'85 760 turbo overheating

Sharonson74 · Post by **Sharonson74** » 10 Sep 2004, 20:28

My car sat for nearly a year with a malfunctioning aftermarket alarm system. After that was completely removed, she seemed to be running fine. I went to the beach to visit mom and on the way back, my heater water valve blew out. I was told at the auto parts store that this part is no longer manufactured so I replaced it with some "alternative" gizmo. It looked more or less the same. I then overheated after an hour drive on relatively flat terrain, and I found a destroyed thermostat so I replaced it. My car still keeps overheating after short distances like five minutes at 35 mph. I very recently had a radiator flush at the jiffy lube so I think the fluid is good, the thermo is new, and the heater water valve is new but not a volvo part. How do I check the water pump to see if it is okay? How do I isolate the radiator as the problem? I would prefer to handle this myself instead of taking it to a pricey "specialist" as was suggested to me. Thank you for any input.

Volvord · Post by **Volvord** » 11 Sep 2004, 10:40

Your problem could be caused by several things. First thing is the water control valve IS still available, it is just that that parts store does not carry it. Some items you have to get from the dealer, yes they are probably more expensive but the quality is there ... you get what you pay for.

Whenever there is a leak or work done on the cooling system there is a good chance that a vapour lock or air pocket will result, if the air is not bled or removed from the system coolant flow will be effected and a comon result is overheating. To bleed the system the best method is to locate a hose connection that is the highest point, looosen the clamp and allow the air to purge out. As an alternative let the engine idle with the radiator cap off, when the themostat opens the air will usually be purged out, often in a forcefull release of hot water and steam, as the coolant level drops keep adding more coolant to the resivour until the level stablizes.

sharonson74 · Post by **sharonson74** » 17 Sep 2004, 19:38

I wound up changing the radiator yesterday and all my overheating problems are gone. I drove up into the hills today and it never went beyond the middle of the dial. Thanks for your input. After trying to purge the air from the line it was still overheating and the radiator seemed like the only rational reason.