I can see a little cooling fluid coming from the black seal at the front of the water pump. Looks like where two pieces of the water pump come together.

O Ring? Is this the seal between the pump and the thermostat?

Is this a big job?
Water pump has to come off?
Front cover and timing belt has to come off?

Also what do these numbers mean for the thermostat?
87%XB0C/189%XB0F
Is this different thresholds? For different climates?

Thanks.

"Also what do these numbers mean for the thermostat?
87%XB0C/189%XB0F
Is this different thresholds? For different climates?"

C--centigrade, F--Fahrenheit ---- Dave

Yes, the O ring has to be changed. This is the ring between the top of the water pump and the head.Usually it seeps at start up, then it stops but eventually it has to be done. The water pump has to come off completely, and if it is questionable it should also be changed.

Now, the thermostat is not related to the pump at all on the B230, as it is on the other side under the top hose...

I used to get away with ignoring this. They would just "leak a little." Just a few drips when it gets really cold out.

Well this time it wouldn't go away. The (aftermarket) seal rubber just had no bounce in it at all after 9 years service. I replaced the donut seal (where the leak was and mostly always is) and the pipe seal, but reinstalled the HEPU pump with the paper gasket it had on it.





People on this forum say the rubber parts you get from anywhere but Volvo are trash. Could be true these days. This one was not from "these days."
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.

Thanks.

I have been ignoring the few drops as well. Barely used any coolant.

But just now, and the temp is 0 degress F, I have used a full resevoir in a 300 mile journey. Which is more than a few drops.

I will have it changed next chance.

On another topic.

Steering is very stiff for first several minutes in cold weather. Slipping belt sound for a minute, on hard truns getting out of parking spot, but as the car warms it goes away. Steering warms up Ok, but seems to be getting worse in the cvold weather. Any ideas? WOuld be nice if worked better.

My 92 940 did the same thing with the slightly stiffer steering when cold. You can try flushing your steering with nice fresh ATF, the seal softening additives in "high mileage" ATF may help tho not cure the problem(which sounds like a steering rack on its last legs). I simply use the Turkey baster method to remove fluid from reservoir and refill a couple times. Also lube up the knuckle joints on the steering column under hood.