2019 Volvo VNL Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2019 Volvo VNL has a coolant capacity of approximately 50-60 quarts (47.3-56.8 liters), depending on the specific engine and cooling system configuration.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 50-60 quarts (47.3-56.8 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Volvo VCS-2 (Yellow/Orange, Nitrite-Free Organic Acid Technology - NF-OAT)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mix or 50% Concentrate with distilled water

Capacity by Engine Option

The Volvo VNL can come with various engine options, each potentially affecting the exact coolant capacity. Always refer to your owner's manual for the precise capacity for your vehicle's configuration.

Note: These are approximate values. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for exact specifications.

Flush Interval

Maintaining the coolant flush interval is crucial for the longevity of your engine and cooling system components.

• Normal Duty: Typically every 3 years or 300,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If your VNL operates under severe conditions (e.g., heavy hauling, extreme temperatures, dusty environments), consider flushing every 2 years or 150,000 miles.

Always use Volvo VCS-2 approved coolant to maintain optimal corrosion protection and performance.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system is critical to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating. For the 2019 Volvo VNL, the process generally involves:

1. Drain the old coolant: Ensure the engine is cool. Open the radiator drain cock and any engine block drain plugs.
2. Flush with clean water: After draining, close the drains and fill the system with distilled water. Run the engine with the heater on until it reaches operating temperature, then drain. Repeat until the water runs clear.
3. Refill with new coolant: Close all drain plugs. Slowly fill the expansion tank with the recommended 50/50 pre-mixed Volvo VCS-2 coolant. Filling slowly helps minimize air entrapment.
4. Bleed the system:
   • Start the engine and let it run with the expansion tank cap off. Some VNL models may have a dedicated bleed screw on the top of the radiator or near the thermostat housing – open this slightly until a steady stream of coolant emerges (no air bubbles).
   • Run the engine at operating temperature with the heater on full, observing the coolant level in the expansion tank. Top off as needed.
   • Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses repeatedly to help dislodge air bubbles.
   • Once the engine cools, recheck the coolant level and top off to the "MAX" mark. A vacuum filler can be very effective at removing all air from the system, especially in complex heavy-duty truck cooling systems.

Common Cooling System Issues

For the 2019 Volvo VNL generation, common cooling system issues can include:

• Leaking Radiators or Hoses: Due to vibration and age, radiators can develop leaks, and hoses can crack or become porous.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump is a wear item; signs of failure include leaks from the weep hole, bearing noise, or overheating.
• Thermostat Malfunctions: A stuck-open thermostat can cause the engine to run too cool, while a stuck-closed one leads to overheating.
• EGR Cooler Leaks: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler is part of the cooling system, and leaks can lead to coolant loss and other engine problems.
• Degraded Coolant: Over time, coolant can break down, losing its corrosion protection properties, leading to internal system damage and blockages.
• Coolant Level Sensor Issues: Faulty sensors can provide inaccurate readings, triggering false low coolant warnings.

Regular inspection and maintenance, including using the correct Volvo-approved VCS-2 coolant, are key to preventing these issues.

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