07 XC70 what kind of engine coolant?

Durenol · Post by **Durenol** » 23 Jan 2020, 11:15

07 XC70, normal 5cyl turbo engine AFAIK.

Haven't been paying attention under the hood for a while, just got the emergency "coolant low stop engine" red triangle when starting the car. It's below the MIN by at least an inch.

Three questions:

- What is the preferred engine coolant these days for this car? I know you have to worry about silica vs non-silica and aluminum-safe and turb0-safe and organics and all that. Are any 3rd party brands considered ok or am I stuck paying for the official Volvo jug?

- Is it safe to throw in a quart of distilled water just to get down to the store and back? I happen to have some on hand.

- This car is probably overdue to have the coolant flushed and replaced wholesale. Is there an easy way to do that WITHOUT getting under the car or should I just bite the bullet and pay the gas station?

Post by **abscate** » 23 Jan 2020, 11:18

Distilled or even tap water is fine, depending on where you are in the country If you are in deep freeze country like MT, keep the coolant mix at 50-50, add premix from Preston until you can flush.

Volvo Pentosin or even the orange stuff will work fine, Ive run all three at one time or another. Flush and refresh every 30,000 miles.

Durenol · Post by **Durenol** » 23 Jan 2020, 11:38

Thanks, but I need more info here. The dealer/shop always took care of this when it was in, so I haven't been paying any attention to what's on the market for years. These companies make more than one type of coolant and "the orange stuff" means nothing to me. What terms/words/certs/etc am I supposed to be looking for on the label?

Post by **vtl** » 23 Jan 2020, 11:58

Volvo 31439821 is $18-22, and you need just one jug for the complete coolant refresh.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 23 Jan 2020, 12:08

On this side of the ocean any coolant you can get will do these days. Turbos and aluminum engines are standard these days. The important thing is not to mix different kinds. So as long as you replace it all you'll be fine.

There's a tap underneath the radiator that is reachable with a socket without removing anything else. That'll get a third or so. Just do a few drains and top of with whatever you're replacing it with really. Or if you're ambitious do water in between.

Durenol · Post by **Durenol** » 23 Jan 2020, 13:08

vtl wrote: ↑23 Jan 2020, 11:58Volvo 31439821 is $18-22

Yeah I know I can get the official stuff, but the only place near here that stocks it is the dealer and they want an arm and a leg. If I buy it online then I have to pay for shipping too (and wait) so it ends up being about the same. What I'm trying to find out is if I can grab one of the $15 ones from the local car store today (and if so, which).

Rattnalle wrote: ↑23 Jan 2020, 12:08The important thing is not to mix different kinds.

That was part of my question- if I can figure out what's in the official Volvo stuff then it makes things a lot easier. (I'm assuming it's filled with the official stuff since it's blue).

Rattnalle wrote: ↑23 Jan 2020, 12:08There's a tap underneath the radiator that is reachable with a socket without removing anything else. That'll get a third or so.

Do you happen to have a link to a site or mvs forum post or something that shows where it is exactly? I only have the spare tire hand jack (no stands or ramps or creepers or anything else) so my ability to get under the car is very limited.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 23 Jan 2020, 13:19

IIRC: Left hand side of the car. underneath the left end of the radiator. There's a small round hole in the plastic cover that you'll see if you look underneath by just kneeling in front of the car. You don't need to lift the car or anything just stick a pan underneath and turn the tap a turn or two with a long socket up the hole.

Durenol · Post by **Durenol** » 23 Jan 2020, 13:24

Ok thanks I'll look for that. While we're on the subject, how fast does coolant evaporate? I don't remember it being especially low last time I looked a couple months ago, but there are no puddles to indicate a leak.

Post by **June** » 23 Jan 2020, 13:25

My dealer parts counter charges $20 a gallon. I would call them before assuming the Genuine Volvo coolant is too expensive. June

Post by **Rattnalle** » 23 Jan 2020, 13:29

Durenol wrote: ↑23 Jan 2020, 13:24 Ok thanks I'll look for that. While we're on the subject, how fast does coolant evaporate? I don't remember it being especially low last time I looked a couple months ago, but there are no puddles to indicate a leak.

It doesn't really, not fast enough to be significant anyway. But I'd just refill it now and then keep an eye on the level. If it drops again you have a leak somewhere. A very small one perhaps. Could be something as simple as a bad lid letting small amounts of steam out.