9 replies to this topic

[black94850]

The radiator on the wifeys 855 developed a hairline crack in the plastic tank below the upper radiator hose ( seems common). I will be attacking this on Saturday morning. I picked up a OEM radiator to replace the old one, and I was hoping to get some pointers from you guys.

From what Ive got from "searching" the N/A cars the radiator should come out from the top, and the turbo cars the bottom correct?

I have all the o-rings, and clamps etc...........

I dont think I will need any special tools, I have the C-clip pliers....(which seemed to be the only "special tool" Ive read about)

Are there any pointers and procedures you guys would recommend? Also, how bad of a job is it? Ive done axles and timing belt in my 98 VW passat, with no problem, Ive done a couple of 850 T-belts as well.......Just never a Radiator job.

Sorry for all the concern, just figure its good to get everything into focus before attacking the car LOL, Thanks in advance for any input

[AlvinL]

Radiator out the bottom. Here's a couple of links to help you out. You use the same method except that since yours is NA, the lack of the intercooler makes it easier.
http://volvospeed.co...tor850turbo.php
http://volvospeed.co...tor-replacement

[db130]

would be a good time to replace the upper and lower radiator hoses/thermostat/coolant temp sensor at the same time for preventative maintenance if you don't have complete maintenance records.

the 2 bolts that mount the radiator to the frame - i would soak those with PB blaster for a couple of days before you start the job.

[black94850]

Alvin thanks for the links and the input. I will go from the bottom.

Db, Them bolts have been sprayed once a day for the last 5 days, so Im thinking they will be as ready as they ever will for Saturday. And the hoses are being replaced as well..The T-stats was down about 6 months ago....and I didnt think to get the sensor .......Thanks for your input as well.......

[64pvolvo1800]

black94850, on 06 November 2009 - 05:22 PM, said:

Alvin thanks for the links and the input. I will go from the bottom.

Db, Them bolts have been sprayed once a day for the last 5 days, so Im thinking they will be as ready as they ever will for Saturday. And the hoses are being replaced as well..The T-stats was down about 6 months ago....and I didnt think to get the sensor .......Thanks for your input as well.......

take plenty of digital photos first. That way when you come up with a loose vacuum line you can chase down the last know location!

[black94850]

Ok running into my first dilema LOL......I got everything all ready.....So I start Examining my replacement radiator( Its used, but OEM with 50K on it)....Some things look a little out of place.

First, on the old radiator where the upper hose is, there is nothing. On the replacement there is an over flow hose? (see pic)
Second, The Oil cooling fittings look nothing alike between the old and the new one ( Maybe Im missing something?) (See pic)

Just for giggles I pooped off the fitting and there is no way in Hades, the old hose will fit into the New radiator....

The radiator is off of an S70, non turbo. I was under the impression it was the same part........Guess Im wrong????

Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure ( I added a pic of the crack in the old one)

[64pvolvo1800]

black94850, on 06 November 2009 - 08:52 PM, said:

Ok running into my first dilema LOL......I got everything all ready.....So I start Examining my replacement radiator( Its used, but OEM with 50K on it)....Some things look a little out of place.

First, on the old radiator where the upper hose is, there is nothing. On the replacement there is an over flow hose? (see pic)
Second, The Oil cooling fittings look nothing alike between the old and the new one ( Maybe Im missing something?) (See pic)

Just for giggles I pooped off the fitting and there is no way in Hades, the old hose will fit into the New radiator....

The radiator is off of an S70, non turbo. I was under the impression it was the same part........Guess Im wrong????

Me thinks you got one off a 2000+ 70 series.

New one is only $225 or so. A used one is going to give you very little if because they are all prone to the same cracking.

[black94850]

64pvolvo1800, on 06 November 2009 - 09:04 PM, said:

Me thinks you got one off a 2000+ 70 series.

New one is only $225 or so. A used one is going to give you very little if because they are all prone to the same cracking.

I was thinking the same thing........I got it from a good friend who is sort of a VOLVO parts hoarder ( cost me $0), I will see if he has any others that could fit the bill

[tenn850]

You probably got the wrong radiator.

On the same subject I did this job last Saturday on my 850 NA. The radiator was a good fit, but for the tranny connectors the radiator came with two brass couplings that I had to screw to the radiator. If you look on the posted photos above the original tranny connectors were already attached. So I screwed the new fittings on there without using thread sealant! So it leaks tranny fluid around the threads. I just bought liquid thread sealant so I have to remove them cleanthem and use that stuff to stop the leak! Would that fix the leak?

Also I destroyed the clamps on the tranny lines so I had to buy new ones. They are $12 each from the dealer!!

[black94850]

I just wanted to say thanks guys, for all the input. The new radiator is in and functioning great. I also got to connect a couple of vacuum lines that where disconnected, giving me the CEL. So radiator is fixed and no more CEL, AWESOME.......Thanks a ton VOLVOSPEED