Has anyone ever experienced this. In a nutshell, old Radiator shot (why they use plastic?) Still overheating.
After destination and 2 1/2 hours, top up after cooling down and leaving engine running as you do, drive home 80k's (50 mile) all's good.Next day replace Thermostat and Cap. Changed to green cap from the black ( 150kpa up from 75kpa).
Steam pouring out from exhaust and used 1/2 the expansion tank in coolant to go 500 metres. Day before did compression test cold, now to do hot. All 5 between 200psi and 185psi. A little vapour from #2 though.
Resign myself that a head gasket is on the cards. No oil in coolant and no coolant in oil though. Must be venting staight out of exhaust.

Next day though, I fire her up, a little condensation from exhaust for 1-2 minutes (it is winter here) then good. WT Hell. Go for drive, good. Resevoir good . Early this morning good again. Whatever... maybe I'm a Volvo Wisperer .
Let her stay like that , I'm happy.

 

Sounds like you have a special 850. The only way that coolant could get in the exhaust would be though a crack in the motor or a bad headgasket. I would keep an eye on the leave for the next few days. If it stay in the correct spot, then you are probably good for now.

 

Hi Andrew,
Thanks for the reply. Still need to top up even when going local only. Im thinking head gasket too...
Hoffa