1995 850 Turbo Overheating slightly

leviathanish · Post by **leviathanish** » 13 Jul 2011, 19:53

Hello, my 850 Turbo has been running a little too hot, the needle on the temperature gauge will get up to just a little over halfway, but it does not get any higher than that. It's started doing this in the last couple of weeks. I had a new thermostat installed, but that didn't help the problem. The coolant is not leaking, and it seems to be circulating. I would appreciate any suggestions as to what might be causing the overheating.

Marcobrick · Post by **Marcobrick** » 13 Jul 2011, 20:24

gauge fault or engine coolant temperature sensor fault? Mine always runs over half but my ECT sensor has low resistance so I am swapping it out with a new one when I change my thermostat.

IceTurbo · Post by **IceTurbo** » 14 Jul 2011, 03:04

You mean just over halfway, as in JUST, only a little bit?

If so, I wouldn't worry too much about it, the stock temp gauge is essentially an idiot-alert system, and only really activates when there is a serious problem. I completely understand the need to have it at a 90-degree angle, my OCD is set off by it too, but the simple fact is I've driven my car for many miles, and never had any issues when it was just slightly above 90-degrees, don't sweat it.

I think the coolant temp sensor is an $80 part, so if it's worth it, replace it, if not, don't sweat it.

Post by **Juan62** » 14 Jul 2011, 05:21

If you decide to replace the ECT sensor, make sure its (Volvo OE) Part # 9186486V, and because you have a Turbo; thermostate (Wahler), part #271417. The Wahler is 87 degree C, and the Vernet is 90 degree C.

leviathanish · Post by **leviathanish** » 14 Jul 2011, 06:29

Ok, I'll go ahead and get a new ECT just to be on the safe side, couldn't hurt anyway. Thanks, everyone.

trs80 · Post by **trs80** » 14 Jul 2011, 10:53

On the Turbo models it will ride slightly above the 3 o-clock mark. That is normal.

Post by **ojdorson** » 14 Jul 2011, 10:55

All of the above is true. I put in a new 87 degree thermostat (and ECT) back in February and it's pegged at ~2:50 ALL the time.