TonyS
Well-Known Member
I used to have your problem. Sometimes the impeller only lasted 2 months. The cause is the pump running dry. If it is wet all the time the impeller will last years.
There is virtually no water lost when you remove the 1" hose from the entrance to the heat exchanger. It has drained out into the exhaust when you stop the engine. You will find the bits there which can easily be felt with your finger and removed with long nosed pliers or they will be stuck in the outlet of the pump. The way to keep water in the pump is to fit a non return valve just after the pump. It costs less that £10. I last replaced an impeller 5 years ago and examine periodically as I have also fitted a speed seal. My engine has done more than 1400 hrs. A second benefit is that your water seal behind the pump will also last for ever, so you won't need a new pump. I discussed the NRV with Volvo at SIBS. They said don't tell anyone as it will cost Volvo a fortune in spares!
There is virtually no water lost when you remove the 1" hose from the entrance to the heat exchanger. It has drained out into the exhaust when you stop the engine. You will find the bits there which can easily be felt with your finger and removed with long nosed pliers or they will be stuck in the outlet of the pump. The way to keep water in the pump is to fit a non return valve just after the pump. It costs less that £10. I last replaced an impeller 5 years ago and examine periodically as I have also fitted a speed seal. My engine has done more than 1400 hrs. A second benefit is that your water seal behind the pump will also last for ever, so you won't need a new pump. I discussed the NRV with Volvo at SIBS. They said don't tell anyone as it will cost Volvo a fortune in spares!