My Volvo's got a water leak

IanC

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My Volvo\'s got a water leak

I've got two AQ140a petrols in my boat - and one has started with a little water leak - noticed some water in the bilges (not normal) and found water just dripping from somewhere behind the water-impeller housing - but at the back somewhere nearer the main block of the engine and definatelty not coming from the imepeller thingy itself (at least at the front or as far as I can see). What do you think is leaking - and is it a job that I can tackle - has anyone got any ideas that can help me?
IanC
 

alan

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Re: My Volvo\'s got a water leak

It could be the raw water pump as if the seal behind the impeller is worn then the water actually exits behind the pump itself and it is very difficult to be sure exactly where the water is coming from. If it is the rubber seal behind the impeller then it is easy to replace, and there have been a number of threads on this subject. You need to identify which pump is fitted to your engine and buy the correct seal for that pump (preferably not from a Volvo agent !!)
Question: Is the water you find in the bilge fresh or salt water.

Alan.
 

scottie

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Re: My Volvo\'s got a water leak

if water is leaking in this area check for rust on timing gears as timing belt can slip
 

VicS

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Re: My Volvo\'s got a water leak

Presumably you have antifreeze in the engine circuit. Does the water leaking contain antifreeze if so its coming from the engine cicuit. You should be able to tell if it is the engine coolant leaking by monitoring the level in the head tank.

I believe these engines are basically the B21a that was fitted to Volvo 240 cars many moons ago and I assume the pump is similar. If not all that follows is probably rubbish.

If we are talking about a leak from the engine coolant pump then the places to look are, starting with the most likely:

1 There is a small weep hole in the underside of the pump shaft housing which allows any water that passes though the seal to escape before wrecking the bearing. Its difficult to see though. It's about half way between the main body of the pump and the pulley flange. In fact if the same pulley is fitted as in the car it is impossible to see without a small mirror, if at all.

2 The joint between the top of the pump and the underside of the head could be leaking. When a pump is refitted, with the head in place, it has to be forced up to compress this. (Two of the bolt holes are elongated to to facilitate this)

3 Least likely the joint between the pump and the block

Also on the car there is a connection on the back of the coolant inlet pipe for the return from the heater. Could this be just blanked off and leaking?

If it is the seal in the pump I think you may have replace the pump. I had to in the car (About £80 15 years ago!)

If it is any of the joints use a radiator sealant. I always put some in the car as a matter of course. They are very effective.

If its the raw water pump I cant help save suggesting that is the seal which is perhaps replaceable.
 
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