Volvo MD2010 coolant overflow?

[SvenglishTommy]

Maybe someone here can help as I cant find anything in the users guide or the workshop manual.

There is a small transparent pipe that comes out just below the filler cap for the coolant. The pipe isn't attached to anything at the other end and I'm a little confused about what it is, and where it should be attached.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Ruffles]

It's to allow for expansion of the fresh water coolant. It shouldn't produce any water unless you have overfilled the heat exchanger.

 

[michael_w]

Sounds like an overflow to me. Allows excess water to escape. Pretty primitive. You could always fix a container on the end of the extended pipe. This is as clear as mud. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Look under the bonnet of your car, and you'll see what I mean. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[thomashoebus]

yes it's definitely the overflow.

When you fill up your coolant some may come out through this pipe the first time you use your engine after filling up.

Afterwards no coolant comes out anymore (in normal conditions)

 

[SvenglishTommy]

Should it really just be hanging loose though?

And doesn't the water expand when it's heated, I know that in mar car the coolant system is completely sealed and becomes presurised when the engine is hot. Is this s different system?

 

[TonyS]

It normally hangs loose and normally nothing comes out of it. If the tank is overfilled or the cap does not seal correctly then you will see the green antifreeze solution in the pipe. The plastic pipe prevents the antifreeze solution washing over the engine in these conditions. The plastic pipe should lead to the bilge area under the engine where any liquid can be mopped up.

 

[John_Clarke]

I have an MD2020. I have extended the tube down into the sump so that the coolant doesn't run down the engine. Also I found that too much coolant runs out when hot and motor-sailing well heeled. So I have put a packer under the tube just after where it leaves the filler which raises the tube about 10 - 15 mm (from memory). This keeps the coolant from running out below the recommended top-up mark.