Coolant leak

hheaton · Post by **hheaton** » 15 Jan 2011, 11:35

I have a 1994 960 with 235k on it. There is a coolant leak coming from (facing the cabin area) the lower left corner of the cambshaft cover in front of the engine block. I checked the oil; there does not appear to be coolant in the oil. The leak does not appear to be coming from the radiator. I first noticed it a couple of weeks ago. Added coolant to the overflow. No problem for two weeks or so. Then it began leaking like a sieve. Question: Do I have to have the radiator pressure tested, or does it appear to just be hoses in need of replacement? Also, is there somewhere I can get diagrams of the radiator hoses?

Much Obliged,

Post by **JDS60R** » 15 Jan 2011, 13:43

You must investigate the leak yourself. Every car can develop its own leaks. So without pictures we would not be able to share an opinion. perhaps the part diagrams , attached, will help. If it is coming out as fast as you say you should be able to visually find the leak .

For hard to find leaks I add a specially made dye to the coolant and trace it with a UV light. Volvos hate coolant leaks. An overheated Volvo motor is a bad thing

Post by **writer100** » 15 Jan 2011, 13:46

It is not leaking from the camshaft cover.

It is possible that the outer portion of the head gasket is blown, in which case the coolant will squirt out as the engine runs. If so, this is not a good scenario.

Have you viewed the leak while the engine is running? Obviously, that is the best way to locate the leak.

Post by **jimmy57** » 15 Jan 2011, 14:58

The water pump is under the timing belt cover and the cover comes off with removal of the one bolt so you can inspect with light and mirror.

hheaton · Post by **hheaton** » 16 Jan 2011, 21:08

Ok, I am being told it is a blown head gasket. I am a girl and unable to repair this myself. (No time, tools, and lack of knowledge!) At what point do I decide it is time for a new car? The intermittent gas smell in the engine compartment is still there. The rest of the car is immaculate inside and out- it just rolled to 236k-

Post by **jimmy57** » 16 Jan 2011, 21:49

Tell us what has already been done to the car please. How long have you owned it?

hheaton · Post by **hheaton** » 17 Jan 2011, 10:24

Hi Guys,

I have owned the car since 98. Bought it with 77k on it from someone who gave new meaning to the word "anal rentetive". (Records of everything down to wax used, and plastic from factory still on carpet under two sets of mats.) All services done thru 150k; I normally take very good care of my vehicles, though the last couple of years I had been unable to. All fluids need to be flushed. Outside of that, it needs cosmetic items, windshield, tires, nothing else. Do oil every 3k, using Volvo filters; plugs and air filter when needed, brake pads fairly recent. Engine light has been on for 1/1/2 years; old mechanic told me not to worry about it. (have never gotten a good reason why it is on from anyone.)
AC compressor replaced 8/03
Ball joints and control arm stay bushings 6/04
Timing belt and tensioner at 190k
Fuel pressure regulator 3/08
Intake hose and manifold gasket 4/09
Serpentine belt 4/09
Fuel pump- in tank and outside of tank-7/09- 12/09
Codes that have come up recently are 241-221-113-115
I hope that helps!

Thank you to all of you for your expertise and help!!!!!

Post by **jimmy57** » 17 Jan 2011, 11:34

I would think it is time to park it. The repairs will not make the car worth any more than it is now and the repairs will probably cost more than the trade in value of the car or its worth on Craigslist. More importantly, if someone runs into and it is totalled the amount you will get paid is likely less then the repairs.
I am referring to what a head gasket job with no surprises and what a windshield will cost.
I would hate to part with a car I had and put care and money into but at some point a car without significant classic car value is a money pit if you are paying someone to do the repairs.
I would expect that you will need auto trans overhaul within 50K miles, probably some ball joints and another round of control arm bushings, etc, etc. The codes could mean wiring harness for engine, EGR temp sensor, and an oxygen sensor.
Someone may have another point of view but I always have to temper repairs with car value.

hheaton · Post by **hheaton** » 18 Jan 2011, 09:46

Thank you for your input Jimmy, I really appreciate it!!!

lee238004 · Post by **lee238004** » 18 Jan 2011, 10:05

I would think to check the water pump.If its not ever been replaced may be a good place to start.Did you have it checked by someone who told you it was the headgasket?I have had a few cars that the water pump started going out and it was slow and then as it got worse it was pouring out of the car.The water pump has a weep hole that when it goes bad it will loose coolant through letting you know it is going bad.I am pretty sure it is under the camshaft cover.I hope this helps.