7 replies to this topic

[01blks80]

I have a 2.9 S80 that is leaking coolant from the radiator. I've checked all the hoses and it is definitely coming from the radiator. I have almost 250k miles on the car so I don't want to put a lot of money into repairs. I was wondering if it would do any damage to the car to try adding a stop leak fluid. I'm concerned because there is not way to add fluid directly to the radiator, just through the overflow container. The leak is small enough that the car is drivable, but big enough that I'm adding water/coolant a couple of times a week.

Thanks in advance for any help.

BB

[ProAv]

If you are losing that much coolant, adding the stop leak to the overflow will work just fine. Here's hoping it stops the leak! I just replaced the radiator on my '03 XC70 last weekend. I was losing a quart every 20 minutes.

[01blks80]

I'm hoping to avoid replacing the radiator. But I want to make sure the stop leak doesn't cause a bigger problem. When you replaced your radiator did you DIY or go to a mechanic?

[rbodor3]

I DIY on my S60, which is fairly similar to the S80s. Took me about 4-6 hours, but I was in the rain outside with limited tools, light, etc. I would say if you prepare appropriately (with tools, parts, research) you could do in 2 hours first time. I bought a used radiator on ebay $130 shpped.

[Ihatespeedbumps]

Don't add stop leak, it causes head aches later in life.

Radiator replacement is the ONLY fix.

[OmegaDC]

Don't add stop leak, it causes head aches later in life.

Radiator replacement is the ONLY fix.

This.

You know that stop leak stuff that plugs up holes in your radiatior?

The hole in your radiator isn't the only place it's gonna gunk up.

If you do use that stuff, I would suggest doing a citric acid flush or some kind of thorough cleaning flush of the engine, and buy a new radiator anyways.

Radiators are easy enough to replace on most cars. It's not as cheap as a $5 bottle of miracle cure but it's worth it. Do it right the first time.

[ProAv]

It was DIY. I had done it before on my '95 850 wagon a few years back. This was a bit more complex as the inter-cooler is sandwiched between the condenser and radiator. They all come down together. Still, armed with new coolant and transmission fluid (1qt), I did it in my father-in law's garage (we were 600 miles from home on "vacation") in about 5 hours.

[ProAv]

Also, if you get a used or new radiator, BE SURE TO BLOW ALL THE PORTS OUT WITH SHOP AIR! I had a friend who plugged up the transmission filter of his S80 by not doing that to a used radiator he bought.