Does it run hot ?

Sweet Wagon · Post by **Sweet Wagon** » 12 Dec 2005, 06:48

I can't figure this one out. On my 97 850 GLT (wagon), the temperature gauge runs just around 10 o'clock and not at 9, like it should. This started about 14 months ago. The dealer changed the thermostat and the sensor in the housing, and still, it seems to run warm. According to a coolant test, it was at just the right temperature.

I wouldn't worry, except that I live in Florida, where heat is a factor. Also, the exhaust seems to have a slight leak at the manifold. I don't know if they are related problems (and which caused which ?).

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Matt

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 12 Dec 2005, 06:59

It sounds like it is running about where it should be. As long as it comes up to that temp and stays there, it should be fine. Your old thermostat was probably getting weak or was rated for a slightly lower temp. I don't believe there is any connection between that and your exhaust leak.

Post by **robert213** » 12 Dec 2005, 22:15

First of all, Volvo dealerships no longer sell the cooler 87C/190F thermostat. Every thermostat sold is now a 90C/195F.

Volvo thermostats have Wahler, Made in Germany stamped on them. Purchase one from FCP Groton. Insist on Wahler, 87C/190F.

http://fcpgroton.com/volvo850cooling.htm
VOL-271417 - Thermostat and O Ring - 87 Degrees - $9.00 - Vernet (OEM)

It came in a box with red sides and blue top and bottom in white letters,
Wahler Thermostat Made in Germany and Part Number 4272 87D stamped on the front.

It has "Wahler, Made in Germany" inscribed along the top, and "87" inscribed on the bottom.

Now, purchase long Torx-40 bit. If you can't find one from Snap-On...
http://www.mcmaster.com/
(630) 600-3600

Enter page number 2609 in search field.

http://www.mcmaster.com/ctlg/DisplCtlgP ... PgNbr=2609
3/8" Square Drive, Long
T30 5" Length 6939A84 13.84
T40 5" Length 6939A87 13.84 <--
T45 5" Length 6939A88 13.84
T50 5" Length 6939A89 13.84

Now, purchase Permatex Ultra-Blue RTV -- not for thermostat housing, but a thin layer for torx bolts.

Replace it yourself...
http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/thermect.php
http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/thermect2.php
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/tstat.php

You can lift up and remove the aluminum injector wiring cover. Also, remove the two bolts fastening the fuel rail to the intake manifold. This allows you to slide the fuel rail over 1/4 inch to create room to access rear thermostat torx bolt.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 13 Dec 2005, 05:22

I actually have had bad experiences with the wahler units, failing after only a couple of months in service. I will not use another. However it sounds like you don't need to replace it again if it is coming up to the right temperature and staying there.

Sweet Wagon · Post by **Sweet Wagon** » 13 Dec 2005, 06:08

Thanks for the thorough response. I remember specifically having a discussion with the service manager (him and I both do work on VW's) about the cooler temp thermostat, but this could very well be a case of him telling me one thing and his service tech doing another.

I'll change the thermostat and see how the car fares. It runs so strong otherwise that this little detail is really getting under my skin.

Matt

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 03 Feb 2006, 06:24

I think all the OEM whaler unit fails around 120K or so, it seems to be ac ommon problem. But heck, they probably work better than Stant at the local parts store, now those are crappy

Peter00228980 · Post by **Peter00228980** » 25 Mar 2006, 17:55

My 98' V70 T5 wagon wasn't getting warm enough in the cold SD winter. The temp guage would only go to the 2 o'clock position when cruising on the interstate, but warm up to the 3 o'clock position when at idle. I put a NAPA 195 degree thermostat in (only temp they had) for $6.99 and it works great. Simple installation minus the rear bolt. It's all stainless construction so it should last but we'll see. As a note, do thermostat manufacturers design these so that when they fail they fail open? Better to cold than to hot. If they don't they should.

Peter00228980 · Post by **Peter00228980** » 26 Mar 2006, 07:22

Sorry, In the last posting I meant my car would only heat up to the 4 o'clock position, and now with the new thermostat it sits at the 3 o'clock position or the needle is horizontal. 2 o'clock position would be over heating; maybe I need to look at clocks more often.

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Mar 2006, 12:19

Peter00228980 wrote:As a note, do thermostat manufacturers design these so that when they fail they fail open? Better to cold than to hot. If they don't they should.

My original equipment t-stat failed open, yes.

beefmaster · Post by **beefmaster** » 10 Jun 2011, 16:35

I see some people are not partial to the Stant thermostats however they do offer 160, 180 and 190 degree units. I have not replaced mine on either the 850 or the V70 but was curious about the removal process (seems everything you do requires you to manipulate something unrelated out of the way) before starting. I was going to try the Stant 180 thermostat in my 850 during the summer as it tends to stay around the 95 degree mark for about 5 months out of the year and see how it fares before replacing the unit in my V70.