Is it me or is there a difference in longevity of water pumps on the elctric fan models? My curent '94 940 needs a new water pump again after only 3 years. Quite similar to my experience previously with my '92 940 turbo wagon that I no longer have. however, my '91 740 turbo wagon has had it's pump in for over five years now without a problem... Did I just get lucky with that one? Perhaps a different manufacturer than what NAPA gives me? Or is it that the lack of a fan attached to the pump has something to do with the failures? You'd think it was the other way 'round.

Just annoyed at having to do the pump again.....they always seem to go in
February or March, too! When it's really still too cold to enjoy the work!

There is definitely a difference in lifetime for even Volvo pumps.
When I bought my car in 1996 the (factory installed) water pump was replaced under the used car warranty @80000kms. The new (also Volvo original) is still going strong after 475000 kms. So one pump lasts 50kmiles while another lasts 250kmiles.
Could be I tend to keep the belts not very tightened as others have posted.

HTH
mila

93 945 475kmiles

Message heard and understood. Trying the OEM unit this time.
Thanks to you both!!!

I wouldn't be so fast to blame a subpar pump. Check to see what brand pump you're getting from NAPA. It may just be the German HEPU pump that is recommended. Their casting mark is one the lower part of the mounting flange best seen from the passenger side of the car. GMB (Japanese made, of supposed lower quality) is labeled on the underside of the pump, if I recall correctly.

The FAQ talks about the importance of proper belt tension. H2O pump life can be adversely affected by having the belt on too tight as it puts extra load on the end of the shaft.

(my two cents)

-Will
--
854 / 244 / Mini

Dear lark4dr,

May this find you well. Because installing a water pump is a lot of work, I'd echo Steve's comment: Volvo or HEPU, only. Your time is worth far more than the extra cost of these top-notch units.

Be sure not to over-tighten the belt. Proper tension: press on the belt with one finger. With moderate pressure (fingertip doesn't turn blue) you should be able to depress the belt by 1/4"-3/8".

My '93 940 has the factory-installed water pump (130K miles).

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook

I have four cars and notice no differences. Try a name brand (Hepu) instead of NAPA.
--
See the 700/900 FAQ at the drop-down menu above right.