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After idling for a few minutes, it stalls when I depress the gas pedal?

Tiny
PENELOPEPITTSTOP
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 VOLVO 850
  • 5 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
My vehicle starts and runs really well for several minutes as I run it up and down the driveway. Then, after idling for a few minutes, it stalls when I depress the gas pedal. It will not start again until it has cooled down. I do not dare to drive it anywhere because I'm afraid I'll get stuck. Thanks for any assistance you can offer.
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Saturday, August 19th, 2023 AT 1:41 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

What you described sounds like you are either losing the ignition spark or fuel pressure. Here is what I need you to do.

When it stalls and won't restart, I need you to see if it will start with starting fluid. If it starts and then stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change with the starting fluid, I need you to check if there is spark to the spark plugs.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, August 19th, 2023 AT 10:28 PM
Tiny
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Hi. Thanks so much for your informative e-mail to me regarding our 1997 Volvo 850 a few weeks ago. I have not been able to try any of your suggestions and now there's an additional problem. When I turn it on, there's a loud sound as though there's no oil in the engine. I checked the oil level, and it is fine; however, it has not been changed in a long time. I have been driving this car up and down the driveway for the past couple of years because we have not found anyone to work on it. It has been a great car and if you can make any more suggestions, this would be appreciated. Thanks so much for your time.

Best regards,

PenelopePittstop
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Monday, October 2nd, 2023 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

How would you best describe the noise? Also, does the noise stop after it runs for a bit of time, or does it continue as long as the engine is running?

Is it possible for you to record the sound and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, October 2nd, 2023 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
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Hi, Joe. Thanks so much for getting to me yesterday. The noise is extremely loud and is a metallic sound. I wish I could record it for you, but I do not think I can. I'll look into that today. In the meantime, thanks so much for responding to my e-mails.

Best,

PenelopePittstop
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Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 AT 5:23 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

You are very welcome. As far as recording it, most people will use their cell phone and make a video. It's just a thought. Also, if you hear a loud metallic sound, is it coming from the engine?

Joe
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Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
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Hi, Joe. The sound seems to be coming from the engine and after I e-mailed you yesterday, I thought about it some more. It sounds similar to a fan hitting metal. Just a thought. Anyway, thanks again. I have a basic cell phone and will see if I can make a video.

Best,

PenelopePittstop
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 6:34 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

Do me a favor. Remove the accessory drive belt and spin the pulleys one at a time to see if you hear any noise.

I attached a picture below and highlighted the belt tensioner. Using a ratchet, turn the tensioner in the direction I have an arrow pointing (clockwise). That will loosen the belt. Installation is the reverse.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
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Hi, Joe. I'll try to spin the pulleys today. I'm busy trying to finish outdoor projects before winter sets in. Will let you know when I've tried the pulleys. Thanks.

Best,

Pam
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Thursday, October 5th, 2023 AT 6:04 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

No problem whatsoever. I was doing the same thing after work. LOL We never know what to expect in PA. Ugh!

Take care and I'll be here when you're ready.

Joe
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+1
Thursday, October 5th, 2023 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
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Joe. Thanks for being so patient and helpful. I really appreciate this. I'll get back to you soon and if not before the weekend, I hope you have a great one. Take care and until later.
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Friday, October 6th, 2023 AT 6:22 AM
Tiny
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Good morning, Joe. I know where the belt tensioner is located; however, I do not see where to fasten my ratchet wrench. Is it the large nut on the larger wheel? Thanks.
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Monday, October 9th, 2023 AT 6:07 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

There should be a place on the tensioner to install either a 1/2" ratchet or a 3/8" ratchet. I recopied the pic from above and circled what you are looking for. Let me know if you find it. If you do, turn it clockwise to loosen the belt.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, October 9th, 2023 AT 2:41 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
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Hi, Joe. I have not had a chance to work on the Volvo. Yesterday and today, I tried to start it again. The engine turns over but will not start at this point. And I've checked out bolts under the hood to make sure everything is tight. I know we've had lots of wet weather and I have not tried to start it since the loud noise I described (maybe 3 or 4 weeks ago?). So, I just wanted to touch base and let you know that I'm still here. I do not see any place to use a socket wrench on the belt tensioner assembly. Any other ideas you can offer would be great. We live in an area where no one is interested in working on an old Volvo. The garages want to repair the late model vehicles. Very discouraging.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2023 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

I read back through everything. You mentioned the sound is similar to a fan hitting something metal. Did you check the radiator cooling fan for any evidence of it hitting?

I wish I could hear what it is doing. By chance, is there anyone that could record it for you?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, November 4th, 2023 AT 8:22 PM
Tiny
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Hi, Joe. Thanks so much for getting back to me again. Yes, I think it may be the radiator cooling fan hitting something. Now that you've mentioned it, I remember this sound when one of our previous cars' cooling fan was hitting something. Thanks so much for suggesting this as the culprit. I was trying too hard to analyze the problem and probably making it more complicated than it should be. I'm going to try and start it today and will check out that area. If I cannot start it, I will carefully look at the cooling fan area to see if there is an obstruction. Joe, thank you for being so great about getting back to me. It is appreciated. I hope you're having a great weekend.
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Sunday, November 5th, 2023 AT 5:45 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

You are so welcome. I just hope I can help. Let me know what you find. When I read back through the messages, that caught my attention. LOL I hope it is something simple.

Let me know. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Joe
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Sunday, November 5th, 2023 AT 8:13 PM

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