Hey All,

Just got my first volvo, a 1990 740 turbo. I was draining the coolant system because the previous owner was running 100% water and it freezes where I live. I drained it via the lower radiator hose and the drain plug. I had trouble getting the new coolant in, as the reservoir would stay full but the car would get close to the red so I'd have to shut it off. I was able to get a lot more in when I took off the hose from the little hose that goes from the top of the radiator back into the reservoir.

I got to the point where I was seeing no bubbles after burping the hoses, and I only had about 6 or 6.5 liters into it. I also raised the front of the car to help with the bleeding process. I found in the manual that the capacity was 9.5 liters. So do I still have 3 qts of water in my system? or is it air and all that's in there is 6ish qts of coolant? Trying to figure this out asap so aren't worried about a freeze....

 

So far, you have done many of the right things. I would suggest disconnecting the top radiator hose from the engine housing and fill the radiator that way, if it is not already filled. I would also replace the thermostat, it may be part of your problem too. Finally, assuming the water pump is functional, you may still have to get coolant into and through the heater core. Check to make sure the valve (near the firewall) opens and closes.

Did you also drain the "back side" of the engine using the drain below the oil cooler?

 

It's impossible to get all liquid out of the cooling system, there will always be as much as a couple of quarts left. Bleeding can be tricky, the test is to get good heat in the cabin but sounds like you are doing well...