What did you do to your Volvo today? Topic is solved

[ZionXIX]

It depends how hot it got. If there's a blockage due to the thermostat and that's what over pressurized the reservoir, the gauge likely wouldn't have moved if you caught it quickly. These gauges don't tend to respond very quickly.

Update: Rented a coworkers car for $5 and got some coolant at the local parts store down the street. It looks like only the coolant in the reservoir boiled off and no coolant has been lost in the last 30min just sitting there. It took 2 tries to start the engine. I'm thinking there may also be a coolant leak in one of the cylinders or the gasket getting the plugs wet maybe?. No bubbles seen in the tank though while running. I'm gonna change out the thermostat this weekend and maybe scope the cylinders and see if there is any pooled coolant. Since fluid is routed to the reservoir through the top hose I would likely not see any bubbles unless I over fill the tank?

[BlackBart]

Years ago our '94 850 overheated a couple of times. It was the big relay at the top of the radiator shroud, which controls the electric fan. When sitting still, it wouldn't come on. Replaced it quickly and no problems since.

[ZionXIX]

What temperature does the relay kick the fan on? I watched it today and at 206 F the coolant had expanded to the point where I was sure an overflow would happen. I turned the AC on and the temps came down quick.

[bmdubya1198]

Sounds like your low speed may not be working. You can test it by either grounding or applying 12V to the yellow and yellow/white wires (not sure which, I believe ground... it's best to check first!) one at a time.

Dropped in my do88 intercooler today as well as replaced the battery cable to the starter. Unfortunately it didn't fix the boost leak (I have no idea how... I was almost certain the IC was the problem) but at least it'll help once I get it boosting properly. I think it may be time for a turbo... I don't know what else it could be.

[abscate]

What temperature does the relay kick the fan on? I watched it today and at 206 F the coolant had expanded to the point where I was sure an overflow would happen. I turned the AC on and the temps came down quick.

My P80 cycles fan between 105C ( on) and 87C (off)

105C is about 221F

[abscate]

Inspected my B+ cable to fuse box motivated by recent experiences here

Colour coded my fuses on the fuse box cover diagram

[abscate]

Test

Thread should be good now

I think I fat fingered a lock on my last post , sorry about that.

[ZionXIX]

Test

Thread should be good now

I think I fat fingered a lock on my last post , sorry about that.

It happens

[ZionXIX]

So I took a crack at the thermostat replacement. I have been periodically spray penetrating oil for the last few day. I hate tha t I have to disconnect the fuel line to reach one of the bolts. I incidentally discovered no fuel pressure in that line but it has been sitting for 36 hours, so maybe I dont need to investigate?
Anyway, I took my T40 and a breaker bar and just gently tried working the bolt back and forth. I could hear abs see the bolt turning a small amount, like 15 degrees or so.
I have a backup vehicle.
I have the weekend off.
And the wife is out having a girls weekend.
The risk was acceptable.
I decided to go for it.

Broke my only T40 bit

Thermostat bolt: 1
Me: 0

If the head snaps off, the housing should just lift off right?

[bmdubya1198]

Test

Thread should be good now

I think I fat fingered a lock on my last post , sorry about that.

Good, I was worried this thread was just going to be all about you now!

Day 2 now of my evaporator replacement, and I'm currently about 50% done. It's been MISERABLE. Anyone who knows me knows that I refuse to let anyone else work on my cars, and I do everything myself except for wheel alignments, tire mounting/balancing, and machine work, but this job is one I will never do again. For a couple hundred bucks, I would love to let someone else take care of this as long as I get a guarantee it's done right. It's so ridiculous that you have to remove the entire climate control box to get to the evaporator... I had no idea it was this involved. Seriously, I've pulled complete drivetrains faster than this. I can have a Miata engine and transmission out in 2 hours max.
What really sucks is that I still need to reinforce my dash mounts with fiberglass. Fortunately I was able to glue the anchors back in place since they weren't too destroyed, but I still want to reinforce them.

In other news, I picked up a 3 Pilot Sports for the new S60 yesterday for $20/piece off a local Volvo enthusiast. All I need is the front pair, and I'll transfer the current Continentals to the '01 since those tires are beyond awful. It worked out perfectly, the '03 already has a pair of fairly new Pilot Sports on the rear, so now it'll have a complete set.