volvo 850 wagon 1994 155k engine temp high

amy · Post by **amy** » 30 Dec 2002, 09:24

Over last two weeks the temp gauge was always running low and the car was taking a long time to warm up. Outside wintry temps between 0 - 20 degrees - so, I didnt think much of it, however this weekend the temp gauge was running close to the red! I blew hot air through the heating vents & it came back to mid range. I have scheduled maintenence for tomorrow.. but I am wondering if you've heard of this before? Any ideas as to thermostat vs. coolant?

Post by **matthew1** » 31 Dec 2002, 11:08

Sounds like the thermostat.

Sounds like at first it was sticking open, now sticking closed.

Amy · Post by **Amy** » 02 Jan 2003, 07:18

Yes, it was the thermostat. Thankfully, a nice low-cost (55.00) dealer repair!

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Jan 2003, 11:30

Great news

I'm about to change mine out (1997 850) in the next week or two. I'll detail the procedure, but it should rank below '4' on the difficulty scale for those that are going to tackle this maintenance yourself. It usually goes along with an antifreeze change, since this has to be drained partially anyway.

I've heard our Volvos (850s/70s anyway) are happier running a bit warmer rather than a bit colder, but mechanics and techs I've spoken to are afraid to prescribe the hotter of the two available t-stats for non-new Volvos for fear of a customer having a cooling system blowout... because hotter = higher pressure.