I'm new here but not mechanically inept. I just purchased my first Volvo. I'm a Ford truck guy so the Volvo is new to me. Its a 1998 V70 GLT awd. I picked it up really cheap because it was having an overheating issue. My initial thought was the thermostat (start with the simple right) When I removed the housing the t-stat looked as though it had been stepped on then stuck back in. It was obvious that it had been intentionally overlooked. I pulled it out and ran a flush with out the t-stat. The V70 would still get hot really fast and begin to boil out the expansion tank within minutes. When we took out the t-stat there was the copper residue from a cheap cooling system fix (big hint huh?) Next we replaced the cap on the expansion tank and tried to flush the radiator. I ended up replacing the radiator as the original was completely clogged. I also replaced the coolant temp sensor. The water pump seems to be working fine as I am definitely getting flow.

The symptom after everything above:
Vehicle will idle without getting hot. Drove for 30 minutes today with no problems after replacing the radiator. After about 30 minutes the temp gauge quickly spiked and there seemed to be excessive pressure in the cooling system. When I have the car in drive (even at a stop) the temp rises quickly and stays there. As soon as I put it in park the temp moves back to the normal operating range. The electric fan is working properly.

I'm kinda baffled. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Hate to say it, but kinda sounds like could be a head gasket. I would pressure test the system with the spark plugs out for a couple of hours; then see if it blows coolant out the plug holes when cranked. That will tell you...

Good luck!

 

Ran a compression test and I'm getting 130-132psi in every cylinder

 

Definitely blown head gasket. Anything special I need to know before tackling this job myself. I've built several engines, trannys ect but mostly Ford, Chevy and Jeep. This is my first Volvo. Gonna replace the timing belt and the water pump while I'm in there too. I've heard if you don't use some special tool when pulling the head you can break something because t has to come of perfectly strait? Is this right?

 

You can get the cam cover off without the tools. I made my own set of tool to help removing it and putting it back on.(Pic below) Since it is a 98 nothing special about the cams either. Just leave the pulleys on the cams when removing them. Also mark intake and exhaust on the pulleys. This way you know it will be right going back on.

 

Hello tech, The picture of the cam removal tool you made didn't come through (at least on my computer). Please post it again. Also, when a head is removed/replaced on these white engines do you use new head bolts? Kira

 

Thanks tech but yeah the pic didn't come through. I plan on using new head bolts

 

Sorry my bad forgot to attach the pic.(old guy moment)
And to specify it is for pulling the cam cover not the pulleys.