OK my recently acquired '96 960 shows in its service history that it has synthetic oil. Should I keep using it? Why (or why not)?

How about coolant. Is there a type designation for the aluminum engine?

Thanks,

David

 

Make sure its a HOAT.
Hybrid Organic and ethyl glycol based.
Do not mix it with another type.
Flush engine and radiator before installing especially if ext'g type is uncertain.

 

If you are going to go by the 10,000 mile service schedule, use an extended drain capable synthetic.

We know the previous owner changed his oil once a year and used cheap oil. In case this left any gunk behind, I chose to fill it with Rotella T5 which is a synthetic blend intended for diesel engines. The diesel oils have more detergents and also generally more zinc, phosphorus (wear preventing additives). We are going to change it before 5000 miles and fill with a 40 wt oil before summer (wally only had the t5 in -30)

I think that Volvo's blue coolant is formula G48, it is also sold by bmw and benz dealers, in my town the volvo dealer is very expensive. FCP has them and so do my local import parts store. Many people like G05, in the usa it is sold at retail under the zerex brand.

 

Great thanks....

 

this link explains the different coolant types and inter actions.

Antifreeze Facts

G.05 is a HOAT. as is Pentofrost NF, Nulon Long life(Green) and many others.

 

There are some different HOAT that are not compatible with each other, I think that you should not mix coolant containing silicates (blue coolant and G05) with silicate-free coolant.

I'm going to drain mine and try to rinse it with distilled water. I found that if you can remove the top heater hose you can easily attach 5/8 hose here to blow the water out. I plan to add a few gallons of water here and to the upper radiator hose and see if I can get clean looking water to come out of the drains.