Hello friends, I am now on my 4th volvo, this one is for my kiddo. It is a showroom condition 86 240. It has sat for about 5 years or more and is just in need of some TLC to return her to pristine condition. I flushed the radiator, etc., as it was overheating in traffic, although oddly, not in the driveway. My first guess was expansion tank cap, but now I am thinking it could be more. I appreciate any advice, especially where to get parts in the Dallas, Texas area. Thanks so much!

 

replace the following:

thermostat - $9 the sponsors have them or cheap autozone kragen pepboys deal
fan clutch - junk yard $10 you can use one from any year til 90 I believe.

this does not work
then to the little more expensive parts
water pump
radiator - last, although you can buy a 35 dollar one from the junkyard.

try calling these guys

All Economy Foreign Dsmntlng (972) 263-2222 3975 E Main St, Grand Prairie, TX Get Directions www.autosalvagerecyclers....

 

I pulled the thermostat off last night, the valve and spring assembly had completely rusted away and was gone. I presume the remnants are in the radiator. I also replaced the radiator cap, and filled it back up and test drove. Still over heating, so I am going to pull the radiator and water pump chances are high that those old bits of thermostat are blocking the system somewhere. I appreciate your advice and will look those guys up!

KC

 

Get a IR temp gun and make sure you are "overheating" it could be a bad temp circuit board. Put the IR gun on each side of the radiator while car is running. The temp should differ by at least 20 degrees form each side if not and the temp is same on both sides...rad is bad. Always TEST first b4 you pull parts and replace or you are just chasing your tail wasting time and money and energy!!! If car is truly overheating and you find it's only in traffic most likely a weak fan clutch but who knows until you do ALL the testing first? Good luck and hope this helps..a good IR temp gun is only like $25 or $30...

 

For the good advice. I discovered some major blockage in the systemand replaced the rad, pump, fan clutch, still overheating. I thought it might be best to start a more descriptive thread with the problem in the subject line. thanks again!

 

If you do not have an IR laser temp gun GET ONE!!! $25!! Stop replacing good parts and test first, save a lot of time and money!!

 

The bypass worked, but with all the other blockage, I am sure that the other parts needed replacing. Heck it sat for 5 years without moving. Thanks so much for your help!