Hi,

Sorta "stuck" with a temporary breakdown problem mid-trip. I have driven a large loop from LA--SF--ID--SLC without incident. Problem began in desert (heat) drive from Salt Lake to Grand Junction CO. On slow, hot, long incline, car stalled like it was getting no gas. I rested 1/2 hour and car started, drove but stalled again after about 1/2 driving. Limped into GJ this way, waited till sundown for cooler temps, and drove straight through Rockies to CO Springs without incident (very low power up inclines however). On return trip, same problem resumed once I got in NM/AZ desert heat. Barely made it into Las Vegas under cover of nightfall.

Few facts:

-Temp gauge never works in this vehicle; usually very low reading
-No steam from engine; coolant levels are fine, new radiator hoses and fluid
-Driving with heater/fan on seems to help
-Volvo mechanic here in Las Vegas thinks it could be fan clutch, AMM, or (most likely) another part he pointed to (mounted drivers side front of engine compartment; can't remember name) but he's too busy to look at it

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated as I currently have access to sufficient tools for small jobs and am worried about more desert breakdowns.

John