Hi,

I noticed that this morning in the rain, that my 96 960 had some steam coming out of the front of the hood. I turned the car off immediatly because I know these engines are sensitive to overheating. The steam stopped. I started the car back up and the temp guage was in the middle, and there was no more steam. Opened the reservoir and there was plenty of coolant, and it was JUST coolant, no oil (thank the Volvo gods). So, I don't know what the problem could be as I just bought it a month ago and the Volvo dealership did a Water Control valve and "made sure" everything was up to par.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Matt
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'90 740 Turbo with lots of upgrade (lady ran a red light and totalled it), 96 960 bone stock (to try to fill the gap that the 740 left me) 83' 242GLT, '78 245DL

at least the 960 has a low coolant switch in the bottom of the expansion tank.a pre warning.
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83 242 DL -127k, 92-965-189k, 94-965-200k, 83-242 GLT-Gone, but not forgotten,83-245GLT-1'st one (the 1'st 3 currently on the road)

Likely just rain water spray on the exhaust manifold. But you are right to be concerned: this engine IS subject to overheating damage and it is VERY expensive to repair.

Check the FAQ for more information, specifically in the 960 or cooling sections.

Keep a close eye on the coolant level. If the level drops, shut the engine down and diagnose the problem. Do NOT drive with low or leaking coolant or with the temperature gauge in the red zone.

Consider a new radiator as well: see the FAQ for details.

I suggest starting the car again, leaving the hood up and seeing where the steam comes from.

These cars are well known for cracks in the upper radiator hose neck. They start as a small crack, then fail catastrophically. Another weak spot on these cars is the coolant reservoir, at the bottom... the plastic neck and hose going into the reservoir. And, the pressure cap. None serious if caught now. Check it out, let us know.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 067,600 and 1995 964 151,900

Hey all,

I checked the entire cooling system when I got home from work. Everything seems A'OK. I will just for the hell of it, replace the thermostat. It can't hurt. So, I think it was probably just water dripping on something as it was raining in the morning.

Thanks,
Matt
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'90 740 Turbo with lots of upgrade (lady ran a red light and totalled it), 96 960 bone stock (to try to fill the gap that the 740 left me) 83' 242GLT, '78 245DL

since you said that it was raining it is very possible that the steam was from rain getting on the hot radiator and evaporating. I notice this when I wash my car after I drive it or if I let it run in the driveway after I've washed it and the radiator is wet.

Andrew Woods
94 945T
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My Volvo Page