1997 Volvo 960 over haeting

Tiny
DONALD K. SMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 VOLVO 960
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 177,000 MILES
My volvo960 was doing great but 5days ago began running hot! Steam began coming out the anti freeze reservior signaling overheating plus when I look at temp. Gauge it was buried on red. The car was down about a half gallon of anti freeze the garage tech replaced the coolant to its proper level and I experienced no more problem until 3days ago. The car began running hot once more and while it was running hot I cut on the heat and the temp. Gauge immediately went back normal. Since driving with heater running the car has not ran hot could it be a thermostate problem or more serious developement? Thank you for your time and coming advice
Sunday, October 31st, 2010 AT 5:32 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Since the heater does work that rules out a faulty heater core and most likely faulty thermostat. I would suggest making certain the radiator fan(s) come on properly and that the water pump is not leaking.
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Sunday, October 31st, 2010 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
VOLVO SERVICE ADV
  • MECHANIC
  • 175 POSTS
I AGREE WITH BLUELIGHTNIN6, THE THERMOSTAT IS THE FIRST PART TO REPLACE. ALSO, WHEN REMOVING THE THERMOSTAT, CHECK THE UPPER NECK AT THE RADIATOR, IF IT FEELS WEAK OR SOFT, OR IF YOU SEE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST CRACK, REPLACE THE RADIATOR. I HAVE SEEN THE UPPER RADIATOR NECKS BREAK AND THEN ENGINE OVERHEATS, AND THEN BLOWN HEADGASKET.
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 7:11 PM

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