Very hot engine compartment

Tony Codallo · Post by **Tony Codallo** » 17 May 2011, 10:45

My engine compartment gets really, really hot. Bought the car about 4 months ago with numerious problems but I am new to the Volvo family so not sure if this is common to volvo. It is a 2000 S80. I also noticed that there are double electrode spark plugs instead of the single loop end. Could this be the reason the extra heat under the hood?

Post by **JDS60R** » 17 May 2011, 10:54

Hi Tony,
Under hood heat is common to a certain degree (no pun intended). If you take some heat measurements ( non contact thermometers are $20 bucks or so at harbor freight) and share the results with us perhaps we can help.

The cooling system should be running at 210 degrees or below, the trans should be the same. Someof the S80's came with turbos so they will throw some heat as well.

It is not uncommon for Volvo to use a double electrode plug. If you have the number on the plug you can research it yourself or ask others here. Spark plugs that are not correct for the application can cause some additional heat.

Make sure your cooling fan is working and share the temp readings with us.

P.S. Transmission maintenance will be an important concern for you. What color is your trans fluid? -red or black?

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 17 May 2011, 10:56

I don't really see how you can get worried about something like this. Engines get very hot, and Volvos engine bays are pretty crammed. They expel a lot of heat, but nothing that you do to the car, let alone changing the spark plugs, will alter the heat you feel in the bay. If you want an accurate look at temperatures, you would need to hook up a digital coolant temperature gauge.

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Tony Codallo · Post by **Tony Codallo** » 17 May 2011, 11:07

I have owned several autos of different makes and try to do most of my maintenance and never had any concerns about heat under the hood but this S80 is so hot that it worries me but I thank every one for their replies. I will follow the recommendations. I just get the feeling that that much heat must be damaging to some components.

Tony Codallo · Post by **Tony Codallo** » 17 May 2011, 11:16

JDS60R the color of the trans fluid is black and has a very strong odor.

Post by **JDS60R** » 17 May 2011, 20:41

Tony - time to change the transmission fluid. Plenty of write ups here on Matthews. Synthetic fluid (that meets the proper spec) is recommended.

Let us know the numbers on the plugs . Running the wrong plug can alter the engine heat output. You are correct to be worried about excess heat as it effects the longevity of everything under the hood. You will want to check for a proper working thermostat and cooling system. Many times the cap fails or is going bad and the car can overheat from the systems inability to cool due to the lost pressure in the system. Replacing the thermostat (and thermostat bolts) along with the coolant and cap when you change the transmission fluid is a strong step in the right direction. I suggest Volvo coolant and distilled water. It wil cost an extra $15 bucks but it is worth it.

The engine bay in Volvo's is engineered quite well to flow air and get the heat out from under the hood. If you noticed Volvo is one of the only companies to put the turbo in the back to avoid blowing the heat of the turbo onto the other components. You should not be seeing temperatures over 210 degrees on any surface under the hood with the exception of the exhaust turbine.

Post by **jimmy57** » 17 May 2011, 22:48

S80 T6 have engine compartment heat levels that are high compared to almost anything I have ever touched except air cooled and some full size vans with engines under the "doghouse".
It is high but normal for that vehicle. Packaging a pair of turbos behind an engine that sits pretty close to the firewall is not a recipe for letting heat escape.