Volvo RWD 900 Forum

INDEX FOR 2/2026(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 1/2003 900 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

Antifreeze for '95 960 900 95

posted by  someone claiming to be marcus on  Wed Nov 15 14:00 CST 2000 [RELATED]

I have a 1995 volvo 960 sedan in need of a coolant change. the dealer quoted me nearly $100 for a flush and coolant change so i'd thought i could do it myself. However, do i need to buy a special type of antifreeze or will your basic prestone-type work? How difficult is it to flush and replace coolant? Any recommendations on how to flush. thanks.

Marcus







  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    Re: Antifreeze for '95 960 900 95

    posted by  someone claiming to be Jim Bowers on  Thu Nov 16 09:54 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    I plan to flush/change the coolant my 960 in a few weeks and install Volvo brand and then leave it alone. I know the previous owners put something other than Volvo brand in it so I want to get it out and then follow the manual!

    In the past I have always followed the practice of installing a known brand like Prestone and then on a yearly basis add the prestone replentisher, Anti-rust and water pump lube. The stuff in my '85 only got changed when the upper radiator hose let go at about 12 years and 180K and dumped my coolant on the interstate. There was never any corrosion evident.







  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    Re: Antifreeze for '95 960 900 95

    posted by  someone claiming to be wbain on  Wed Nov 15 14:48 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    The general consensus is to use Volvo anti-freeze. You might also consider getting all new hoses, radiator, heater and oil cooler as well. Get a thermostat too. Don't take it to Jiffy lube of some such place. You might consider letting the dealer do it if you have reservations about doing it yourself. It's not hard but you must be careful. IMHO.







    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      Re: Antifreeze for '95 960 900 95

      posted by  someone claiming to be Shatz on  Wed Nov 15 23:18 CST 2000 [RELATED]

      I've not done a coolant change on my 960, but I would second Bill's recommendation regarding taking your time.and definitely change the thermostat (only one type will fit at about $12). I do think changing the hoses and the radiator is a bit severe in my book, unless there is evidence to do so. I would change hoses without question in a car that has 100K+ on it, but then only upon close inspection of the currrent hose condition. I generally favor preventive maintenance, bt I don't think a 5 year old car should need new hoses summarily, let alone a new radiator!







      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

        Re: Antifreeze for '95 960 900 95

        posted by  someone claiming to be wbainlookalike on  Wed Nov 15 23:26 CST 2000 [RELATED]

        I meant radiator hoses not the radiator itself. Sorry for the confusion.







        •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

          Re: Antifreeze for '95 960 900 95

          posted by  someone claiming to be Shatz on  Thu Nov 16 15:15 CST 2000 [RELATED]

          I was gonna say...what do you do at 120K, replace most of the block for preventive maintenace??? ;>)







          •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

            Re: Antifreeze for '95 960 900 95

            posted by  someone claiming to be wbain on  Thu Nov 16 15:42 CST 2000 [RELATED]

            My point was that he needs to be aware of block problems with the early years. No doubt they have been fixed by now. It seems you have no issues with your car. I still need to do my 960. I have all the stuff but since my wife is so busy I have had trouble finding some time. Plus it's cold here now.







            •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

              Re: Antifreeze for '95 960 900 95

              posted by  someone claiming to be Shatz on  Thu Nov 16 23:15 CST 2000 [RELATED]

              Asolutely! That's why a pressure check would be in order, regardless of age...it may have seepage right now, after all there is some reason why this car is for sale. But Bill, doesn't this discussion belong to the above thread....







  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    Re: Antifreeze for '95 960 900 95

    posted by  someone claiming to be Jonathan Knauer on  Wed Nov 15 14:25 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    Dig into the archives a bit. There seems to be considerable evidence compiled by 960 owners that non-Volvo coolant can be bad voodoo for your engine.

    You will probably get quite a few opinions on this. Maybe even Tom Irwin (you there man?) will weigh in.






<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.