V70XC '98 Cooling part II - petcock broken

KenC · Post by **KenC** » 11 May 2009, 18:36

Ok,

Went to drain the radiator per previous advice and the petcock is broken off. How else do I drain the radiator? The lowest hose's clamp is pointing up, hoping not to have to cut it off.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 11 May 2009, 20:04

Can you access the clamp from the top?

KenC · Post by **KenC** » 11 May 2009, 20:52

OK, fine - state the obvious, no wonder your a moderator

- yes I went back in the garage frustrated and noticed I could get my 30" screwdriver on it just enough to get it loose, then I was wishing I hadn't posted so quickly

.

I've filled and run it. The fans now work - temp sits right at 3:00 position. The connection at the firewall is still a bit suspect - I can hear a faint air hiss there that changes as I put pressure on the hose. Worried with vibration/motion it will blow again.

Also noticed that the A/C isn't working right. I turned it to full cold and the compressor did not kick in - the clutch did not engage. Several minutes later it did, but for about half a second then released, then cycled like that with 3~5 second gaps...

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 11 May 2009, 20:59

KenC wrote: Also noticed that the A/C isn't working right. I turned it to full cold and the compressor did not kick in - the clutch did not engage. Several minutes later it did, but for about half a second then released, then cycled like that with 3~5 second gaps...

You are either low on freon (likely), high on freon (not likely), or your clutch gap is too large (possible). Have you had the system serviced?

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 11 May 2009, 21:19

If you want to recharge the system yourself, read through this thread; it covers the basics: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=20392

KenC · Post by **KenC** » 11 May 2009, 21:26

I would assume freon low - I would guess when the thief was working on it he let the gas out and assumed it wouldn't be checked on the test drive.

HA HA HA HA - Had the car serviced? I've spent $2,400 so far since buying the car a month ago. I've just been focused on getting it to run - or at least run and keep all it's fluids in!!! Maybe I should pull back out all the engine warning lights like when I bought it. Ignorance was bliss!

I do have a few cans of R134 left from a project I didn't do...I used to have a neighbor that was a refrigeration guy. Boy, that was the life, I helped him on electrical, he kept my cars blowing at 40deg's! I'll check the link you left.

Thanks!

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 11 May 2009, 21:43

Drive it over to my place - I've got a pump and gauges.

KenC · Post by **KenC** » 11 May 2009, 22:24

I'm on my way! I was just waiting for the invite, didn't want to be rude and show up unannounced. Let's see, Seattle to Florida, roughly 7-days in a good working car, so if I plan it right and hit all the Volvo dealerships and mechanics I could get there in about 3 months...