Hello, I'm new to Volvo' s & the forum

[Volvo Fan 1946]

Hello, just wanted to introduce myself and more importantly my volvo 440 xi automatic 1992 (J) plate hatchback,which was abandoned and forgotten about for 19 years in a heated garage. Now currently being recommissioned and back out on the road. Has had new tyres, spark plugs & battery. Brakes have been checked and serviced. However, car is overheating when in slow traffic or stopped at lights. Subsequently had radiator flush (cleanse) & New thermostat but still getting hot and bothered! Now running without thermostat a bit better but still getting hot in slow traffic. Fan does work but not coming on when temp rises. Has anyone else experienced this or knows how to cure issue? Sorry if this is in the wrong place - New to the forum. Any help would be very much appreciated. Jane

[doingitsideways]

Hi and welcome

If the rad is clear, I'd be looking at the rest of the cooling system including the block itself.

19 years just sat there won't have done the cast iron block any favours whatsoever, so it wouldn't surprise me if a few of the waterjackets are full of crud. So a good system flush would be next on my list.

Also, I'd change the waterpump as that's probably the same.
It'll be due a change anyway along with all the belts unless you've already done them.

[Volvo Fan 1946]

Hello, thank you for your reply - forgot to mention, both the belts were changed. It's a lovely car and practically brand new with less than 30,000 miles on the clock. Just this over heating issue to solve. Thanks again - will check water pump next & let you now if this solves the problem.

[dcw]

Rubbish in the system is probably the culprit as has been said, and a good blast through should help, along with checking/changing the water pump.

If the radiator fan isn't kicking in as the temperature rises, though, then I'd also think about the temperature sensor in the radiator that activates the fan - easy to change and might also be fouled up...

Let us know how you get on - and well done for getting your hands on what sounds like a good car! Any pictures?

David

[savabill]

Hi jane, I'm sure someone on this forum will be able to help. Follow this link to another 440 with similar problems to yours.
http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...ht=heating+440
Just a thought, 19 years in storage can attract a fair amount of dust onto the veins of the radiator, perhaps a good blow with some compressed air to clear it out.

[Volvo Fan 1946]

Hello again, thank you to everyone who replied - I will have the water pump and temp sensor replaced next and will let you know how I get on. Thrilled to bits with my volvo, enjoying the simplicity of a purely practical car (also have VW Golf) which I also love to bits but tired of always needing diagnostic checks for any subtle changes or sensor anomalies! (Anyone plagued by sensors will know exactly what I mean). First time I looked under bonnet, was in awe at how much space surrounded engine - no mysterious black plastic housing shields / guards!! Will post pictures when problems sorted - then we are off on a short road trip to Scotland. Regards Jane

[Volvo Fan 1946]

Hello again, just a quick message to say "thank you" again to those who helped last week with my overheating issue. Following your very welcome advice, my radiator was flushed to remove years of old "glupey" sediment and a new water pump fitted. My lovely volvo is now refreshed and happy tripping along with no issues at all. Having full valet tomorrow - will try and load a few photo's then you can see what condition car is in after spending 19 years hiding in a heated garage. Jane