740 / 760

1982-1992 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 740 / 760 problems All workshop issues

Critical Fuel System

Fuel Pump Failure

Symptoms

Car cranks but won't start, or starts then dies. Sometimes surges or cuts out at speed. You might hear the pump whirring loudly or not at all when you turn the key.

Cause

In-tank fuel pumps wear out. They're lubricated and cooled by fuel, so running the tank near empty kills them faster. 150,000 miles is typical lifespan.

Fix

Drop the tank, replace the pump.

Use Bosch 0580254044 or Volvo OEM.

Budget 2-3 hours under the car.

Some people fit an external pump as a bypass, but it's not ideal long-term.

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// More 740 / 760 problems

Other known issues

Critical Fuel System

Fuel Injector Seals Leaking

Rough idle, fuel smell in the engine bay, visible wetness around the injectors, hard starting when hot.

Common Fuel System

Fuel Pressure Regulator Diaphragm Failure

Rough idle, black smoke, fuel smell in the cabin, petrol in the vacuum line or intake manifold.

Critical Engine

Oil Leaks from Cam Seals and Valve Cover Gasket

Oil puddles under the front of the engine, sometimes dripping onto the exhaust manifold and smoking. The valve cover gasket weeps oil down the side of the block.

Critical Engine

Timing Belt Failure

The engine dies instantly, often with a loud slap or clatter. Won't restart. If you're lucky, it just stops; if you're unlucky, bent valves and a destroyed head.

Common Engine

Flame Trap Clogging (PCV System)

Rough idle, oil leaks from every seal, oil in the intake tract, sometimes a whistling noise from the crankcase breather.

Critical Engine

Oil Consumption (Turbo Models)

Blue smoke on startup or under boost. Oil level drops a quart every 500-1000 miles.

View all 27 740 / 760 problems