I tried this before and lost the message, I think. Here I go again.

My mechanic is perplexed, so he suggested I replace the fan clutch. However, last Summer I switched the fan clutch from another Volvo which had no overheating problems.

My can only overheats when it is hot out and I am in serious stop and go traffic. Otherwise the low temp thermostat I installed a year ago keeps the indicator well below the half way mark. Just let the car idle in hot weather and the indicator travels up to the red area.

Fan belts are tight, coolant is up, water pump is working, low temp thermostate was installed by owner a year ago.

IPD catalog says something I never expected. Too rich a mixture of anti-freeze can cause over heating. Specifically it states "More than 50% antifreeze can cause hot running".

Has anyone actually had that experience and does it translate to the kind of problem I am having which is overheating only under hot and stop and go traffic conditions.

HOw do I test the antifreeze. I have a small hydrometer. It had 5 smalls balls in an eyedropper device. When I fill it with the coolant from the reservoire, all 5 balls rise to the top of the glass, suggesting a potent mix dominated by anti-freeze. According to the chart that came with the hydrometer this means the fluid is good to 55 degrees below zero.

I could really use some help here. I am not anxious to buy a clutch for $86.00, just to have the same problem.

Robert M. Franklin
Volvo 245 DL
RMF3635@AOL.COM