The radiator, thermostat and radiator caps have just been replaced and new coolant added.

After a test run, the temperature guage reads fine, sitting just under the half way mark, so all seems to be okay, but... the new coolant has turned brown and dirty looking... Why does this happen? Is this normal? Should the coolant remain clear? If it should then what else do I need to look at?

Thanks,

 

Was the system flushed out thoroughly before refilliing? Seems like a bad case of rusty water left in the block.

 

It should have been, but looks like it wasn't. I guess the coolant is circulating around in its own closed system, so should remain clear if the cooling system is healthy?

 

I have never seen clear coolant in an older car. The nature of the beast is - put water and metal together you get rust. It should not do any harm, but when you come to change the coolant make sure the system, including the heater, is well flushed out. Even then you will get some discolouration.

 

Why was the Radiator replaced?

 

When I bough the car the coolant was hovering around just below the minimum mark. So I decided to give it a top up. Within an hours journey the coolant blew out of the valve on the coolant tank. Made a nasty brown mess of the engine, mostly clean now though. Anyway, the radiator was removed and a flush attempted, but it was discovered that the coolant path was blocked / damaged. Hence the new radiator. The replacement radiator is not a genuine Volvo part. It cost me about 120 dollars. I discovered that the Volvo radiator servers a dual purpose, that of cooling the transmission fluid. So I guess by extension that the transmission fluid was not being cooled all the time, the transmission fluid levels have been okay, which is something.

As well as replacing the radiator, the thermostat and coolant tank valve have been replaced. The temperature gauge readings are now good, just below half way, even when stationary, or in a traffic jam.

But I have a concern about the transmission fluid cooling. What does the temperature gauge on the dash indicate exactly? And does this have any relation to the cooling of the transmission fluid?

I am now concerned that the new radiator may not be up to scratch. How can I tell? The only indication I have is the temperature gauge?

Next week, if time permits, a new overdrive solenoid and if possible a transmission overhaul, which means, I guess new AT fluid and filter, again!

This car has proved a challenge to get right, right from the start. But I guess it will be worth it in the end. Many more things are wrong, so more questions to follow shortly. My aim is to get everything mechanically sound, and then start refurbishing the insides, maybe with a re-spray as the icing on the cake. Although, by the looks of the paint, it was re-sprayed a few years ago.

The body work is all sound, so although the car is 16 years old, I hope with care and attention it will last another 10.

 

OK I asked why it was replaced because I wanted to make sure the Trans cooler wasn't leaking into the coolant the First time and thats why you replaced it.
If it was it needs a really good flush.

Also if only Water was run in there before it would need a really good flushing.


As far as the Trans cooling as long as the Temp Guage is fine the trans. is fine.