How To Change a B230 Water Pump

Volvo has used virtually the same water pump on all four cylinder engines, from the B18B until the B230F. Volvo rates this job at 1.6 hours of labour and the cost of a new factory water pump is about $125 (Canadian). Add to this amount if any of the hoses show any signs of cracks. If you haven't had the timing belt changed in 80,000kms, then this might be an opportune time to replace the belt. Count on your garage to add the customary "shop supplies". If on the other hand you would like to save the high cost of labour ($55 per hour plus 15% tax in Canada) and experience the satisfaction of doing the job yourself, read on. This job can be easily performed in an afternoon providing you have all of the parts on hand.
  • 1. The water pump is attached to the front face of the engine block, by six (6) nuts and bolts, with an orifice on the top to the cylinder head, another on the right rear where a metal pipe is joined to the pump and the bottom radiator hose connection, also on the right hand side. To view a picture click here (26K bytes).

  • 2. Remove the fan, centrifugal clutch and loosen the fan shroud. If the bolts attaching the clutch are rounded, be prepared for a long ordeal (or take it to a reputable garage). Use a high quality 10mm open ended wrench for the fan bolts. Slack off the power steering pump (loosen top front bolt before loosening the adjusting screw), remove the fan pulley and the top part of the timing gear cover. To view a picture click here (29K bytes).

  • 3. Remove the bottom plastic splash pan, if attached, then drain the antifreeze/coolant by undoing the radiator hose connection at the water pump. Place a pan under the hose to catch the coolant.

  • 4. Remove the 4 bolts, 1 nut and bolt (for the rear metal pipe) and the bolt near the timing gear belt. I suggest you place a rag under this bolt, otherwise the bolt and washer could drop into the bottom timing gear cover. To view a picture click here (16K bytes). At this time inspect the timing belt and if it appears worn or it hasn't been changed in 80,000km, you should consider changing it now. Mine was changed 40,000km ago, so I decided to leave it for now.

  • 5. Make certain that you have new rubber seals for the top connection and for the metal pipe. You will also need a new gasket for the surface mount onto the engine block. To view a picture click here (22K bytes). I suggest you buy new studs and nuts for the fan/clutch. I didn't do this and had difficulty removing the old studs without damaging them.

  • 6. Clean the surface of the engine block with a putty scraper to remove all traces of the old gasket or grease. Clean the metal hose flange with sandpaper or a metal brush. To view a picture click here (27K bytes).

  • 7. Install the new water pump now, after installing the new rubber seals and gasket. No gasket sealing material is required. Install the pump from its bottom, bringing it upward to compress the seal at the cylinder head. Install all of the nuts and bolts, tightening them uniformly to achieve a proper seal with the block. Use a rag for the bolt nearest to the timing belt and attach the radiator hose. To view a picture click here (29K bytes).

  • 8. Install the pulley over the studs, attach the steering pump belt and then tighten the steering pump. Put the fan shroud in place (don't connect it yet) and then attach the centrifugal clutch and fan. Use new bolts and be careful not to overtighten them.

  • 9. Bolt the fan shroud in place, attach the splash pan, then fill the overflow tank with new antifreeze.

  • 10. Start the engine, allowing it to reach operating temperature, checking for leaks and top up the expansion tank if necessary. To view a picture click here (26K bytes).