I seem to have coolant leaking from under the black plactic cover on top of the head. It'r running off the back of the motor dripping past the turbo and onto the ground. am I crazy? I have not taken it apart yet but I cant think of what could be leaking coolant from the top of the head. Any ideas?

 

You need to pull the cover and see where it is coming from. There is nothing in the top of the head that would leak coolant.

 

Ok, so I degreased the motor prior to my initial post and I guess it was just some water that was stuck on top vibrating around as the engine was running and periodically dripping off the back as the front of the car is on jack stands. I went underneath and saw that the hoses that are just under the turbo were quite swolen and wet. These seemed to be the source of the leak. I removed the first one and then decided to take the second one off as well. This is the one that goes to the heater core. I went up top and found that someone had broke the clips off the heater core adaptor and both hoses that go into the firewall were siliconed in place. I decided to just bypass the heater core all together as this is an old beater that isnt worth much time. I also rigged up a new hose for the turbo coolant line. Got it all back together and clamped up tight. I also used some brakeclean to dry up the entire area beforehand. Next I filled up the coolant resevior and started the engine. I looked under the car and coolant is steadily streaming to the ground. I got underneath and I cant see it leaking from any hoses etc. It looks like it's coming from the back of the motor/transmission interface. Like where the flywheel is. Are there any freeze plugs that might be leaking inside there? This car runs very good but Im not going to pull the transmission. At least I dont feel like doing it at the moment. Please help!!!

 

There is a heater hose by the back of the head just above the transmission. Check that one.

 

I didnt see any leaks from above. I will check again. If that's not it, is there any plugs or anything that can leak at the rear of the engine? I guess the head gasket could be leaking at the water jacket. Make sense? I guess i need to get a manual. I am really curious to see what the back of the motor looks like. Im thinking freeze plug. Is that possible?

 

I think there is one there. But i have never seen one blow out.

 

Maybe this will help

 

Thanks guys! Tech nailed it. It was the heater core hose where it goes into the head just under the larger hose that goes around to the firewall side. This car is really not worth much time or money so I just used some 1/2" heater hose and connected it to the other hose I put in earlier that goes into the hard tube facing the firewall. Hope that makes sense. Anyways, Im stoked! The system is holding pressure and no leaks! Thank you Volvo forums.com!!!!

 

Glad you found it!

 

Does anybody know the size of a Freeze Plug for a 1994 850?