Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

[bjcsc]

Well today I decided to finally winterize, but I was not able to start my engine. I ran my normal procedure, cycled the linkage, left it ~1/4 throttle turn the key and ... nothing. Checked the switch for voltage to and from when in starting position - both OK. Pulled the relay and checked it per the manual - all OK. Checked for current through all breakers - all 3 OK. Checked for battery voltage at starter solenoid (battery cable) - had it. Removed all small wires from starter and reinstalled (no corrosion on any of them). Checked for 12V at small terminal while key in starting position - nothing. Hmmm....hooked up my emergency starter solenoid jumper wires/switch (thanks to Don S.) and the engine cranked but did not start. Checked safety switch - continuous. Cycled the linkage a few more times for fuel, tried the key and it cranked but did not start. Noticed that the throttle was in neutral position. Moved it back to 1/4 turned the key...nothing. Moved it back to neutral while holding the key in the starting position and it started cranking...moved it back to 1/4 and as soon as it left the neutral detent it stopped cranking. Looked at the back side of the throttle assy, saw a little metal box (seemed to be part of the assy) with a black and red wire. I don't know what that is. I don't have transmission/gears so I would assume there is no shift interrupt.

I'm not sure what to check next...

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

Cycled the linkage a few more times for fuel, tried the key and it cranked but did not start. Noticed that the throttle was in neutral position. Moved it back to 1/4 turned the key...nothing.

Sounds like your neutral safety switch is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. If you aren't in neutral, it won't let the starter crank the engine.
Don't you use the neutral only position with a jet drive? Should be the same process.

When it would crank and not start, did you have spark?
Did you try pouring a small amount of gas in the carb to see if it will fire?

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

Don't you use the neutral only position with a jet drive? Should be the same process.

Yes, but you know, I don't remember if I pulled the neutral button out or not. It's usually out, but I don't remember checking. All it does is disengage my gate...never thought about it being necesary, but I'll find out...

When it would crank and not start, did you have spark?
Did you try pouring a small amount of gas in the carb to see if it will fire?

I did not check and did not try any fuel, but I will. I'll report back and thanks...

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

OK, well I learned something. Apparently I overlooked the neutral button. It was in. I pulled it out and now it cranks normally. I guess I never realized it had to be out, but just had it out normally (until today). Sorry for the dumb mistake. But it still won't start. It appears that my fuel pump is shot. It has a bullet connection on the power lead and I disconnected it and used my starter jumper to wire it straight to the battery and got nothing. Bummer...Don, can you confirm the part number for the pump to be 3858261?

I noticed the pump pictures seem to have some type of connector. Mine does not look like that, it just has a red and black coil wire (like a phone cord) coming from the top of the pump. If that is a connector, is it possible for me to get the wire harness end? If so, does it have a part number or do you know where I could find it?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

I was just about to ask you about the bullet connector thing. Can you post a picture of your pump and connectors. The pump you have in your post above is what it should look like, and there is a connector for it.
What may have happened is that connector piece was pulled off by a previous owner and the bullet connectors you now have added. Did you check both the positive and the ground?
Not sure about buying just the connector. I don't have access to all the Volvo stuff like I used to.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

Here's what I have and agree that the PO (or someone) did some tinkering:

I did check the ground and it was good. I disconnected that bullet connector and ran 12v straight to the pump side, checked to make sure the voltage was there as well - no response from the pump.

This is from my Fuel System manual, the pump matches, and the piece labeled "C" is what I'll need (either that or some way around it - although I prefer it to be correct)

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

OK, I found this. Not sure what 13 is, but the connector must be 22,23,or 24 (or all of them?):

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

Yea, your pump has been re-engineered by a previous owner or his favorite backyard hack.
The connector (C) in your second picture is what you need. Volvo only sells it in pieces and trying to find which pieces is almost impossible.
You might check with a Volvo dealer, we used to save old wiring harnesses for the pigtails.
Might also check with a Merc outboard dealer. I'm pretty sure it's the same connector as the Optimax direct injectors use.

22, 23, and 24 may be it. Hard to say.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

Yea, your pump has been re-engineered by a previous owner or his favorite backyard hack.

I figured so...

Well, I'll guess I'll start hunting for it. Thanks for the help and giving me a couple places to start. 3858261 is the right Volvo Pump#, correct?

Oh, and when I find it, is there a way to find the polarity (provided it is not obvious by wire color, etc.) without damaging the pump?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

Yea, that's the right part number for the pump. I think I have a connetor at work, and will check which one is + and which is -

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

Yea, that's the right part number for the pump...will check which one is + and which is -

OK thanks.

I think I have a connector at work

Hey, I have stamps!...or I could UPS a case of beer...

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 4.3GS Cranking Situation...

I have one at work that I made a pump test harness out of. LIke I said, I will check it to see which wire is + and which is -. I ain't gonna part with it!.