[voldog]

Has anyone ever flushed their coolant? Thinking about doing it on my 04. 155k. Thought maybe it would make the heat stronger. By flushing i mean using a flush solution like prestone to descale the system. Just not sure if it's a good idea. I did this on the brake lines 2 years ago. The braking was much improved.

 

[Dave_in_MD]

Has anyone ever flushed their coolant? Thinking about doing it on my 04. 155k. Thought maybe it would make the heat stronger. By flushing i mean using a flush solution like prestone to descale the system. Just not sure if it's a good idea. I did this on the brake lines 2 years ago. The braking was much improved.

You have the same car as me. 04 XC70 Ruby Red. I have been wondering the same thing, my car has mystery coolant in it from before I bought it. It came with a jug of gas station coolant. Not sure I really like coolant from a place better known for its chicken, Royal Farms.

 

[Ryandist33]

Has anyone ever flushed their coolant? Thinking about doing it on my 04. 155k. Thought maybe it would make the heat stronger. By flushing i mean using a flush solution like prestone to descale the system. Just not sure if it's a good idea. I did this on the brake lines 2 years ago. The braking was much improved.

I'm sure using prestone is fine, I personally prefer and use zerex super flush and replace the fluid with zerex G48. If you have the time I would recommend back flushing your heater core!

 

[hoonk]

1. Has anyone ever flushed their coolant?
2. Thought maybe it would make the heat stronger.

1. Certainly, old style coolant should be changed every 30k or so.
2. Flush/magic coolant fix in a can (just like tune up in a can, trans fix in a can, power steering leak fix in a can, injector cleaner in a can, Or what's that other crap, sorry wallet robbing stuff - seafoam, etc) will NOT make your heat "stronger".

 

[Dave_in_MD]

1. Certainly, old style coolant should be changed every 30k or so.
2. Flush/magic coolant fix in a can (just like tune up in a can, trans fix in a can, power steering leak fix in a can, injector cleaner in a can, etc) will NOT make your heat stronger.

If he has scale buildup on the interior of the heater core, removing the scale will improve heat transfer and result in "stronger" heat.

 

[voldog]

I'm sure using prestone is fine, I personally prefer and use zerex super flush and replace the fluid with zerex G48. If you have the time I would recommend back flushing your heater core!

Thanks. How do you back flush the heater core?

 

[Dave_in_MD]

Thanks. How do you back flush the heater core?

Only way to back flush the heater core, meaning to litterly run water thru it the opposite direction from its normal operation is to disconnect the lines going to it and push water in the hose that normally conducts water away from the heater core.
One cavate to this is, if you have pin hole leaks that a clogged with corosion flushing may remove the corrosion and cause the heater core to leak. And speaking from experience, changing the heater core is a major PITA.

 

[Tech]

I can count the number of times I've seen a scaling issue in a Volvo on zero fingers.

Simply flushing with new, clean and properly mixed coolant is all I'd do.

 

[V50_M66]

I would not use one of those BS "flush" things. No need on these cars. I'd flush it with just distilled water a few times and then refill with Genuine Volvo coolant. It's all I use in my cars, and while you could use the generic green stuff, by the time you are done the Genuine stuff is around the same price.

 

[Ryandist33]

Thanks. How do you back flush the heater core?

Dave in MD explained back flushing well, he is also right about the PITA process it is to replace some if not most all heater cores. You started a loaded topic, I'm sure everyone will rant and rave about their favorite flavor of coolant and if coolant flush chemicals actually do anything. Take what you will from the community everyone has an opinion. For me I will only use Zerex (cheaper option) and Pentosin but I also use Motul, Liqui moly products and believe they improve engine performance.