After many applications of fresh anitfreeze/coolant in my 1997 Volvo 850 ive come to the conclusion i have a leak. Looking straight down into engine compartment on the left side and bottom of the block there are two drips that begin as soon as i add more coolant. I was hoping to get any feedback from anyone whos seen this before or would have an idea of what the problem is, either a leak in a line or a cracked engine block? Im super strapped for cash so i need to figure this out without taking it in. I can post pictures if anyone is willing to give me some advice. Thanks!

 

its right under what seems to be the cramshaft belt box.

 

The water pump is behind the belt cover. Pull the cover off, 12mm bolt, then look down in the bottom aft end and you'll see the belt wrapped around the water pump pulley. If you see coolant down there you have found your coolant leak. If not, you may have a leak somewhere else.

It is common for the bottom of the coolant tanks to crack and leak as well. The tank simply lifts out.

Welcome to the forum.

 

Most likely the water pump.

 

Agreed, most likely the water pump.

Best to get a angled mirror and a flashlight and look all around the area.

I dont want to throw a wrench in this but there is the slim possibility it is a cracked block. But that would have required a pretty big overheat.

 

I was just about to say that these blocks almost never crack and wow, there's a pic. Yikes!!!