P1800 / P1800ES

1961-1973 / Coupe / Shooting Brake / Sweden

All P1800 / P1800ES problems All workshop issues

Critical Cooling System

Thermostat failure

Symptoms

Engine runs cold (heater blows lukewarm, fuel economy suffers) or overheats quickly.

Cause

Thermostats stick open or closed. Age and crud in the coolant are the culprits.

Fix

Replace the thermostat.

Cheap part, easy job.

Test it in a pot of boiling water before fitting, some repro units are junk.

Know something we don't?

Owned a Volvo P1800 / P1800ES? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More P1800 / P1800ES problems

Other known issues

Common Cooling System

Radiator corrosion and leaks

Coolant leaks from the core or end tanks. Overheating. Brown sludge in the system.

Common Cooling System

Water pump bearing failure

Squealing or grinding noise from the front of the engine. Coolant leak from the weep hole. Overheating.

Common Cooling System

Heater core leaks

Coolant smell in the cabin, damp carpet on the passenger side, steamed-up windscreen, coolant loss.

Common Engine

Oil leaks from rear main seal

Oil weeps or pours from the back of the engine, usually visible around the bellhousing. Can soak the clutch on manual cars.

Common Engine

Piston ring wear and oil consumption (B18/B20)

Blue smoke on startup or under load. Engine uses a litre of oil every 500-1000 km. Exhaust tips go black and sooty.

Common Engine

Timing gear wear and rattle (B18)

Rattling or chattering noise from the front of the engine, especially on cold start or at idle. Sometimes a metallic ticking that doesn't go away when warm.

View all 28 P1800 / P1800ES problems