Correct thermostat temperature?

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 17 Aug 2009, 19:04

My manual for 00 V70XC says "Turbo-charged models 180F (87C)". But all temperature conversions tell me 87C is actually more like 189F.

Every store that I got to says the OEM temp for this car is 192F.

I do a lot of driving in the desert, up mountains and with full loads. I want to get the right one to keep things cool, but all this stuff has me confused.

Is the manual wrong (their conversions seem to be)? What is the best to use? Can I run an 82C/180F t-stat? I think that's too low though... What is the correct temp one to use for this turbo car? Thanks!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Aug 2009, 20:05

At the end of the day there is very little difference. The temperature ratings on the thermostats is where it opens, not where it tries to keep the engine temperature. In Flagstaff I think I would run the 87 degree just to got it opened and get heat into into the heater core quicker in the winter. No flow through the core means no heat in the cabin.

Elevation also plays into the equation and there is an obvious difference in elevation between Flagstaff and San Diego.

...Lee

Post by **wheelsup** » 17 Aug 2009, 22:48

My vague understanding is Volvo changed the temp req's. There used to be 87C, 90C, and 92C choices. Now I believe non-turbos are 90C and turbos are 92C. But honestly what's 2C...

You can still buy the 87C from Napa but it's not OEM. I had one in my car and put a 90C in there, the temp gauge now sits very slightly above dead center and when I say slightly I mean slightly.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 17 Aug 2009, 23:09

Thanks for the input guys. The main reason I'm asking is because earlier this year I realized by t-stat had been dead for some time. I didn't know a lot about them, but I knew it had to be replaced. I just took whatever the Autozone guy in gave me without much thought.

I have been noticing what you (wheelsup) have said, which made me think about it more. I'm not sure if the t-stat would really affect this, but my temp gauge always sits SLIGHTLY above the middle, about 3 full "bars" or "ticks" from red. Never moves from it, never has overheated.

db130 · Post by **db130** » 18 Aug 2009, 07:29

i've used the volvo replacement 92C stat as well as a stant superstat 180 degree stat and for my new project car i'm going to try a wahler 87 degree unit.

in the grand scheme of things i don't think it really matters.

btw whether it be 87 or 92, the coolant temperature gauge should stay right at the 3 o'clock mark. the 87 car is touching the lower half of the 3 o'clock mark and the 92 car is touching the upper half of the 3 o'clock mark.

if it is 3 full ticks from the red, i think your ECT has some issues.

Post by **wheelsup** » 18 Aug 2009, 07:34

ecbsykes wrote:Thanks for the input guys. The main reason I'm asking is because earlier this year I realized by t-stat had been dead for some time. I didn't know a lot about them, but I knew it had to be replaced. I just took whatever the Autozone guy in Flagstaff gave me without much thought.

I have been noticing what you (wheelsup) have said, which made me think about it more. I'm not sure if the t-stat would really affect this, but my temp gauge always sits SLIGHTLY above the middle, about 3 full "bars" or "ticks" from red. Never moves from it, never has overheated.

That is a bit higher than mine, mine is still essentially at the 3 o'clock position. I would get a lower temp one. 87 or 90. I got my 90C from eeuroparts.com, I believe OEM is Whalen. Also you might want to consider replacing the ECT and radiator hoses while you are in there. I think for everything it came out to around $65 shipped.

Post by **confused_al** » 18 Aug 2009, 07:40

wheelsup wrote:Also you might want to consider replacing the ECT and radiator hoses while you are in there.

+1
I got those from DW volvo for less.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 18 Aug 2009, 08:13

I think I'll get the 87 then and replace the ECT sensor soon just to be safe. I'm pretty sure I'm on the original sensor. Never had any problems; it never fluctuates or looks weird. But I had just had my radiator replaced and I don't want any funny business in the cooling system.

volvomileage · Post by **volvomileage** » 18 Aug 2009, 18:06

if i am not mistakin the thermostant temp would be 87degres for the turbo and 90 degres for the na

i replaced mine recently with an oem 90 degres, the old thermostat that was removed was also an 90 degres

if you are also changing the ect sensor go oem,and clean the connector contacts
i tried an aftermarket unit and it went sour a month later... maybe i was unlucky but still...had to the same job twice ..
having the coolant drained i changed the hoses as well its cheap insurance..but thats my perfectionist side loll

hope it can help
cheers !

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 18 Aug 2009, 19:54

The last one I bought I think was a Vernat from FCP. The OEM I replaced had a hole with a rivet through it and the aftermarket didn't. I drilled a 1/8" hole in the face of the diaphragm to more or less replicate the OEM version.

If you have the aluminum bolts that secure the top of the thermostat housing be sure to get the updated steel bolts to replace them with. The upgraded bolts are dirt cheap and the old style bolts will likely try to strip out the heads on you as you remove them.

...Lee