740 waterpump leak

gbm97 · Post by **gbm97** » 15 Sep 2011, 20:16

I own a 1991 Volvo 740 which has a leak coming from the area of the water pump. It leaks while the car is not running at times.
Is this typical that a water pump can leak while the car is shut off??
Also was wondering if I change the water pump and timing belt how much extra work is it to replace the front crank seal seeing that the belt and pump will be removed.
Thanks
Gary

russellengineering · Post by **russellengineering** » 15 Sep 2011, 21:41

Hi GBM97,

I have a 940 with the B230 engine just like yours, and the exact same thing happened to me. I shut her off, and it started dripping. Incidently, my pump started leaking immediately after I replaced a leaking radiator.

It could be the pump gasket only that is bad. However, they are wear items and you might as well replace the pump and gasket since you will have to remove it anyways. The pumps are not that pricey.

You do not have to remove the timing belt to change your pump. Only the top cover of the belt has to come off, just because it is in the way. With the top cover off, it is a great time to inspect it.

If it is time to change the belt, it certainly is a good time to replace the front crank seal. You will need to fabricate a seal pusher, or buy one, so you get the seal in properly.

Good luck!

Dave

Post by **jersey240** » 16 Sep 2011, 08:23

For the seal, look here—
http://www.stepbystepvolvo.com/
The frame on the left side has a bunch of repairs. All the way at the bottom is A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Timing Belt..., and the link for Appendix B has instructions for the seal.

Somewhere in there he mentions using aftermarket seals, which tend to be red. But elsewhere I've heard that you'll end up re-doing those seals within a year or two, and that you should only get genuine Volvo seals, which are black / grey. Go to this page—http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/E ... nt.htm—and search for "Volvo OEM seals" for more.

I'm not sure about whether a water pump typically leaks when the car is off. Is the leak green / the color of your coolant? Dried coolant looks white and crystally / chalky.

gbm97 · Post by **gbm97** » 19 Sep 2011, 21:31

Hi russellengineering & jersey240 many thanks for your responses & advice.

To update whats been going on, Thursday I ordered the belt water pump & crank seal and had them installed today all but the crank seal as my mechanic had no puller for a Volvo...so he claimed.
Nothings leaking and all seems well.
I wish I had more time and money to have ordered genuine Volvo parts but such as it is...

Thanks!
Gary