1998 and Prior Thermostat Interchangeable with 1999-2000?

Post by **nickelghandi** » 20 Feb 2019, 15:09

So, I broke the overflow nipple on the radiator of my 1999 V70 AWD. I don't remember how I did, but it's likely it was when wrestling the intake manifold back into place. It is a plastic piece that is on top of the radiator. I noticed a little coolant leaking from that spot and as soon as I touched the hose, it shot off and sprayed hot coolant into my face even though I angled myself away from it... Not a great time.

I remember thinking that I hadn't seen this connection on my 1998 S70 GLT, so I popped the hood and found that the overflow comes from the thermostat housing rather than the radiator on that car. That seems like a much better spot. It is more out of the way and aluminum is much stronger than plastic.

Regardless, the radiator in the V70 will need replaced and I plan to get that taken care of myself. My question though is this: Can I purchase a thermostat or thermostat housing for a 1998 that will fit my 1999? I would like to fix the issue permanently with what I think is a better design. I know the part numbers vary slightly, but that may just be because they were two different configurations in different years. I might just buy one and find out for myself, but thought I would post here first in case anyone else had done it. I hadn't seen this asked before and I searched both the site and Google for it.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 20 Feb 2019, 16:30

You could probably use the older thermostat cover without issue. The thermostat itself is the same PN for all P80s 1993-2001, so unless clearance is a problem, it should probably work.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Feb 2019, 03:56

Clean up the radiator, dry off, and JB weld in a brass nipple for that overflow. Much faster than replacing the radiator and 1/100 the cost. I drove a JB welded draincock for about 3 years on mine

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 21 Feb 2019, 08:39

abscate wrote: ↑21 Feb 2019, 03:56 Clean up the radiator, dry off, and JB weld in a brass nipple for that overflow. Much faster than replacing the radiator and 1/100 the cost. I drove a JB welded draincock for about 3 years on mine

That should be even easier. I'm sure you could easily find the correct size from Home Depot.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Feb 2019, 13:23

You can choose between a Home De Pot metal or Lowe quality

Post by **nickelghandi** » 23 Feb 2019, 09:19

Thanks for the replies! I ordered a housing from eBay for $16 shipped. I had a spare without the spout on top and comparing them, they look identical.

Also good thinking on the JB Weld. They make a product called Steel Stick. Do you think that would be enough on its own without the brass nipple?

Edited to remove stupid question. The thermostat itself has the gasket between the housing and the housing cover. I just did the swap. Now I am off to get a good Lowe's quality brass nipple and some JB Weld epoxy putty. Thanks for the help!

Thought about making a write up, but it's such a simple procedure. Literally two torx bolts, remove cover, replace with new cover, tighten same bolts back down.