1994 945 Non-Turbo 230,000km

When I turn my car off, the cooling system will drain itself out via the resevior overflow.

I have heat, a/c, no coolant in oil...just had it to the dealer to replace the a rear engine cap and gasket (behind the cam) so it's been looked over and sealed up tight.

Does the thermostat need replacing?

Did you check the Coolant Reservoir for cracks? They do crack, usually around the nipple on the bottom.
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john

John - I should have done that, because the problem ended up being a cracked resevoir cap.

I would've taken it to my new indy here in Toronto anyway - I wanted a diagnosis.

Mechanic: Yup, h. gasket - $1200 (explanation on the tests, etc. - good guy)
Me: No thanks, time to retire the car.
Mechanic: think about it and leave it here over wkd.
Me: Sure (I left it there for 2 weeks with no intention to fix)
Mechanic: Have you decided?
Me: Still the same plan
Mechanic: After thinking about it (here we go) the readings weren't high enough to convince that it's the h.gasket. You have a crack in your resevoir cap.
Me: Hmmmm.....


We had a very hot/humid Sept. and I was stuck in traffic after work, I think even shutting off my car at certain points (I own a Volvo, I don't waste gas). The fan likely didn't kick on after shut off at my final destination, the heat had no place to go and the coolant took an exit out of the crack.

He went on to restore my confidence in driving the car both on the phone and at time of pick up, told me it would last a long time and it's a great car, which it is. He knows I'm planning to change the timing belt in the spring and wants the business.

Hello,


Replace the head gasket.

The additional space required by the exhaust gases in the cooling system is forcing liquid out during heat soak.


Goatman

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback

...the dealer has confirmed it (although wouldn't offer a range of what it may cost). Not sure if I should get this done or if it's time for something new!

Absolutely do not have it done at the dealer, you will pay a fortune. Find a local indie mechanic who is familiar with these cars, or do it yourself following the FAQ. An independent mechanic should charge in the $700-$1000 range, the dealer would likely be well over $2000.

If you have no prior mechanical experience, do not attempt it yourself. It's easy enough to do if you have a little experience working on a car, and have the necessary tools (1/2" drive sockets for the crank bolt and the head bolts, for instance), but it's a bad idea to leap into this if you are a complete novice.

You don't say where you're located, although you gave a metric odometer reading. If the car is otherwise in nice shape, you may be able to sell it on craigslist as a project if fixing it turns out not to be practical for you.

John

Hello,


Why is it bad if you are a novice?

If the car will be wasted anyway, what is there to lose? Even if it takes five years you still win.

You should behave safely of course!!! (Glasses, gloves, dust mask etc... )


Goatman

Hi,


It might be worth it to learn how to do it. It's not really that hard if you take your time. Check the FAQ.


Good Luck,
Goatman

I would definitely get an indy Volvo mechanic to do the job. I do quite a bit of work on the car myself, but for this one I'd rather spend a bit of money and have it done properly...plus I'd rather spend my off time doing other things.

How much use can you get out of an engine after it's been replaced? What if there is a crack in the block?

When the vehicle is stone cold and on level ground is the coolant at the proper level(line on tank)? If it is and coolant is then getting pushed out the cap once hot, you should compression check the engine to rule out a head gasket leak. Normal coolant expansion should not force coolant from the fill line to overflowing.