Mine leaking out the plastic "switch," I am beginning to get concerned there isn't one to be had, does anyone have any leads?

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

About a week ago I was taking the car out to get an alignment and I pushed the brake pedal and...nothing. Got it stopped with the e-brake and looked at the master cylinder, it was dry. Got it home and started tracing it and it was coming out the switch on the octopus.

Today I ordered two new switches from Classic Volvo Restoration, they are the only folks I've found that have them in stock--I want to get a spare. Voluparts told me they are NLA and they can't get them, so I thought if Voluparts can't get them I'd get them I'd better get a couple while I could. I wanted to just order a new octopus but everyone I checked is out of stock and back ordered. I saw some at volvo dealers but I'm always a little suspicious that even though they show them at those places they aren't in stock.

I pretty good with teflon tape and JB Weld. I'll make it work one way or the other.

I had this issue on the 89 240 in 2006 and just plugged the switch. Don't remember details but it solved my problem. Car still runs as a third car
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89 240 wagon, 94 940, 300K, 94 940, 141K

pdunn,

You can fix this by using Teflon tape. I did this to my sons 1990 octopus as it too was leaking out of that location.

I only did this after placing a new part in place, and it too leaked but at a different location.

After a careful check on the web I placed Teflon tape on the plastic piece, screwed it back in and it hasn't leaked since, and that was about 9 months or so ago.

Hope this helps.

Matt
--
1989 - 245, 1990 - 245, 1991 - 245, and 1993 - 245

I apologize in advance for yelling, but......


TRYING TO FIX BRAKE FLUID LEAKS FROM THE WARNING SWITCH BY RESEALING JUST THE SWITCH DOESN'T FIX THE ACTUAL PROBLEM!!!

LOOK AT ART'S PICTURE AND YOU WILL SEE THE ACTUAL PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY LEAKING A O-RING(S) AND/OR A DAMAGED BORE INSIDE THE HOUSING FOR THE O-RINGS!!!!

THE SEAL FOR THE WARNING SWITCH ISN'T SUPPOSED TO HOLD BRAKE FLUID PRESSURE, JUST DIRT AND MOISTURE FROM GETTING IN!!!

Unfortunately, no one is making quality replacements for the junctions and even the crappy ones aren't available either.

There are still options:

1. Reseal your junction as the O-rings are still available
2. Find a good used junction
3. Install a later junction w/o a warning switch and a brake fluid level sensor
4. Modify your junction to eliminate internal parts and add fluid level sensor

--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

I'm glad I don't pay for this kind of abuse.
--
1989 - 245, 1990 - 245, 1991 - 245, and 1993 - 245

Hello Matt,

I'm sorry, but I won't pull any punches when it comes to correcting misinformation, especially when it comes to safety items like brakes.

FYI, I've even chewed out a local Volvo repair shop as their fix was to remove the switch entirely and then install a threaded pipe plug.

BTW, I will also admit that I have spread a little misinformation and when I discovered I was wrong, I did my best to post corrections after I found out. Fortunately, it's never been anything safety related.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

Put "volvo 1273052" into your fav search engine.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Sounds like all you may need is the momentary switch and not the whole assembly - not sure which part actually keeps the fluid at bay. Either way I would try a wrecking yard or call Auto Disassembly Volvo (used parts) or Voluparts (new and used parts) both in Atlanta.

"...not sure which part actually keeps the fluid at bay."

Not the switch. The seal around the plastic switch body helps to keep moisture and crud out of the casting threads, but the high pressure brake fluid enters past the O rings on the sensor's shuttle.

Some have success replacing the O rings, but my suspicion is water-bearing brake fluid has rusted the casting and shuttle surface the O rings seal against in those cars with little brake fluid replacement history.



Also note, the term "proportioning valve" applies to the two proportioning valves just in front of the rear axle that regulate brake pressure to the rear brakes.


--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

A man was driving down a muddy road when his car unexpectedly became stuck in the puddle of mud. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to get his car out of the hole.

He abruptly noticed a villager riding his bullock cart near him.

He asked him to extricate his automobile from the mud as soon as the bullock cart arrived. The farmer used his bullocks to pull the car after they agreed to a price of Rs 1000 for the service.

He gave him the money after giving him a huge sigh of relief.

“There must be many cars that would get stuck in the muck like this,” he inquired of the local man.

The villager responded, “True sir, “You are the sixth guy since morning whose car got trapped in this mud.”

Man: “Oh my God! so you pull all of them off. “

Villager: “Yes, sir.”

Man: “This service keeps you busy for a full day pulling the cars from the mud, having no time to do your own work.”

Villager: “Very true, Sir. I have to do all my work at night only. “

Man: “Oh, I see! By the way, what is the main work that you do during the night? “

Villager: “I just ensure that this mud is never dry.”

A good part of the government’s job is to ensure that the mud is never dry. -- famous paraphrased by Abhishek

Thanks, Art. Having both worked in the tech pubs world for many years, plus being a punster myself, I can really appreciate your well constructed descriptions and closing humor. Don’t stop!

They say we need to stay six feet apart but I just can’t fathom that.

Too good and current not to steal for my collection!
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

They say we need to stay six feet apart but I just can’t fathom that.