340 1.7 won't start in wet - any pointers?

[Jamie]

Dear All,

I am the proud owner of a 1991 340GL 1.7, but with very little technical skill or experience at fixing mechanical problems myself and I'd be very grateful for any advice. I am having problems getting the car to start in the wet or fog. It really doesn't like to start in these conditions, and has now given up entirely. Actually it was never great at starting in any case, but it usually burst into life after a few goes.

My 340 is relatively well-cared for, and has been regularly serviced and generally doted upon for its entire life (before me, it was owned by an retired woman from new that spared no expense in looking after it), and has done 89,000 miles. When I turn the key the starter motor turns but it fails to do anything else.

I have an idea that it might need a new battery, but before I go out and get one, is there anything else that I should check or investigate? I am very unskilled indeed with a spanner (but have a Haynes manual), so may not understand responses unless they are written as if addressing an idiot!

Many thanks for any advice you're able to give -

Jamie

[SteveP]

Does it sound like it has enough power to crank over? I'd imagine it cranks over fine - since this only happens in damp/cold conditions it really does sound like ignition components. When did the car last have a service?

leads, distributor cap, rotor arm, plugs....

Otherwise, if its just cranking over too slow because of a duff battery? Hard to say, I'm sure other people will be able to chip in.

[petefarrell360]

Yeah, if it's in the damp mainly I'd go with distributor cap etc. If you keep trying to start it, does the starter sound get slower very quickly? If not then the battery is probably ok.

It may even be that the fuel is leaking back and it isn't getting any fuel until some has been pumped to the carb after trying to start the car a few times. That could be the pipes to the fuel pump in the engine bay, or those below the boot above the fuel tank, if they are the same fabric covered ones you get on a 340 that perish. Or even a dodgy fuel pump.

Probably worth doing a service first of the ignition components as Steve suggests.

Pete

[pettaw]

Steve's about pointed you in the right direction. The damp conditions make it easier for electrical components to leak voltage out of that precious spark you need.

New cap, rotor, and leads are in order, and probably best to fit a new set of plugs whilst you're at it.

Also, clean all the connections to the Renix unit, which is down the side of the car, right underneath the spare tyre, you'll probably need to lift out the tyre to see it clearly. Pull the connectors off and give them a spray with electrical contact cleaner, then reassemble.

Get the ignition components sorted and you should be set.

[mickt]

It has been very humid down here today All I can say is my 300s have always started first time every time except curiously my 89 360 has hesitated just lately after I changed the distrib cap and rotor As this was an attempt to improve fuel consumption only the old adage works If it aint broke etc etc

mickt

[petefarrell360]

Yeah, tell me about it Mick, used the van since I got it, having no time to service it initially it got used and used. Found some time to give it a service and some care, then it starts playing up, possibly the stupid auto choke, seem to have it under control now!

What make did you use Mick, genuine Volvo, or something else? Did you change the plugs at the same time, as they might be to blame?

Pete

[foggyjames]

Did the car always start ok in the dry? I.e. is this specifically a wet-weather problem? If so, it quite likely is an electrical problem. If it's simply 'worse' in the wet, it may be a fuel system problem, worsened by weak ignition due to the wet weather.

If you feel like spending some cash, getting the ignition service components already discussed can hardly do any harm as long as you get quality items. Otherwise, it might be most wise to get a local garage with a good reputation to take a look at the car for you.

cheers

James

[mickt]

What make did you use Mick, genuine Volvo, or something else? Did you change the plugs at the same time, as they might be to blame?

Pete

After I changed the bits the car needed a bit more throttle when warm to start - used gen V parts from V dealer here who insists on putting the reg no into the computer (not just the VIN ) but the original records said it was a GLT engine which is wrong I had no troubles getting identifying spares for the 1.7s but the 360s have had more changes Whenever I change the plugs on my cars the old ones always seem clean in good condition As for Jamie It is amazingly similar to my initiation into 340s which was acquiring at this time of year in wet weather a 1.7 l and it wouldn't start properly -this was top of the inlet manifold warped scenario causing it

Solving this problem expeditiously is what got me into these cars so I am grateful really They are too reliable aren't they lets admit it

cheers mickt

[Jamie]

Dear All,

Many thanks for all the replies on this, I'll certainly take the advice on board if I do decide to keep the baby volvo. I have been thinking of replacing her for a while, and if I decide to go down this route I'll post a few pictures of it on here to see if anyone is interested in owning her.

Thanks again,

Jamie