1998 Volvo S70 How to check water pump without pulling?

Post by **JDS60R** » 27 May 2015, 16:28

Buy a short piece of large diameter (same as rad hose) vinyl hose from a plumbing supply or home depot ( these are fully transparent or mostly transparent.) Use it in place of the upper hose ( from thermostat to rad). You can see the coolant flow ( leave the pressure cap off the system ) and by doing so watch the temp at which thermostat begins to open. Flow means the pump is working . Flow will increase once thermostat has opened.

Having see though radiator hoses was a "cool" thing not too long ago. You may even find a cheap one online. I think they suaged in an acrylic section .
Not suggesting you buy one of these but it displays the general idea.

Post by **precopster** » 28 May 2015, 08:05

Hey that would be so cool with Volvo OEM blue coolant, blue is my favourite colour

Also you could easily see if trans fluid is in coolant.
One of these would be nice: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... 45&alt=web

roscoerich · Post by **roscoerich** » 28 May 2015, 18:35

That does look cool, thanks again everyone. If I don't have to mess with the water pump right now, that's more than fine with me. Will keep an eye on any leaks from the water pump. Is it a bad idea to continue running the engine without the thermostat, being in the Texas heat the consensus I get is it's not really necessary, but wanted to get everyone's opinion, also could it possibly affect passing emissions test since the engine is running a little cooler. I've had issues the last three years getting it passed ( any tips?)

Post by **misha** » 29 May 2015, 08:31

I would not run a car without thermostat.
My advice is don't drive it without it.

Put in 87 or 90 degree thermostat.Let it be Vernet or Wahler(quality ones) and bleed the system properly.