2020 Volvo VNR – Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2020 Volvo VNR holds approximately 55-65 quarts (52-61 liters) of coolant in its cooling system, depending on the engine and specific configuration.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 55-65 quarts (52-61 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Volvo Coolant VCS (Yellow, OAT - Organic Acid Technology)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mix or 50/50 Concentrate/Distilled Water mixture

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2020 Volvo VNR primarily comes with Volvo D11, D13, and D13TC (Turbo Compound) engines. The exact coolant capacity can vary slightly based on the specific engine and vehicle configuration (e.g., presence of auxiliary heaters).

Flush Interval

Maintaining the correct coolant and ensuring it's fresh is crucial for the longevity of your engine. Volvo recommends the following flush intervals for the 2020 VNR:

• Normal Duty: Every 3 years or 300,000 miles (480,000 km), whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Every 2 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever comes first. Severe duty includes conditions like frequent heavy loads, extreme temperatures, or extensive idling.

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

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system after a flush or repair is critical to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating. Here's a general procedure for the Volvo VNR:

1. Drain System: With the engine cool, thoroughly drain the old coolant from the radiator and engine block. Locate and open the petcocks or drain plugs.
2. Flush (Optional but Recommended): If performing a full flush, use a reputable cooling system flush product following the manufacturer's instructions, then rinse with distilled water until clear.
3. Close Drains: Ensure all drain plugs and petcocks are securely closed.
4. Fill with Coolant: Slowly fill the system with the specified Volvo VCS coolant (50/50 mix) through the coolant reservoir. Fill until the level reaches the "MAX" mark.
5. Bleeding Process:
   • Start the engine and let it idle with the heater on full blast and the fan speed low. This helps open the heater core and circulate coolant.
   • Monitor the coolant level in the reservoir; it will likely drop as trapped air escapes. Top it off as needed to maintain the "MAX" level.
   • Check for any air bleed screws on the engine or radiator hoses. Loosen them slightly until a steady stream of coolant (without air bubbles) comes out, then re-tighten.
   • Continue to run the engine until it reaches operating temperature and the thermostat opens (you'll feel both radiator hoses getting hot).
   • Blip the throttle occasionally to help dislodge air bubbles.
   • After the engine has run for 15-20 minutes, turn it off and allow it to cool completely.
6. Final Check: Once cool, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary. Keep an eye on the coolant level over the next few drive cycles.

Specific Note for Volvo VNR: Some Volvo engines, especially those with advanced emission systems, may benefit from a vacuum fill tool to ensure all air is removed efficiently. This is often done in professional settings.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation Volvo VNR

While the Volvo VNR is a robust truck, like any heavy-duty vehicle, it can experience specific cooling system issues. For the generation including the 2020 model, common concerns can include:

• Coolant Leaks: Due to the high-pressure and high-temperature environment, hoses, radiator tanks, water pumps, and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler lines can be prone to leaks over time. Regular inspection is key.
• EGR Cooler Failures: Volvo engines, like many modern diesels, use EGR systems. Issues with the EGR cooler can lead to coolant loss internally, often indicated by a sweet smell from the exhaust or white smoke.
• Radiator Clogging: Debris, age, or improper coolant mixing can lead to radiator fins or internal passages becoming clogged, reducing cooling efficiency.
• Thermostat Issues: A stuck-open thermostat can cause the engine to run too cool (affecting efficiency), while a stuck-closed thermostat can lead to rapid overheating.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump is a wear item. Signs of impending failure include leaks from the weep hole, bearing noise, or overheating.
• Coolant Quality Degradation: Using incorrect coolant or extending flush intervals too long can lead to cavitation, corrosion, and silicate dropout, damaging various cooling system components.

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