Cooling system leaks and overheating
Symptoms
You'll notice the temp gauge creeping up, puddles of coolant under the car, or the heater not working properly. The engine may consume coolant without obvious external leaks.
Cause
The cooling system on these PRV V6 engines is complex, with multiple hoses, a heater valve, and aging seals. Radiators corrode internally after 40 years, heater cores develop pinhole leaks, and hose connections weep. The thermostat housing can crack. Water pumps fail. Head gasket failure is possible but less common if compression is still good.
Fix
Start with a pressure test of the cooling system to find leaks.
Replace all coolant hoses as a matter of course if they haven't been done, they're cheap insurance.
Fit a new thermostat and check the radiator for blockages or leaks.
If the heater core is leaking (you'll smell coolant in the cabin), replacement is a dashboard-out job.
Water pump replacement is straightforward.
Use genuine Volvo coolant and bleed the system properly, air pockets will cause overheating.
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