VP 2003t

[Redrooster]

Hi,
I am at a loss and could really use your help.

I am a long term cruiser and I have a strange problem with my 2003t that mechanic’s who have been on board can’t resolve.
When I start the engine (2338 running hrs) I get a fine spray of coolant spraying onto the fan belt that gets flicked over everything making very hard to determine where it’s coming from.
I stop the engine, clean up then restart it after a few minuets and it’s fine.!!!!
No coolant anywhere and it will run very well all day.

Any suggestions or information would be very helpful.
I do not want to start taking it apart before understanding what the problem is.
Thanks in advance
Derek

[Neptune's Gear]

Well, if its not coolant, its raw water. To spray a fine mist it has to be under pressure, so its on the pressure side of the pump. It also has to be on the front of the motor, or it wouldn't get on the alt belt. So it must be between the pump and the oil cooler.

First, put a paper towel around the (raw) water pump - on the thin part, between the oil seal and the water seal, where the drain hole is. This is the most likely issue. Run the engine for a 20 secs. If the towel is wet, its the water seal in the pump, leaking a small amount, which is being flung off the rotating shaft, onto the belt etc.

If its dry, do the same with the pump outlet to the copper tube to the oil cooler, and progressively move along to the cooler. But the pump seal is most likely.
Or, get a decent mechanic!

[deblen]

You might find some help here http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ak-138594.html


Len

[Redrooster]

Firstly, thanks for replying.
I didn’t explain it very well but it’s coolant that’s spraying out and not raw water.
After each episode, there has been 6 so far . I top up the coolant in the expansion tank.

[Redrooster]

Hi , thanks for your reply

I didn’t explain myself very well.
It’s coolant and not raw water that’s being sprayed. 6 times now. After each episode I clean up before topping off the expansion tank

[deblen]

Originally Posted by Redrooster

Hi,
I am at a loss and could really use your help.

I am a long term cruiser and I have a strange problem with my 2003t that mechanic’s who have been on board can’t resolve.
When I start the engine (2338 running hrs) I get a fine spray of coolant spraying onto the fan belt that gets flicked over everything making very hard to determine where it’s coming from.
I stop the engine, clean up then restart it after a few minuets and it’s fine.!!!!
No coolant anywhere and it will run very well all day.

Any suggestions or information would be very helpful.
I do not want to start taking it apart before understanding what the problem is.
Thanks in advance
Derek

"When I start the engine" (cold start-hasn't been running for hours? )



"I get a fine spray...."


"Stop engine..clean up..re-start..no leaks..will run fine all day"


1. Are you over filling the coolant overflow container-there is a line on the side of it.


2. After running for some time (warming up to operating temp),does the coolant level drop?




Here is a schematic of the plain 2003 cooling system. I don't have a 2003T schematic,but it is similar. https://www.dropbox.com/s/ei0ui9tp6f...20Sys.pdf?dl=0



Len

[Redrooster]

Hi Len,

Thanks for replying

I’m not over filling the expansion tank

The spray starts immediately when starting the engine from cold.
I stop the engine, wipe up the mess. This only takes a few minuets then I restart the engine. No spray and the engine will run fine all day !!

[jamhass]

I would suspect the coolant pump, or one of the rubber seal rings on the coolant pipes. Seal rings most likely.

Pump is not too difficult to rebuild, and seals & bearings can be sourced locally. It can be a PITA to R&R the pump and seal rings but not to bad. Easiest to remove the alternator first, otherwise access to the seals and pipes is tough.

Does the leak occur immediately on startup, or does it occur as the engine heats up? You can also remove the pressure cap an see if it affects the leak.

[jamhass]

PS:

Make sure you remove all the old seal rings (and clean the mating surfaces). They can "hide" in their recesses.

[deblen]

Originally Posted by Redrooster

Hi Len,

Thanks for replying

I’m not over filling the expansion tank

The spray starts immediately when starting the engine from cold.
I stop the engine, wipe up the mess. This only takes a few minuets then I restart the engine. No spray and the engine will run fine all day !!

Suggest you remove the fan belt & then cold start the engine. You may be able to see the leak without the belt spray.
Jamhass is correct about replacing the rubber seals whenever you work on a 2000.


One of these can be helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/AllRight-Pr...569PSR4ZHMEYZR




Len

[jamhass]

You can also use a radiator pressure tester. One found my coolant pump seal leak that I put up with for a month before I was able to find it.

[Redrooster]

Thanks for the replies.

I am going to use your advice to find out exactly where the leak is coming from by trial and error. If that doesn’t work I will buy a rad tester.

I will let you know how I get on in due course.

Thanks once again to all of you that took the time to reply.

[Neptune's Gear]

The coolant leak is easier, if anything. Especially if you are using a bright coloured inhibitor. Clean and dry the front of the engine. Then start it, and check all the copper tube ends with a clean white paper towel. The colour will show well. Potential points are the two pipes exiting the head, the three on the water circulation pump, or the pump seal itself. If it’s a pump seal, they are a bit expensive, and usually fail from excessive belt tension. Be careful of the belt when testing! This is not a difficult job, just a matter of patience and cleanliness. As others have said, change the rubber seals if removing one of the pipes - it’s easier, and they are cheap. If you don’t, further leaks are very likely!

[Redrooster]

Hi,

Brilliant thanks,

Am heading towards Dubrovnik, Croatia where I hope to find the seals/ parts I may need.

[Redrooster]

Hi,

After following your advice I have found the leak which is in the pump and getting worse.
I have contacted Volvo Penta and there is no replacement pumps available. Not only in Europe but the world!!!!!
The part number is 3812236
Has anyone got one of these pumps, new or second hand?
Has anyone ever fitted a different pump with a measure of success?
I know there is a repair kit but I have been informed by three different engineers that the kit is difficult to install and not very successful even when fitted correctly.
Any help would be greatly appreciated