1997 Volvo 960 wagon
Short version: I am having issues that look to me like I need to try replacing the thermostat (cheap thing to try) and there are temperature options:160, 180, 192 (or 195). Which one would it need? I'm guessing 180, but that's only a guess...
Long version: I washed the car well (was last done 4 years, 4 houses, 3 deaths and another state ago, haven't had time) including clearing a lot of debris out of the windshield drain port things (which were pretty solidly clogged, this car has mostly been parked, had to use a sink drain cleaner wire, lots of debris.) The next day after about 12 miles driving with several stops, it suddenly started blowing steam out of the vents (the A/C was on and functioning.) Pulled it into the shop it was in front of, the guy said heater core. FWIW, the steam did NOT smell like coolant, only water, and when I opened the hood there was also steam coming out of the windshield drain port things I had cleaned the day before.
Took it home, pulled the panels under the dash, added more coolant (was very low), ran it, could see drops in that area (both sides) of fresh coolant. I can't afford a heater core replacement right now, so I disconnected the tubes that end up going through the firewall at the metal sections behind the block, put in a loop to connect them, made sure it cannot kink. Ran it this morning to test it, temperature went up fast (about 2 mile run, was at half.) So thermostat is my next guess. Any better guesses would be welcome
And if thermostat is a good guess, which one do I order? Thank you all!!
Pearl
