I will be looking at Cleaning a Mechanical Fuel Pump used on Volvo Engines. Again only earlier produced models with Carburettors e.g. B16, B18/B20, B30 and B14 engines have mechanical fuel pumps which are located on the side of the engine being driven by the camshaft.

In order to maintain a smooth operation of the engine – a factor which will significantly affect fuel consumption – regular check of the fuel pump filter should be carried out.

1/  Various types of  Mechanical Fuel                2/ This is another ‘AC’ pump fitted to 
pumps can be found on Volvos being                 later 120’s. 1800’s (Carb Models only) 
driven by the camshaft. The above with a           140’s, early 240’s and Carb Model 164’s
glass bowl is fitted to PV’s, early 1800’s           
and 120’s being manufactured by ‘AC ‘                                     

3/  For a full check, unscrew the fuel lines          4/  Remove the top cover or glass bowl
remembering to plug the one from the petrol      and wash the gauze filter in clean petrol
tank to prevent fuel loss.                                      Check the rubber sealing ring for signs
                                                                             of perishing and replace if necessary

5/  By removing the lower screws the top           6/  On older pumps two or more screws
half of the body can be lifted off and the             hold a cruciform washer which hold the 
diaphragm checked for signs of air leaks             poppet valves. These should be checked
and replaced if perforated. For details of             cleaned and replaced if damaged. Note
how to change the diaphragm is Workshop         valves are fitted opposite ways up.
Manual.

7/  Finally when replacing the top of the pump make it is the correct way round before connecting pipework. Some pumps may require priming (filling with fuel) in order to make them work. ALL bolts/clamps etc should be re-tightened – Job Done!

In this issue of the Club Magazine I will be looking at topping up the Steering rack or box as fitted to Volvo’s. On earlier produced models Steering Boxes were used e.g. PV’s, 1800’s, 120’s. 140’s and 164’s but  models produced after and including the 200 and 300 Series all have had Rack and Pinion Steering.

As with most other components on a car, the tendency by manuafacturers is for less and less servicing requirements. Like most manufacturers Volvo have moved towards Rack and Pinion Steering with most of them sealed for life and requiring no maintenance. However if you do own an older Volvo fitted with a Steering Box it is very important that you check the oil level at service intervals and for any leaks.

1/  Steering Box as found on many older             2/  Rack and Pinion Steering, as used  on
Volvo models.                                                       later produced cars and is a great
                                                                               Improvement from the drivers point of
                                                                               view  giving much more responsive
                                                                              steering.
                                    

3/  Steering boxes have a level plug or cover      4/  Some rack systems have a plug on the
that must be removed to top up the oil level       pinion housing that is unscrewed
at normal service intervals 

5/  Heavy gear oil is usually needed for              6/  On racks that require lubrication
steering boxes, topped up until it starts to           Check with workshop Manual. However 
come out of the filler hole. Check Manual          in most cases oil is used via a grease gun.
for correct Oil specification for your model        Just a few strokes though, or oil will be
                                                                             forced out of the rack gaiters at each end.

7/  Finally check all level plugs are replaced/ re-tightened  and there appear to be not leaks. Remember to check the level of Power Steering oil if your car has power steering fitted (Check Oil Specification in Manual)– Job Done!