having seen what non volvo coolant does to a b230...i buy volvo...its expensive..but no where near a new engine....

Try using propylene glycol instead! Non Toxic but a little $$.
Much better for enviroment and when you add a bottle of Redlines Water Wetter your a head of the game. You will need to flush all the cheap toxic chemical form the system but it is well worth it. the Europeans have been using it for decades, as well as many commerical fleets.


Matthew R.

I flushed the coolant and replaced the thermostat in my '96 854 two months ago. I highly recommend this procedure. I've done this with my other vehicles and its kept their cooling systems reliable. Anybody with common sense knows that coolant properties have a lifetime. So, with this in mind you need to replace the coolant at least every two years. You don't necessarily have to use Volvo coolant but you must make sure you use a phosphate-free coolant. A really excellent aftermarket coolant is Shell Rotella ELC Pre-Diluted 50/50 since it contains no silicates or phosporates plus its already pre-mixed so all you have to do is pour it in. This stuff is heavy-duty and designed for trucks so it should be more than enough for a Volvo. That means you won't get a build-up of silicate gel(the green goo) or hard-water scale formation. You should be able to get Shell Rotella ELC at any local Autozone or Pep Boys. The only reason Volvo recommends their own coolant is because theirs is phosphate-free and you don't want hard-scale formations occuring in the aluminum passages. It would decrease the efficiency of the cooling system. The url below is the FAQ section for shell coolant. Hope this helps.

http://www.shell-lubricants.com/products/coolant_genreal1.htm

I've been using regular old Prestone ethylene glycol based coolant and haven't had any problems. My indie Volvo specialist buddy says there shouldn't be any problems with using that, if the system is flushed every two years or so. He only uses the special coolants in the very new cars that specifically require it. My '02 Jeep requires the special orange crap that all new Diamler/Chrysler cars use, and there does seem to be some different chemistry there. But I can still buy it from the local parts shop for a lot less than the dealership.

I absolutely do not believe these manufacturer claims of lifetime coolants and fluids in cars going back to the 90's (I'm leary of it in new cars to), especially when they are using the same stuff you can buy off the shelf for older cars and those cars recommend changes. I seriously doubt the OEM coolant Volvo was providing in 1997 is any different than the off the shelf coolants, so how can they claim it never has to be changed? If I remember correctly, they also said the transmission fluid never had to be changed as well.....hmmmmm. Very stange when they were using regular old Dex III, which in practically every other car using that type of fluid the manufacturer recommends periodic changes.

For what a gallon of antifreeze costs and the little effort involved in draining and flushing the system, it's well worth my 10 bucks and half hour of time to get that added insurance and peace of mind.

I just replaced my radiator due to a small leak that I had been living with for about 3 months. On refilling I used Sierra's Low-tox coolant. Have used it for years in various cars without trouble and the wife likes it when I seem to have a concern for the environment.

I use the OEM coolant. $20 buys enough to last for a long time.
Its only $20. I also have a 850 and S70 so with two Volvos it
is a little easier to justify. Both need topping up every couple
of years. I have no idea where the coolant goes :)

Nothing wrong with regular antifreeze. I also have a 97-R and that is what I would do. I haven't had that issue yet.