diff --git a/heat/engine/clients.py b/heat/engine/clients.py
index 71166ce3e..ff70fe993 100644
--- a/heat/engine/clients.py
+++ b/heat/engine/clients.py
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ class OpenStackClients(object):
 
     def cinder(self):
         if cinderclient is None:
-            return self.nova('volume')
+            return None
         if self._cinder:
             return self._cinder