1991 Volvo 240 No Start After Empty Tank

VOLVO 240
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AMBERJ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Volvo 91 240 Station Wagon, 195,000 miles. I just ran out of gas and pushed my car to a station. when i filled it up, it still wouldn't start. I was told by a friend that he thought I needed to prime my carburator before it would start again. the problem is, I am mechanically illiterate and don't know how to do this. I am also extremely broke and don't want to pay for a tow and mechanic if I don't have to. Is this an easy process, and if so, can someone explain it to me? Many thanks. AJ
Dec 19, 2006 at 7:17 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
Gas engines really shouldn't need to be primed. Try taking off the air cleaner to expose the throat of the carb. Pour in a very small amount of gas and fire the engine up. If it starts and stays running that is great. If not, do it one more time. If it starts and then dies and it happens the next time as well you have either a float is the carb that is stuck shut or your fuel is not getting in to the carb. Fuel pump, fuel filter, etc.

One thought is that when you run out of gas all the crap from the bottom of the tank gets sucked in to the line. Could be plugged line or your filter took a big load and plugged up.
Dec 19, 2006 at 1:03 PM

Suggested Repair

Remove the air cleaner and pour a very small amount of gasoline into the carburetor throat, then try to start. If it starts and dies again, check for a stuck-shut float or no fuel reaching the carburetor, including the fuel pump, fuel filter, and lines. Debris from the bottom of the tank after running out of gas may have plugged the filter or line.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1991 Volvo 240 wagon ran out of gas, refilled it, and it still would not start. A friend suggested priming the carburetor. The expert said gas engines usually should not need priming, and advised putting a very small amount of gas in the carburetor throat after removing the air cleaner. If it starts and then dies repeatedly, a stuck float or a fuel delivery problem such as the pump, filter, or a line plugged by tank debris is likely.

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