I am trying to order a thermostat for my 1993 240 and being presented with 4 different temperature options, 71, 82, 87 & 92 degrees.

How do I know which one to order without pulling out the old one and losing antifreeze?

Thx
--
1993 240, 1992 240GL, 1985 240DL Wagon, 1983 240DL

The hottest one is called for in your '93, to maximize fuel efficiency (the primary priority in the redesign of your b230 from the old B23).

But if you do a lot of driving in the mountains (or do other things, such as towing) that might create a heavy load on the engine, you might opt for a lower temperature, such as 87.

In any case, if you can change your t-stat twice year, another good reason for the hottest one is for the most heat in this coming winter season.

And if you still have the Temperature Compensation Board in your instrument panel (you mean you haven't removed it and jumpered the connection yet?), you won't notice any difference with these two warmest choices on your gauge. If you have removed the TCB, however, you'll notice some slightly different resting positions, none of which need concern you, though: 92 will be slightly above horizonal (maybe 9:15 or 9:30); 87 will be at 9:00; and 72 ... well, that's ridculously too cold unless the engine is being used as a marine engine, which requires such a cold t-stat to prevent salt (i.e., from salt water cooling) from precipitating on the inside of the cooling passages -- although I haven't heard of B230s being used as a marine engine (the old B30s were, however).

I would say - depends on your climate.

92 is the Volvo standard and the thermostat of choise in cooler climates. If your winters aren't so bad you might opt for a lower temp. But even here in West TN where we're lucky to see 1/4 inch of show (in a whole year) and 87 is fine.

Remember the Thermostat is primarily used to "quickly" raise the engine to operating temp. And the Higher the thermostat - the quicker it gets there. After reaching operating temp - the difference is not much.


In West TN - the bigger concern is the actual cooling - which is primarily driven by how well your radiator and fan clutch are working. In our climate I recommend a tropical fan clutch - and a 3 core radiator if you can still find one. At a minimum - a good regular cleaning of the radiator fins is required.


Hope that helps
Charles

Good Morning,

The manual specifies 92 degrees for a 93 240.

Marty

My mechanic here in the NE, suggested the 92 degree thermostat, nice and warm going thru the heater core and onto cold wintry bodies.

Your owner's manual might tell you which to pick. Otherwise they're all pretty close in temp.

As far as I know, the only real difference is going to be a little bit more efficient as you approach 190F, which is 87.7C.

Anyone else know more about it?

Happy Bricking
--
1990 740 Turbo, on its way to stock specs, maybe beyond

If you are worried about getting exactly the one that's in there, you have no choice but to pull it! My vote is for the 87 degree unit.

DS

Personally, I would concur with the 87 folks, if only for the fact that it will open earlier- a benefit I would prefer for any ofmy Volvos. Paramount to this is insuring that both belts are on, and tension is fairly equal on both belts. THIS- in my opinion- is the best way to ensure a constantly cold-running 'brick'.