'92 740 ? water pump going bad?

christopher t. · Post by **christopher t.** » 01 Dec 2004, 10:54

i wondered if anyone could offer a little advice? i have a 1992 740 (non-turbo) 2.3 L wagon. i generally like to do what i can, i have basic tools and ability, but not the expertise of diagnosing or mechanical knowledge. Anyway, here is my question, my coolant level has gone low, i haven't really notices any leaks, a while back i notices a little coolant outside the water pump, and i had the timing belt replaces about 4 months back, at which time the mechanic made note of a leaky water pump. Are these signs that my water pump is about to go? IN which case should i replace it immediately? And does is have to be a Volvo part, or OEM? i also read recently that it's best to replace the water pump when replacing timing belt, but does just refer to newer timing belt driven w. pumps?
Any help would be greatly aprreciated. Thank you, Christopher

arete · Post by **arete** » 01 Dec 2004, 23:01

Make sure it is the pump and not some gasket between the pump and another part allowing the coolant to leak.

TAFinley · Post by **TAFinley** » 02 Dec 2004, 08:20

On the B230 engines there is a rubber grommet-like gasket between the water pump and engine block. These deteriorate over time and will start leaking. It's a big pain because the water pump then has to be removed to replace a $0.50 part!

There is a "weep hole" in the water pump casing. If there is antifreeze leaking from the weep hole, then the water pump is probably failing.

Those are the two things to check, the rubber gasket and the weep hole.

The last time I replaced the water pump, about four years ago, I used a HEPU (German make) and it's been fine. Also it cost about a third of what the Volvo dealer wanted.

Kreg · Post by **Kreg** » 28 Dec 2004, 18:27

I have a 93 240 sedan. I think it uses the same engine as yours. I have 90kmiles and I had leaking anitfreeze.

The solution was to replace the gasket on the water pump. The symptom was the antifreeze was blowing on the exhaust and smelled like burning plastic.

Since the pump costs about $65, you may want to replace it at the same time. Note that I have heard that Volvo waterpumps last a very long time.

Kreg