11 replies to this topic

[98V70BASEBOY]

I've done the search thing, and did not find anything about the longevity of the original radiator for my vehicle. I have 156k miles, and am thinking that, before the winter, I should replace for piece of mind. Back when I bought the car, the indy I was taking it to, mentioned that the radiators are good for about 120k or so, so I'm thinking I'm due. FCP is a great source, and Rich's writup as well as the postings about it will be all I need.

So, who thinks it is time to replace? Anyone ever find a metal tank aftermarket version, and is it really even worth the assumed greater cost?

Thanks!!

[erikv11]

I would check the seams and the 2 hose attachment points (inlet and outlet) for leakage (check for residue), then if it is not leaking just let it ride. Most common failure spot is the plastic sleeve around the hose tubes.

I also wouldn't buy this part from FCP, radiator should be Volvo branded and you can get it pretty cheap from DW Volvo ($220).

[confused_al]

erikv11, on 20 October 2009 - 06:55 PM, said:

I also wouldn't buy this part from FCP, radiator should be Volvo branded and you can get it pretty cheap from DW Volvo ($220).

+1

[98V70BASEBOY]

confused_al, on 20 October 2009 - 06:56 PM, said:

+1

I was under the, perhaps mis-informed, impression that Behr is the OEM manufacturer for the heater core and the radiator for my car? Can you explain what you refer to by "plastic sleeves around the hose tubes"? Is this a reinforcement point where the hose tubes connect to the tanks?

[mikus]

You're replacing your radiator as maintenance, it's not damaged/failed? I've never heard of such a thing.

[98V70BASEBOY]

erikv11, on 20 October 2009 - 06:55 PM, said:

I would check the seams and the 2 hose attachment points (inlet and outlet) for leakage (check for residue), then if it is not leaking just let it ride. Most common failure spot is the plastic sleeve around the hose tubes.

I also wouldn't buy this part from FCP, radiator should be Volvo branded and you can get it pretty cheap from DW Volvo ($220).

There are a few drops coming down from both sides of the underside cowl, so that is what makes me think this thing is on its way out the door real quick. I can get a Volvo radiator from my local dealer for $260, so perhaps that will be the answer.

How about the hoses from FCP? Any experience with those??

Thanks everyone!! I really do appreciate your comments and feedback. I have not posted for a lonnnnnng time, and feel bad about jumping in for advice, given that I have not been around to provide any opinions.

[Oreo931]

mikus, on 20 October 2009 - 08:22 PM, said:

You're replacing your radiator as maintenance, it's not damaged/failed? I've never heard of such a thing.

Me neither.
I've got 204k on mine with no issues.

[erikv11]

98V70BASEBOY, on 20 October 2009 - 08:15 PM, said:

I was under the, perhaps mis-informed, impression that Behr is the OEM manufacturer for the heater core and the radiator for my car? Can you explain what you refer to by "plastic sleeves around the hose tubes"? Is this a reinforcement point where the hose tubes connect to the tanks?

from the factory it was Valeo or Blackstone. Volvo stopped selling Blackstone quite a while ago, I think I have read you don't always get Valeo from the dealer any more. So if your factory rad is OK leave it in, even used it may be the best quality part you can get right now.

The main inlet and outlet tubes (top and bottom) on the radiator are aluminum but jacketed in a thin, black corrugated plastic. That plastic tends to crack over time and the result can be a slow leak where the hose attaches to the rad. A coolant leak should have chalky or crusty residue as evidence, that is what I would be looking for.

Personally I also wouldn't buy the URO hoses from FCP because the one time I did they lasted about 1.5 years before started bulging but that is less of a big deal, more up to your preference/budget/maintenance style etc.

[confused_al]

98V70BASEBOY, on 20 October 2009 - 08:34 PM, said:

How about the hoses from FCP? Any experience with those??

Take a look at post#4's pics:
http://volvospeed.co...__fromsearch__1

[Rsterns]

Mine started getting a little green around the gills around 5 years ago, I can’t calibrate it to miles. For the price, even going OEM, especially if your in any kind of extreme climate condition hot or cold, it’s cheap insurance. Especially if your seeing any signs of leaking. Just getter done.

[the commissar!]

OrEo931, on 20 October 2009 - 08:53 PM, said:

Me neither.
I've got 204k on mine with no issues.

I got ~250,000 out of mine when I BROKE it, no telling how long it would have gone...

[db130]

i've had to buy 2 new radiators from DW this year, in both cases they were new Valeos.

they replaced valeos that lasted 122k and ~160k.

i have a third volvo in the extended family that is still running the orginal rad at 160k and a fourth volvo on the original rad at 123k. it's a crapshoot.