Hey guys,

I know this is a relatively simple process but heres my concern.

I have a 91 240 sedan and i have read that to drain the radiator you disconnect the lower radiator hose from the engine block just above the alternator. But if i do that then dont i risk getting coolant on my alternator? Is there an alternative way to drain the coolant? I dont see a plug in the radiator. thanks for the help in advance.

Matt

 

Good question

I was thinking of changing the coolant in both my 240's. My Volvo guy done it once or twice, but with 3 cars it's time I start doing more DIY stuff on the 240's to save $$$$$.

I will let my Volvo guy deal with the V70

Hope someone replies to you post with the best way to get this job done.

 

I disconnected the lower radiator hose from the radiator. It makes a bit of a mess, so have a good sized drain pain and a bunch of newspapers around.

 

My radiator didn't have a plug.

 

My 91 240 radiator does not have a plug either..just looked

Maybe it's a after market radiator put on by the old owner

 

On the 240 (740 and 940 too) there is a coolant plug on the right side of the engine, usually above the oil filter. It's a brass nipple with a 13 mm(?--going from memory) shut-off nut.

 

BTW, is there a volvo part number for the correct thermostat?
or what is the temp of the correct one?


thank you

 

I was wondering on the drain, refill with water, drain, repeat then refill with antifreeze method. Since you don't drain the block completely from the radiator hose method, when the pure water drains out on the 2nd, or 3rd drain and refill, and you refill with a 50 50 blend, you might be getting a new total of 33% mix of the 50-50 antifreeze, since your block is still full of pure hose water (since no one is probably gonna use distilled water for the drain, drive, drain method), Therefore, when you are full, done and ready to ride again, you are approx 2/3 water 1/3 antifreeze. My calculations arent scientific nor mathmatic, but it just stands to reason, since you arent draining your entire block. Am i wrong?

 

i live in the south, where the heat/humidity already tax these and every car. I bought my car from wonderful, cool, dry colorado, and found a 71c tstat (160 degree) in it. I have no idea of why they wanted to do this, but i also almost boiled over, when my car almost boiled over and I found a piece of cardboard between the condenser and radiator. UGH I replaced it with an 82c tstat. My advice, buy a good one from ipd, or fcp groton. I bought one from autozone and it was new, and it was bad. I boiled over.

 

IPD, and im sure other places sell a pliar like devise to clamp off hoses to avoid dumping fluid everywhere... I would imagin they would work awesome for a heater core job, and help keep someone from making a mess doing a radiator or themostat.