Hi all!

I have two silly questions about the power steering and the coolant resevoir. Today I did a routine engine bay check. Everything checked out fine and I just decided to add just a wee bit coolant since the level was between the MIN and MAX (where it has been for quite sometimes, a good sign I guess). So my first question is about the coolant. Can I use ANY *GREEN* coolant? I added some Peak brand green coolant. I remember the last Volvo tech I spoke to said green stuff is fine. My resevoir has the green stuff anyway, hence my use of green. But then I read the manual that states someting like "add Volvo Type C coolant." I know there has been debates about using orange or green coolant and the brand type. Am I okay with any brand green coolant?

My second question is about the power steering fluid. The dipstick reads exactly on the MIN mark. The manual says use ATF when adding fluid to the PS. I haven't added any because I'm not sure what type of ATF. Can I use any brand and any type ATF? I have Chevron Dexron/Mercon(?) III in my house. Can I use that or some other generic brand ATF? Also, is driving with low PS bad? Can I grind something down? Does PS fluid function as a lubricant in any way, or is it just to assist in PS? My steering seems fine and not hard at all, but I'm a little concerned.

So, three questions for my 89 245:
1. What type and color coolant?
2. What type ATF for the PS?
3. Will operating a car with low PS fluid cause any mechanical/physical problems to the steering system?

Hi Ug - (Can't resist this: Are you a swan?)


1. What type and color coolant?
2. What type ATF for the PS?
3. Will operating a car with low PS fluid cause any mechanical/physical problems to the steering system?


(1) Coolant, IMHO, should always be green. Mixing brands is not as good as sticking with one brand, but likely makes no difference. In my 240's coolant is a 50/50 mix of Prestone green and steam distilled water. If I encounter low coolant on the road, my first stop is any grocery store to get steam distilled water.

(2) ATF for p/s can be whatever. Easiest for me is to have on hand (Bob's Garage Volvo Parts Department) the type the owner's manual sez for the tranny. In my case that is Dexron Mercon III, which supercedes the Dexron IID called for in the manual.

(3) Operating with low P/S can cause problems. However, overfilling can, too.
The ATF expands with heat, thus the Min Max lines. If it stays on Min, it's OK.
Similar situation to the Min Max lines on the coolant overflow tank.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

THANKS, B.C.!

Thanks for the greatly appreciated info! When I checked the PS level, it was reading exactly at the MIN line. I checked it after I had driven about 3 miles. I don't think that distance put much heat on the PS fluid. Tomorrow morning I think I'll add some ATF Dexron III, being careful with not overfilling it :o)

BTW, when I topped up my coolant, I also added filtered water along with the green coolant.

I'm not quite a swan yet!

Hey Ug -

Before you add p/s fluid, drive it 'til it's hot and then check it. P/S fluid does expand with temp, thus the min and max lines. Cold on Min line is OK.

Engine coolant being 50/50 green antifreeze with steam distilled water is the best for our cars. Filtered water isn't the same as steam distilled b/c filtering does not remove acids and other stuff. Coolant expands, too. If it's on the Min line cold, it's OK. Check it again when it's way heated up.

Steam distilled is pure water, like the water condensed on your cold beer mug. It comes out of the surrounding air, and whatever else might be in the air stays there.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)