Hot when idling, normalizes when giving gas

TipTopTommyT · Post by **TipTopTommyT** » 13 Dec 2011, 20:59

Folks - symptom just started this past week....when driving along, the temp seems ok....but at a stop light or idling for a while, engine gets hot.

Yes the fans are working. I smell coolant but must be just vapor because fill level on overflow tank is fine.

Any ideas? Was thinking thermostat, maybe it still opens and closes but not as much as needed?

Nuttydriver · Post by **Nuttydriver** » 14 Dec 2011, 09:53

It could be the impeller on the water pump going bad.

Post by **Fish stick88** » 14 Dec 2011, 10:06

Check your service record, it sounds more like water pump, as that would be flowing less at an idle. If im not mistaken, I did my water pump at 130k and it was almost gone.

Post by **fazool** » 14 Dec 2011, 14:08

exacerbated by loss of air flow through the radiator. Thats why cars overheat in traffic jams.

Post by **rspi** » 14 Dec 2011, 15:12

When you say HOT, what does that mean? Does the needle in the cluster raise? A water pump has a built in clutch, they usually start to leak when that clutch starts to wear out or go bad. If you look at a new water pump you will see a weep hole in the housing near the gear that the belt drives. When internal wear or failure happens, coolant is suppose to leak from that hole. I would suggest pulling the belt cover and looking for some coolant.
http://volvoforums.com/forum/members/rs ... p-2139.jpg

TipTopTommyT · Post by **TipTopTommyT** » 14 Dec 2011, 19:28

Thanks all.
RSPI - yes, I mean that the needle runs past the halfway point but not maxed...no steam from under hood. Maybe the coolant smell is indeed coming from the water pump. I'll have to check.