17 replies to this topic

[jrw1621]

I have read here in the board that there are two thermostats offered for the 850. One temp range for the turbo model and another for the n/a version. I am wondering if my car has the wrong version? Is this even possible?

My car is a n/a '95 855. Now that the weather is cold (below freezing) the temp needle rises quickly but only to a 4:00 position it never rises higher and I do give some heat. It is my belief that a bad thermostat is an "all or nothng" proposition that does not move the needle and provides no heat. Am I wrong here?

Aside for this situation, the car is running completely normal.

I ask all this because I am trying to determine if it is thermostat or if there may be some other problem elsewhere?
For supporting evidence, the coolent level is normal, at a normal strength and not leaking in any way.

[matt b]

It actually sounds more like a thermostat sticking than a wrong thermostat. Do you know if yours has been changed ?

On an N/A, you need to run a 90 celsius thermostat, the only one carried by dealers. It's an easy swap if you can secure the coolant in containers while you're changing. You may even want to replace your coolant and coolant temp sensor while you're at it (recommended).

Bay 13 has all the write-ups you need for that. The difference between a turbo thermostat and an N/A thermostat is just 3 degree celsius, it would be minor on your gauge and should not affect the way your N/A runs at all.

[erikv11]

+1, sticking thermostat that does not close properly.

The temp sensor tells your ECU what to do with the temp, but the actual temp is regulated mechanically, by the 'stat. If your heater doesn't get warm, then your 'stat isn't doing it's job. Replace it.

[Slater]

The 87 is not available anymore in genuine Volvo form. They are all superceded by the 90 degree one.

FCP sells the 87 but from what I have heard on this board it fits like crap.

[Che'_Moderator]

Autozone sells 87 and 85. If your hitting 4 on the gauge and its THO cold thats pretty normal assuming your on the highway

[jrw1621]

Ah, the power of the board.
This morning after about a week of a low temp guage in all situations, I placed the question on the board. After possing the question, I headed out and away from the desk for the day.

Just before I was returning to the desk, I was sitting in the parking lot talking on the phone with the car idling. While on the phone, I feel that I am getting roasted out by the heater. I look down and the guage is in the perfect normal operation zone. Looks like a sticking thermo that has for now unstuck itself. Good responses to all that chimed in. Thanks

I will keep an eye on it.

Thanks,
John

[Slater]

Autozone sells 87 and 85. If your hitting 4 on the gauge and its THO cold thats pretty normal assuming your on the highway

What brand?

Also, isn't 85 too low (i.e. start having fuel trim issues)?

[Che'_Moderator]

What brand?

Also, isn't 85 too low (i.e. start having fuel trim issues)?

I have an 83 or 85 in now. My fuel trim in closed loops is on the lean side. 14.5:1ish. Not sure brand. Much like spark plugs I buy the cheapest,

I look down and the guage is in the perfect normal operation zone. Looks like a sticking thermo that has for now unstuck itself. Good responses to all that chimed in. Thanks

Thanks,
John

Did not sound stuck. Idling the vehicle will always be warmer than when driving. Thats why you see the grille blocks on the big diesels and even cars up north.

[matt b]

FCP sells the 87 but from what I have heard on this board it fits like crap.

I am on my 2nd one from them, no issues. The seal is a bitch to get on just right, so that may be the issue.

[Slater]

I have an 83 or 85 in now. My fuel trim in closed loops is on the lean side. 14.5:1ish. Not sure brand. Much like spark plugs I buy the cheapest,

Well, unfortunately I just installed a 90 because that's all Volvo had. Should I pull it for an Auto Zone special? Heck, I could just drill a hole in mine for free.

Edited by Slater, 08 December 2006 - 09:09 PM.

[matt b]

Well, unfortunately I just installed a 90 because that's all Volvo had. Should I pull it for an Auto Zone special? Heck, I could just drill a hole in mine for free.

You're better off buying a new one from FCP. Really, no issues with mine.

If I can find one I got from the shop for free, I'd send it your way. I'll PM you if I find it, it's an 87 that was installed and run for 45 minutes while other things were checked on the car. It's fine and had no issues.

[RussB]

I will keep an eye on it.

Thanks,
John

When "something" fails and leaves you stranded and cold...you can remember those words

flush & replace the coolant and thermostat ASAP

[Slater]

You're better off buying a new one from FCP. Really, no issues with mine.

If I can find one I got from the shop for free, I'd send it your way. I'll PM you if I find it, it's an 87 that was installed and run for 45 minutes while other things were checked on the car. It's fine and had no issues.

I have a brand new OEM one on my car (less than 1 hour old)

[Che'_Moderator]

When "something" fails and leaves you stranded and cold...you can remember those words

flush & replace the coolant and thermostat ASAP

Why? What he described sounds 100% normal to me,

[RussB]

Why? What he described sounds 100% normal to me,

IMHO, a "sticking" thermostat with "stick" again, maybe closed next time

[Che'_Moderator]

IMHO, a "sticking" thermostat with "stick" again, maybe closed next time

I doubt its sticking. If its titty cold on the highway a little below 3 o'clock is normal. He said it gets to 3 while iding so.....

[erikv11]

My car is a n/a '95 855. Now that the weather is cold (below freezing) the temp needle rises quickly but only to a 4:00 position it never rises higher and I do give some heat.

By "never" I think he meant "never," not "except when idling" or something like that. Like a sticky thermostat. And his later post explains that it suddenly changed. Like if the t-stat became unstuck.

It has been 6 degrees and 9 degrees here when I drove to work the last few days, my car quickly moves to 3 o'clock and stays there. Idling, driving, whatever.

sticky thermostat, should be replaced at first chance. Stuck open is a minor irritant, stuck closed is engine death.

[Che'_Moderator]

By "never" I think he meant "never," not "except when idling" or something like that. Like a sticky thermostat. And his later post explains that it suddenly changed. Like if the t-stat became unstuck.

It has been 6 degrees and 9 degrees here when I drove to work the last few days, my car quickly moves to 3 o'clock and stays there. Idling, driving, whatever.

sticky thermostat, should be replaced at first chance. Stuck open is a minor irritant, stuck closed is engine death.

I have never seen a stuck thermostat become "unstuck"