. It is best to have it checked out before it leaves you stranded. I hope this info helps.


Jimmy