I have several questions to ask. I know that Don "THE Man" Foster is an absolute genious. I relaced my drive shaft bearing/support/spring/cup several weeksa ago. He was correct. It did stop the high whining noise....for a bit. Sometimes, when it gets cold outside (50-60 degrees f.) it will start whining again. It will quickly stop after the whole thing gets warm. Does it need replacing again (was this one a bad one?)

I am thinking about my Oil Pump. My 1990 245 Wagon (which I love) has just turned over 179,000 miles. Do I need to consider an Oil Pump Change? If so, is there a way to test it WITHOUT a Pressure Gauge? If so, please tell me. If not, please tell me What I need to test it.


Also, for the Oil Pump, what recommendations do you suggest, the ScanTech OR the Febie/Bilstein Pump? Any & ALL help is GREATLY appreciated.

Todd :-)
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'90 245 178k

Don't have a suggestion about driveline noise. Oil pump I can tell you about. In the last two months I have had 2 B230s apart, both oil pumps' clearances were within factory specifications. One 1989 with 203K miles, the other was 1987 w/234K miles. Scantech pumps, at least the one that I bought and really didn't need ,are relabeled Melling pumps. Made in USA, company that has been around long time. Have used their pumps on many other vehicles, never a problem. Good pumps. If your car has had reasonable care, you probably don't need a pump. Check FAQ about oil pressure testing. Old farts' quick check is to disconnect coil wire, watch oil light in dash, crank engine until light goes out. The quicker the light goes out,the better shape your pump is in. Also note how long the light stays out after you quit cranking engine, the longer the better. Try this w/engine cold and warm. later, rcs

If the noise is back, then it probably wasn't the bearing to begin with. A new bearing should make NO noise, cold or colder. Every bad bearing I've seen makes a growling noise when spun by hand -- or sometimes won't spin at all. Soooo, try spinning this bearing and evaluate it.

Did you install a new bearing?

Only 179k miles? Barely broken in. Your oil pump should last twice that long, or longer. Why even consider it? What's wrong? (Changing the oil pump is a significant job. If I were doing this, I'd probably spring for a Volvo pump.)
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

Don,

I just got a terrible feeling about the Pump. I am trying to find someone in town that is reasonable enough to test the oil pressure. I will probably break down and buy a pressure gauge and do the job myself (testing). The local dealer wants $75.00 just to test the oil pressure. That's a LOT ridiculous.

Todd :-)
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'90 245 179k

"...got a terrible feeling about the Pump..."

Why? What symptoms?

"...buy a pressure gauge and do the job myself (testing)..."

Yes, and you'll need a flexible line and also a pipe thread fitting to fit your '90 block (think it's a metric thread but bet it's available).

Still, if you're a brickhead and really want to dive in, and if you have other Volvos, then it's probably a good investment and a valuable learning experience.

"...local dealer wants $75.00 just to test the oil pressure. That's a LOT ridiculous..."

Well, yes and no. On one hand, $75 is probably an hour's labor charge. On the other hand, most dealers' hourly rates ARE ridiculous.

I'd guess you could buy your own pressure gauge 'n hardware for less than the dealer's hourly charge.
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

Try a drop of oil on the driveshaft bearing. You can prise back the sealing ring a little bit and squirt in some oil. Spin it by hand a few times, reseat the ring, and wipe off the surplus oil. I do this about once every 50,000 miles and it keeps the bearing much quieter.
I don't think you absolutely need a pressure gauge to test the pump. It is normal for the oil light to flicker a bit at idling. As long as it goes out as soon as the revs increase then I'd say the pump is fine. My warning light has been coming on at idle ever since the car was new 285,000 miles ago.
Next time you do a service you could lift the valve cover and check that oil is being delivered to all the camshaft bearings.