Warm Whilst Towing

Johnny8718 · Sep 27th, 2009, 16:20

Hello All!

Although my XC70 has never overheated, and whatever the circumstances I can remove the expansion cap without it boiling over, can anyone help with the following.

When towing, the fan kicks in quite a bit. The engine bay 'smells' hot, and I wonder if this is normal? Granted, this is usually when I reach a site or home and have been driving at lower speeds. After a run i.e pulling onto the services, all seems fine.

I have changed the stat for a genuine Volvo part and have fitted a new fan switch in case the fan should be kicking in earlier but the car remains the same.

Does anyone else find the same issue? Would a kenlowe fan be worth it?

FYI, it is a 2.5 low pressure turbo, with the geartronic box.

Thanks, John.

Jim314 · Sep 28th, 2009, 17:04

The cooling system is able to cope with the demand you are placing on it. I don't think you should do anything more.

kev ryder · Dec 4th, 2009, 22:52

johnny,if you have no leaks,got antifreeze in,temp.gauge or light of and no steam or banging from rad. ,there cant be much wrong.

pookie · Dec 5th, 2009, 00:37

There is no reason to worry. Because you are towing, the engine is working harder, and so it gets to higher temperatures at a faster rate. The existing systems then cool it down as required, this is why the fan is working harder than normal.

Pookie

Oilydad · Dec 7th, 2009, 06:27

Like other posters. I wouldn't worry about it. If everything is as it should be, no warning lights, no excess readings on your gauges, and no strange noises then all is probably just fine. My wife and I have caravanned for over 35 years now, and never had any problem.

Towing a caravan puts a lot of strain on the car, and of course, it's going to get hotter, smell hotter and work harder. I pull an Elddis Avante twin axle 6 berth on my 940 and that's a big caravan, but take your time would be my advice. Treat the car with respect.

Never, ever thrash the car. Stick to the towing limit 60mph where appropriate, and check oil and water before EVERY tow.

We live in Exeter, Devon, and the ones who usually come unstuck are the "I can tow at 80 on the motorway" clever dicks, who usually (down this way at least) manage to overturn their caravan and family all over the M5 after their engines/gearboxes blow up or they hit a cross-wind, or a tyre goes on the car or caravan, causing havoc for hours for hundreds of holidaymakers and working people in this area.

But you've got a Volvo................so I know you wouldn't drive like that!!

Sep 27th, 2009, 16:20	#1
Johnny8718 V50 2.0D & C70 Collection Last Online: Oct 17th, 2014 21:00 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wigan	Warm Whilst Towing Hello All! Although my XC70 has never overheated, and whatever the circumstances I can remove the expansion cap without it boiling over, can anyone help with the following. When towing, the fan kicks in quite a bit. The engine bay 'smells' hot, and I wonder if this is normal? Granted, this is usually when I reach a site or home and have been driving at lower speeds. After a run i.e pulling onto the services, all seems fine. I have changed the stat for a genuine Volvo part and have fitted a new fan switch in case the fan should be kicking in earlier but the car remains the same. Does anyone else find the same issue? Would a kenlowe fan be worth it? FYI, it is a 2.5 low pressure turbo, with the geartronic box. Thanks, John. __________________

Dec 5th, 2009, 00:37	#4
pookie Premier Member Last Online: Apr 2nd, 2021 21:13 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Stockport	There is no reason to worry. Because you are towing, the engine is working harder, and so it gets to higher temperatures at a faster rate. The existing systems then cool it down as required, this is why the fan is working harder than normal. Pookie __________________ Growing old disgracefully

Dec 7th, 2009, 06:27	#5
Oilydad Premier Member Last Online: Mar 21st, 2016 21:21 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Exeter Devon	Warm whilst Towing Like other posters. I wouldn't worry about it. If everything is as it should be, no warning lights, no excess readings on your gauges, and no strange noises then all is probably just fine. My wife and I have caravanned for over 35 years now, and never had any problem. Towing a caravan puts a lot of strain on the car, and of course, it's going to get hotter, smell hotter and work harder. I pull an Elddis Avante twin axle 6 berth on my 940 and that's a big caravan, but take your time would be my advice. Treat the car with respect. Never, ever thrash the car. Stick to the towing limit 60mph where appropriate, and check oil and water before EVERY tow. We live in Exeter, Devon, and the ones who usually come unstuck are the "I can tow at 80 on the motorway" clever dicks, who usually (down this way at least) manage to overturn their caravan and family all over the M5 after their engines/gearboxes blow up or they hit a cross-wind, or a tyre goes on the car or caravan, causing havoc for hours for hundreds of holidaymakers and working people in this area. But you've got a Volvo................so I know you wouldn't drive like that!! __________________ Are We Nearly There Yet! No longer a VOLVO owner, not by choice, but 'cause they don't make proper Volvos any more! Last edited by Oilydad; Dec 7th, 2009 at 06:31.

Sep 28th, 2009, 17:04	#2
Jim314 Premier Member Last Online: Nov 20th, 2018 01:45 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Dallas, Texas	The cooling system is able to cope with the demand you are placing on it. I don't think you should do anything more.

Dec 4th, 2009, 22:52	#3
kev ryder Junior Member Last Online: Jul 18th, 2010 22:39 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: york	johnny,if you have no leaks,got antifreeze in,temp.gauge or light of and no steam or banging from rad. ,there cant be much wrong.

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