89 240 water pump - what does a broken one look like ...

Science · Post by **Science** » 03 Dec 2007, 12:21

Hi all

89' 240 Sedan

While driving home the thermostat raised almost to the red but never reached it. Finally after about 6 minutes of driving I heard a pop - like a shot. Immediately after that I had white smoke from under the hood. Luckily I was close to home (Very close) an I made it back to the house in less than a minute. I looked at the engine and the inside of the hood to see if the hoses where busted and If could identify where abouts the splash came from. It "looks" like the splash originated from the water pump area, or in between the pump and fan area. After inspecting the hoses I did not think they or there seals broke. I suspect it truly is the water pump itself.

I found a picture online of 2 water pumps. One is new and one is old. Mine looks like the old one complete with the "Hole" on the top. Notice how the new one does not have this Hole .....

*See below.

http://www.volvoadventures.com/240waterpumps.jpg

My question is:

Was the pop I heard, the small plate on top of this Hole bursting off?

Thanks

Sci'

rmcmighty · Post by **rmcmighty** » 03 Dec 2007, 13:23

The New Water pump does heve a hole in the same place as the old one its just tiped a bit funny and you can barely see it ... this is called a Weep hole.
When your water pump fails fluid is suppoesed to leak from this hole ! I dont know what the pop sound was that you heard though ?

Science · Post by **Science** » 03 Dec 2007, 16:12

Thank you rmcmighty,

After this discussion Ive decided to tow it to the shop. If we have no idea what the popping noise was then I don't even want to speculate.

Sci'