Is the seal for the radiator temp switch a commonly available part? I ordered a Volvo radiator and hoses a while back anticipating a failure. I got the failure and now understand I need the seal for the temp switch.

I have a dealer nearby but his stock is usually quite slim. I'll call in the morning but would not be surprised if he did not have it.

The car is in a parking lot with the platic seam split. Thankfully it split after my wife went in and she didn't drive it without coolant!

Any tricks replacing the switch?

Thanks!
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Paul NW Indiana '89 740 Turbo 140,000

I didn't wan't to be with out/leave my car in a lot until I could mail order one, So I reused the old seal. I also used cable ties (AKA zip ties) as an added measure to help hold it in place until I could get a new one.
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Paul NW Indiana '89 740 Turbo 140,000

Drain a pint or two from your cooling system before you pull that switch to replace the gasket. I didn't, when I replaced the sensor, and got some alarming spillage.

Ari

The rubber seal should have come with the radiator. Blackstone or Nissens? I have always found these rolling around in the box ready to crawl out a broken corner, both brands. The supplier should send you one for free. FCPG should have these laying around otherwise get one from a dealer. A discussion could be found at this link.
Radiator Temp Switch Installation

Tom

This is the volvo blackstone on I got from tasca volvo. I did not find one in the box anywhere.

Does the old switch come out easily for reuse?

As expected, it would take my local volvo dealer a week to get one. How do they function with a distribution system like that?

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Paul NW Indiana '89 740 Turbo 145,000

I am likely wrong about the Blackstone coming with a rubber seal. First time for everything. The only Blackstone I bought went into a 1994 or '95 940 with an engine mounted temperature sensor.

Tom

Sorry, some folks call Nissens a Volvo radiator. I never had a problem removing the thermal switch. It is just a little reluctant. I ended using pliers or channel locks and a rag to break the seal consisting of hard rubber and coolant deposits. Gentle with the grip and easy with a rock and twist.

Tom

My original radiator cracked at the upper hose connection so I replaced it with an all metal heavy duty type. I reused the original temp sensor seal (silly of me! ) only to have it fail a year after. I acquired an original from our local dealer here in S.Fla ( $10 !!! ) and reinstalled. NOW when I got the new radiator I noticed a platic plug where the sensor fits . This plug was held in by a brass screw cap which had a quarter inch or so hole in it. I was able to make that hole bigger ( to accomodate the leads from the sensor ), then screw it back in place so as to hold the sensor and grommet securely. At least now the entire assembly will not simply flyout when the grommet goes bad.