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New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

Yesterday I was driving my 96 964 pretty hard I noticed that my car started to overheat when I pulled into my driveway. I turned the engine off and opened the hood up. First thing I noticed was that the Engine cooling fan stayed on for about 30 minutes. There were no leaks in the radiator and the fluid was high, but I did notice that the fluid turned a darker color than when I first put it in. I flushed out my whole radiator and put in new coolant. I figured that the problem was taken care of, today I drove the car normally and the damn thing over heated again, and the fan stayed on. Has anyone expierenced a problem witht their 960. All the hoses have less than 5,000 miles on them Coolant level is in between hot and cold. Oil level is good.

Thanks for you help,

Brandon








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

check for radiator temp (but since the fan stayed on for 30 minutes I think the radiator probably IS hot) just in case the thermostat is stuck.

But it would appear you need a new radiator.

You can pull the radiator and have it flow tested...20 gpm minimum.








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

John,

Do you think that the fan might be conected some how to the Thermostat? what would make the radiator go bad?

Thanks,

Brandon








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

I would say, usually nothing will make it go bad except abuse, neglect or injury. Since your radiator is less than 5 years old, it's unlikely it's clogged. It may be your thermostat. But whatever it is, get it fixed ASAP! Are you using Volvo coolant?








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

Shatz,

When I bought the car it did not have volvo coolant, Since It was serviced I have been keeping volvo coolant in it. I think that it was really neglected because the fluid was kind of brownish, (Maybe rust?). I have kept volvo coolant in it. Do you know if there is a way to clean the inside of it out? I'm takning it to volvo tomorow at 2:00PM, I have tryed for about 4 hrs do diagnose the problem but if I cant then I guess I will have the pay the $70 for volvo to diagnose it.

Brandon








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

You can attempt some 'crude' measures to determine whether the radiator or cooling system is plugged. By removing the hoses at various points and blasting water through it (remove the thermo) and eyeball the outflow, you can get some idea of the extent of any blockage. OTherwise without a flowmeter and pressure tester, you may be left with handing it over to the dealer as you suggest.

You might consider an all metal replacement radiator if needed. I think the 960 is a three-row type, but it has some plastic in it. Mine developed a crack under unknown circumstances. Good luck!

P.S. Did you replace the thermostat, flush it, and installed new coolant?








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

Brandon,

I had similar problem in summmer and it was traced to a clogged radiator. My car was overheating and once the temp went beyond 120oF on the dash, the AC would cutoff (and I live in Phoenix where everyday temp in summer is about 110oF - 115oF). The fan would stay on for extended periods after the car was turned off and if I tried to start the car when it was still hot, it would not start. My mechanic took the radiator out and got it rodded. Then replaced the thermostat and coolant. I had no problems after that. But then my wagon is from 94 and was poorly kept by the previous owner.

Good luck.

Ahsan (94 960 wagon with 61K)








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

Shatz and Ahsan,

I think I solved the problem. I looked in the radiator and noticed that the coolant in the resivouir was green not blue. I then started went back to the ARCO where the service man assured me that he had the volvo coolant. He also said that he replaced the thermostat. He gave me a run for my money. I am having the car serviced at Volvo at his expense, there they will determine wheather or not running that coolant damaged the engine or if there is any damage to the engine itself.









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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

Brandon,

Keep us posted on what Volvo tells you. I need to check whether my mechanic used Volvo coolant or not when he cleaned my system six monthes ago.

Ahsan








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

Ahsan,

Thanks for the help. Volvo flushed the radiator and installed a new thermostat and now the car runs really well. I can now not wory about the car overheating.

Thanks,

Brandon








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

Shatz,

I have not yet replaced the thermostat. Is this a nessesary action? I did replace the coolant. Do you know anything about the electric cooling fan? Is the fan somehow connected to the thermostat? When ever I turn off the car the fan stays on for about 10-15 minutes. I think that maybe the thermostat sends the computer a signal and that turns on the fan. But I'm not too sure.

Thanks again,

Brandon








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

I belive the fan is thermostatically controlled, although I have never heard mine run much beyond the time the ignitin is turned off. As far as the thermostat itself, if it has some miles on it, it is an easy culprit to fix and a likely fail point in a rather simple system. I've had some fail out of the box. You could also just take the thermostat out and run it. If it has any sing of overheating or even attaining normal temperature, then something else is wrong. Howver, don't run the engine too long like that. I have been told that keeping the engine cold during operatin is also not good for it. They are tempermental creatures, those 960 beasts...








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Re: New problems, Havent seen a post about it 900 96

Shatz,

The Volvo tech figured out the problem. When the two different coolants mixed they worked well together, Once the engine was warmed up and the coolant warmed up The coolants reacted with eachother and made a thick syrupy/cottage cheese. They decided to flush the radiator and add new coolant and install a new thermostat. Arco covered the bill. Well, I have had my 964 back for a few hours now and I noticed two things different. Under WOT when the car hits about 6000 RPM's the engine doesn't sound bad anymore. Also I had a bad squeeking problem with one of the wheels attached to the fan belt, I guess they lubricated it because the problem is gone. My tempermental beast is up and running.

Thanks,

Brandon








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