1987 volvo 740 turbo looses spark

The pump can be running but not pumping any fuel.
When it stops running you will need to figure out if you are loosing spark to the plugs or fuel to the injectors.

Someone will need to figure out if you are loosing spark or fuel when the engine will not stay running.

Very common problem with the Volvo 2.3 is the fuel pressure regulator .When this device fails it does not hold fuel as it should and return all fuel needed to start the vehicle, To trouble shoot it a mechanic would get a needle nose plier and crimp the return line if it stays running and as he releases the crimp and it stalls its the fuel pressure regulator that needs to be replaced, Another way he can determine if the regulator is at fault is to check the oil if it has raw gas smell in it it a sure bet the fuel return regulator has failed,

when car dies check for spark if you have no spark check the igniter and coil as well as spark plugs cap and rotor

pull down the flat plate in the roof consul,then using the allen key in the tools supplied,wind it back/forward to open/close.

here you go
Firing Order and Reinstalling Plug Wires:
B230F/T or B234 Four Cylinder: Firing order 1-3-4-2.

• Rear distributor: Left-to-right terminals are 4-3-1-2
• Side distributor: Front terminal is 1, thence clockwise around to 3-4-2
• Plugs: Front-of-engine-to-back: 1-2-3-4

try pushing the 4 wires on the radio supression relay into the connector, then try starting it... does it start, run, then die? those connectors ****, i've had the same prob. have you let it huff on some ether? (starting fluid) does it come to life? that would confirm weather or not it its fuel related. my 740 i was loosing voltage to my injectors 10 volts and under, causeing them to inttermittantly not fire, caused by a bad connection at that supression relay.

For the 1987 Volvo 740 4-Cylinder (TURBO ALSO):

Cylinders:
(back)
...4
...3
...2
...1
(front)

Distributor/Ignition Connections:
.......(back)
...o....o....o....o
...4....3....1.....2
.......(front)

Maybe bad Power Stage/Inquiry:driving down the highway at @ 60mph with 1/4 tank of gas in 100 degree temp inwell kept 84 760 Turbo; car just dies, engine turns over but will notstart] [Response:] Well, when my '84 760 Turbo died for no apparentreason as you describe, it was in the freezing dark, going over Donner Pass.Everything on the car worked except no spark and the engine wouldn't run. It turned out to be the ignition module, which is mounted on the inner driver'sside fender well, above the battery, close to where someone else mentioned theballast resistor was located. It's easy to get to and replace. Ifthat turns out to be the culprit, shop around before buying the new part. Volvo dealers charge several hundred $$$ for this thing, but I found one froman independent parts distributor for about $90 - the identical part madeby BOSCH with the same part number on it.

even your freind adjust it it should run deal the timing later,check if you have spark,then check it if you have gas coming in,the way you describe the problem is you have a cold starting problem,you gonna check a lot of thing in there,the best thing i can tell you is chance your ECT get it from the dealer