Hey everyone,

Casual drive in my 1986 Volvo 240 yesterday, suddenly I hear a loud squealing. Pull over and pop the hood, coolant is spraying everywhere off the belt. Turn the engine off and check these forums while letting it cool. First thing I do is check upper and lower radiator hoses... good. Climb under the car, and notice that coolant is steadily flowing from inside the pulley that is attached to the water pump/fan clutch.

I always thought water pumps were a gradual fail. I literally lost all coolant in about 2 minutes. Does this sound like a water pump replacement to you? Seems obviously the case to me but I want to just get a dummy-check from the experts here.

Also, anyone have any input on Napa replacement pump... made in China, same price as the IPD one, not sure where that one is made but it's got some good reviews, rather not pay for shipping though if the Napa is up to par.

Much thanks!

 

I'd get the real volvo pump, they'll last a LOT longer than any chinese crap. the rubber gaskets that come with the chinese pumps are junk, too, especially the one that goes up under the head overhang.

Volvo Water Pump Kit - B230 120516 271975, 1326342, 1378809, 270559, 271275, 271830 271975, 271830, 1326342, 1378809, 270559

 

You are right, water pumps usually tend to fail slowly but in this case it didn't--it failed "catastrophically"!

As far as quality, with the Chinese ones you never know what you'll get, at least get the premium Auto Zone one. It comes with lifetime guaranty. The seals, yeah, I 'd get the Volvo "donut' that seals the pump to the head. That seal fails much more frequently than the pump itself...

 

Many times, I'll buy the product based on price, but more importantly, ease of access. I can change a water pump in an hour or so. Autozone or OReily's pump isnt a bad deal for those type of repairs.

 

That's one way to look at it. Still, as much as I like wrenching on these things, I'd rather not be swapping water pumps more than necessary.

 

I hear ya but my last water pump was over 150k so Kragen, now OReily's worked out fine.
Sometimes you can be good, but better to be lucky!

 

For some parts it is best to fork over the extra dough and get the original. The water pump is one of them.