Coolant pressure / hose question

[rgk]

When I squeeze on a coolant hose, say near the thermostat, should I be able to see/feel the coolant moving at, say the bottom of the radiator? Whenever I squeeze on a coolant hose I can see and hear the pressure of the squeeze moving throughout the system, but I believe I remember my previous 240 not behaving in this way.

If this is not normal, what might it mean? Holes inside the radiator?

Thanks!!

[JDS60R]

When cold the rad hoses should be easy to squeeze. Once hot the pressure cap "green" will hold pressures up to 22psi (150 kpa). The hoses should be firm once the engine is fully warmed. If they are not you have a leak or failed pressure cap.

Replace the cap every 2 years or whenever they fail the pressure test. Gates is the current supplier for Volvo and FCP has them for about $7. In order to keep the cap from breaking ,spin it on with no force until it stops. Then turn 60 degrees. I put small marks for my customers so they know not to over tighten. I am disappointed in how quick these caps fracture or fail. There are a few in every batch that definitely go longer without failing. I have taken to testing them every time they come in. Its a dead giveaway when you see the white silicate deposit from the Volvo antifreeze getting by the seal that there is an issue or a failed cap.

Make sure to take care of any coolant system issues on a Volvo right away. They are very faithful, but in return they want good fluids chaged on time and a proper cooling system. They are unforgiving to an overheat condition.