Hi,
I know this might sound a little silly but I want to isolate some causes and effects.

My '91 245 has just rolled through 240k miles! I think it is the original radiator (3 row heavy duty all-metal). Since I have had the car (bought at 167k miles) I have replaced the thermostat, and the head gasket. I have worried about the temp gauge which typically sits closer to "8" than "9" on the gauge. The coolant has been changed and is OK (tested at last service). My very trusty mechanic (indie volvo) thinks that the gauge just under-reads and eventually will need the mod done on the instrument panel that everybody here does).

Just in the last week the temp gauge now climbs to 10:30 to 11 (4 needle thicknesses below red) when making a sustained uphill climb regardless of the ambient air temp (over the last week we have had 80, 95 and today 55 deg in SoVT). A sustained climb is 5 to 10% for 1.5 to 2 miles at or above 40mph in 2nd, 3rd gear.

The gauge drops back to 9 then just below quickly after the climb (5mins).

I know the radiator has bent fins and some are smushed.

So I am I really in the market for a radiator? And if so, should I get this one recored (I think I still can).

Thanks I really appreciate the help and friendship I get here.

Rod