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760T Black Coolant

Help, Advice, Owners' Discussion and DIY Tutorials on all Volvo's "mid era" rear wheel drive Volvos.

1975 - 1993 240
1983 - 1992 740
1982 - 1991 760
1986 - 1991 780
1990 - 1998 940
1990 - 1998 960
1997 - 1998 V90/S90

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760Towner
Posts: 3
Joined: 18 October 2009
Year and Model: 760T 1990
Location: San Mateo, California

760T Black Coolant

Post by 760Towner »

The interior of the coolant reservoir is black. The black material was somewhat greasy but more like a fine black powder. I removed and washed it and filled with 50/50 antifreeze and water solution. Nxt time I checked the liquid was green color but the interior of the reservoir was black again.

I talked to two mechanics:
One said it may be oil from deteriorating head gasket (terrible problem that won't be worth fixing) or may be exhaust or oil from the Turbo (easier to fix and may be worth it)

Another tested the water in the reservoir and ascertained it is not oil or exhaust fumes. He suggested the black powdery residue may be from lining of hoses I recently replaced or "Stop Leak" solution I may have poured in the reservoir months earlier. I plan to flush the system and monitor. I'll let this site know what I find next.

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billofdurham
MVS Moderator
Posts: 6507
Joined: 2 February 2006
Year and Model: 855, 1995
Location: Durham, England
Been thanked: 5 times

Post by billofdurham »

This is of interest to all owners so please do keep us updated.

Bill.
Work was good - retirement is better.

1996 850GLT 2.5 20v Estate Manual.
1995 Peugeot Boxer 2.5Tdi Autosleeper.
Previously:
1984 244DL, Manual, Beige.
1987 744GLE, Manual, Green.
1991 960 3.0 24v, Auto, Silver.
1994 940T Wentworth, Auto, Blue.

DeRail
Posts: 284
Joined: 16 April 2006
Year and Model: None
Location: US
Been thanked: 1 time

Post by DeRail »

If he tested the reservoir for oil contamination, would this cover transmission oil as well? I've heard that the coolant will turn sludgy if your radiator develops an internal leak and the ATF mixes with the coolant. Be sure to check that out because coolant is especially dangerous to your autobox!

As far as the stop leak product, I've heard of people using the home-version which is just throwing black pepper into the cooling system. I wonder if the pre-bought stop leak stuff is of the same consistency once broken down?

-Darrell

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