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Last week I got a lot of repsonse to my emissions question on my trusty 240 (thank you!). I decided to go all out and replace the catalytic converter and the O2 sensor. I found the cat for only $75 at Autozone and the sensor was $18 at the same place. After a few bloody knuckles to appease the swedish Brickgod, I went out for a test drive. Everything was fine. Yesterday, my wife drove the car to the emissions station for Bob's (hopefully) final test. As she was sitting in line waiting, a loud squeal was heard coming from the engine room (one of the squirrels?). She shut Bob down for a few minutes until she was motioned to the testing area. At that time, he started fine with no further squeals. My wife was asked to wait in the lounge ("too dangerous out here, lady") while the hose was hooked up. Everything was going well. The operator brought Bob up to speed and just as he was cruising at 55 on the virtual highway, BANG! More noises, smoke, steam. My wife looked on horrified as fluids leaked out and men ran to Bob's aid. The car was pushed out of the bay for inspection. Heads shook, sympathies exchanged. Bob was ignominiously towed 20 miles home (at no small cost) to await my return from work.
As best I can tell here is what happened: One of the 4 small screws that holds the fan/clutch assy to the pulley and water pump could stand no more pressure. It let go, putting more pressure on its kin, who, after valiantly trying to hold on for about a nano second, gave up. The fan, now free, rocketed forward only to find its way blocked by the radiator. After searching in vain for a way out (and exploring every possibility), it came to rest (miraculously undamaged) just aft of the radiator. I forgot to mention that the double pulley that is also held on by the same screws took a short trip as well. The water pump, with nothing to turn it, stopped. The engine, however, was being manipulated by a Maryland State Cretin who must have thought noises like what he just heard were common to Volvo and kept driving at 55 until my wife frantically began knocking on the safety glass of the lounge to direct his attention to the various fumes and liquids emanating from Bob. It was then he was pushed, still smoking from the bay. Further inspection revealed the two water pump fan belts were undamaged (though both were inside out). A trip to Autozone brought home a $27 water pump and new belts (WHAT IDIOT designed the tensioning system for the AC compressor??!!) A small amount of blood later, all was well. Sort of. Upon filling the radiator, it was noticed that an equal amount was coming out of said radiator.
Today's job is to locate, buy and install a radiator (after work, of course) so Sponge Bob can be used for urgent business tommorrow (and maybe another emissions check).
Stay tuned.
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