Q&A

 Master

An engine needs three basic things to start, mechanical integrity (the engine's components must be in synchronization with each other and the engine must be able to develop compression), the engine must get fuel injected into the cylinders (fuel must be injected into the engine ( there is a computer that takes inputs from many sensors on the engine, interprets these signals and decides when and how much fuel to inject into each cylinder) finally the engine needs spark to ignite the fuel injected into the engine, (the spark is also controlled by the vehicle's computer deciding when the spark arrive at the spark plug). If the components in the engine are not in synchronization due to a broken or "slipped" timing belt or chain the engine will not develop adequate compression to start and run properly. If any engine sensor has failed (crank angle sensor, camshaft position sensor, intake manifold pressure senor/air flow meter, coolant temperature sensor) any of these will cause the engine to fail to start by causing a loss of spark or fuel delivery. All these components need electricity to function, a failed fuse, relay, open or shorted electrical circuit could cause the computer, fuel pump or ignition system not to function. Unfortunately there are too many things that could cause your engine not to start to be able to pin point anything to specifically look for. Check for fuel and spark first. Its to hard to guess without being able to do some basic diagnostic tests or experience the problem you have first hand.

if it won't start with gas, check the fuses for the fuel pumps first, then listen for the fuel relay switch(es) and listen for the pumps. check the wire from the ignition coil to the distributor cap. place the cap end to the strut tower and see if it sparks.

The main concern when adding gas is it desturbs gel like
water mulk . Isolpropalyne or water gas remover at any auto parts store helps control this,however gas tanks
have been pulled and found the store you purchased your gas from was full of gulk.Thats what I call it.91 volvo starts if you open throttle bump engine one two then one two then open throttle about a tenth and then try starting
repeat as needed... never turn starter over more than 15 second.

 Rookie

I got just about the problem. no gas going to cylinders but will on starting fluid. change fuel pumps.also have jump fuel relay for pumps to run.pressure good.fire to injectionsand i found out they didn't have any pluses. I clean all the grounds i could find.still no luck anybody got any answer.before I go buy a e.c.unit. this car is a 1984 volvo with a 2.3 jetronic fuel system