2019 Volvo VNR — Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2019 Volvo VNR holds approximately 51.5 quarts (48.7 liters) of coolant in its cooling system.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 51.5 quarts (48.7 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Volvo VCS-2 (Yellow/Orange, Organic Acid Technology - OAT)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mix or 50/50 concentrate with distilled water

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2019 Volvo VNR typically comes with the Volvo D11, D13, or D13TC engine. The coolant capacity remains consistent across these engine options due to the common cooling system design.

Flush Interval

Maintaining your coolant is crucial for the longevity of your engine. The flush interval can vary based on your operating conditions:

• Normal Duty: Replace coolant every 3 years or 300,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Replace coolant every 2 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first. Severe duty conditions include frequent heavy loads, extensive idling, or operation in extreme temperatures.

Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date maintenance schedule.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system is essential to prevent air pockets that can lead to ineffective cooling and potential engine damage. For the 2019 Volvo VNR, follow these general steps:

1. Drain the old coolant: With the engine cool, open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator and remove the radiator cap to allow the system to drain completely.
2. Flush the system (optional but recommended): Once drained, close the petcock and fill the system with distilled water. Run the engine with the heater on for a short period, then drain. Repeat until the drained water is clear. Consider using a cooling system flush product if there's evidence of contamination.
3. Refill with new coolant: Close the petcock. Slowly fill the reservoir with the specified Volvo VCS-2 coolant (50/50 mix). Fill until it reaches the 'MAX' line.
4. Bleed the system:
   • Start the engine and let it run with the heater on high. Keep the radiator cap off (or reservoir cap loose) to allow air to escape. Monitor the coolant level and add more as needed. You may need to rev the engine gently a few times to help dislodge air bubbles.
   • Specific Note: Volvo VNR models are generally self-bleeding to a good degree, but always ensure the heater is on full to open the heater core circuit and allow air to escape from there. Some technicians prefer to use a vacuum refilling tool to ensure all air is removed quickly and efficiently.
5. Check for leaks: After filling and bleeding, inspect all hoses and connections for any signs of leaks.
6. Final level check: Once the engine has cooled completely, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary.

Common Cooling System Issues

While the 2019 Volvo VNR is a robust truck, certain cooling system issues can arise, especially in heavy-duty applications:

• Radiator Leaks: Over time, vibrations and environmental factors can cause wear and tear on the radiator, leading to leaks. Keeping an eye on coolant levels and visual inspections can help catch these early.
• Hose Degradation: Coolant hoses can harden, crack, or soften due to age and exposure to extreme temperatures. Regularly inspect hoses for bulges, cracks, or signs of leakage.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. Symptoms of a failing water pump include coolant leaks from the weep hole, a grinding noise, or engine overheating.
• Thermostat Issues: A faulty thermostat can cause the engine to either run too hot (if stuck closed) or too cold (if stuck open). Overheating is a more common and critical symptom.
• EGR Cooler Issues: Diesel engines, like those in the VNR, utilize an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler. Internal leaks in the EGR cooler can introduce coolant into the exhaust or combustion chamber, leading to white smoke from the exhaust, loss of coolant, and potentially engine damage. This is a more complex issue requiring professional diagnosis.

Regular inspections and adherence to the recommended maintenance schedule can significantly mitigate these common issues. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.