Buying / owning a classic estate

[Forrest]

I replaced the header tank in 2015 and fitted new main radiator hoses. The coolant header tanks do not last indefinitely. There is a metal insert where the hose attaches to the bottom and the plastic breaks away over the top of this and leads to leaks. Since i have been using the car for a twenty mile commute, sometimes in adverse weather, I have tried to keep on top of anything that might lead to a breakdown.

I have heard that you can work wonders on old plastic expansion tanks with sulphamic (not sulphuric) acid. I’ve never tried it myself as it is simpler and more reliable just to replace the tank if new ones are available.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Forrest

I have heard that you can work wonders on old plastic expansion tanks with sulphamic (not sulphuric) acid. I’ve never tried it myself as it is simpler and more reliable just to replace the tank if new ones are available.

Something that works well purely for cleaning is extra-strong denture cleaning tablets. I used a plastic storage tub bigger than the tank, dropped the tank in and filled it with hot water and about 6 denture cleaning tablets, left it overnight then rinsed.

While it didn't bring it up as new, it certainly came up very clean for a 25+ year old tank!

[RollingThunder]

I must admit I replace the coolant reservoir as a matter of course when doing my stage 0 service. They don't just discolour, they start to crack as well - most of the ones I have replaced have either well established cracks, or the visible beginnings of one where the smaller hose goes into the reservoir - particularly on 850s.

[Ross 63]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

Something that works well purely for cleaning is extra-strong denture cleaning tablets. I used a plastic storage tub bigger than the tank, dropped the tank in and filled it with hot water and about 6 denture cleaning tablets, left it overnight then rinsed.

While it didn't bring it up as new, it certainly came up very clean for a 25+ year old tank!

plugging the bottom and side outlets followed by the addition of 2 tablespoons of baking soda, a squirt of washing up liquid and a bottle of distilled vinegar will clean anything out of a header tank. Just make sure it's in the sink before you pour the vinegar. That reaction is like mentos & coca cola on steroids.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by RollingThunder

I must admit I replace the coolant reservoir as a matter of course when doing my stage 0 service. They don't just discolour, they start to crack as well - most of the ones I have replaced have either well established cracks, or the visible beginnings of one where the smaller hose goes into the reservoir - particularly on 850s.

Agree with Thunder on this. For £30 It's worth replacing as the metal insert corrodes and the plastic cracks after 25 years.

[Offgrid]

I bought a 1989 940 estate for £850 on Ebay. It's in great condition, and had some MOT. There are only a few years to go before it is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt as well. It's really easy to work on, and I think it looks more attractive that some of the other Volvo models of that era. They seem to be becoming rare, as the drift racers are buying them, so I expect it to appreciate in value over the next few years.

Wealth warning - I'm new to Volvos, so my opinions are based on very limited knowledge.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by Offgrid

I bought a 1989 940 estate for £850 on Ebay. It's in great condition, and had some MOT. There are only a few years to go before it is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt as well. It's really easy to work on, and I think it looks more attractive that some of the other Volvo models of that era. They seem to be becoming rare, as the drift racers are buying them, so I expect it to appreciate in value over the next few years.

Wealth warning - I'm new to Volvos, so my opinions are based on very limited knowledge.

Did they produce 940's in 1989 ??

[bob12]

It would be a very interesting vehicle if it was produced in 1989 and registered in the UK on '89 F or G plates!

Bob

[baggy798]

Originally Posted by RollingThunder

I must admit I replace the coolant reservoir as a matter of course when doing my stage 0 service. They don't just discolour, they start to crack as well - most of the ones I have replaced have either well established cracks, or the visible beginnings of one where the smaller hose goes into the reservoir - particularly on 850s.

New coolant tank gang.



You could probably try retrobrighting an old one as well to get back the whiteness. But why bother when a new one is £24 on ebay.

Originally Posted by griston64

Did they produce 940's in 1989 ??

Yeah, they were called 760s and they usually had a crappy V6 in them.

[baggy798]

Three decent 940s have been put up for sale on fb the last few days.

L958AKR with the Hydras has unusual beige half interior, few things wrong with it, £2600.

R422NRX is quite modified, bigger turbo, 3" exhaust, chips, lightweight flywheel, welded G80, quick shift mod, etc, £4000.

N695GWR, M90, leather, 116k, £3200. "Recent head gasket inc cylinder head refresh and water pump. New disks and pads all around. New callipers on the rear. New set of Toyo Proxes tyres."