2005 S60 2.5T AWD: Radiator replacement

[MarcM]

Until they fix their molds, definite no-go. I used to subscribe to alldata for my Lincoln and Dakota. Considered it.

[MarcM]

Not only the fan clips, but the inlet/outlet is straight plastic where the stock Valeo has metal inserts to prevent crushing.... Behr doesn't. You get what you pay for.

[chrism]

I don't get why you had to remove the AC condenser to R/R the radiator.

[MarcM]

I was told elsewhere (I cross post to two different forums, this being my favorite) that I could have zip tied the condenser up to hold it. Really though? My personal opinion? Was worth it. After those (long expletive rant) clips broke on the new radiator, it's easy to take the 3 units out as a whole. There isn't a lot of room to get the radiator out from the intercooler to drop it down. I have to replace the condenser anyway. Tremendous road rash on the fins and it isn't much longer for the world. I'm doing it once (well, twice when the actual Volvo branded radiator appears). Spent hours straightening fins and pulling out fine sand and then have the potential for it to give up the R132a ghost? Nahhh.

[abscate]

I dropped the radiator intercooler condensor sandwich when I did my radiator on the 1999. Replace all that hardware with stainless steel - life is much nicer.

[MarcM]

Well now... I feel like a mo-mo. Just did up my reviews (FCP) on the radiator and other parts I bought at the time. I didn't read the review first, was in a hurry to get the ~$125 price on that Behr. Reviews state exactly what I said.
Is it me, or does FCP have reallllly bad timing on sales? Seems the parts I need are always on sale when I'm strapped for cash, or don't need it. Was able to catch the sales this time (both the Behr order and the current Volvo sale)
Just dumped over $700 between FCP and IPD. As the kids would say... butthurt.

[abscate]

Just look for my posts when I place an order, then you know a 20% off order is coming the next day..

3 for 3 this past year

[MarcM]

FCP came through again.. Have the OEM Volvo (Valeo) radiator sans Primair coating and a new Nissen condenser within 2 days (including processing). Tacked on a Volvo oil cap (took the time to read the reviews of the non-OEM and ran away) and the cam lock tool so I can do that waterpump. Not so sure about doing the waterpump today. The artic wind started kicking in. Typing this out because I'm procrastinating. Someday I'll own a garage that's not full of junk. Typical NH house of hoarded treasures. Thinking of starting a YouTube "Open Air Garage" channel working on cars from -60F to 110F @ 99% humidity.
Anyway, bought the bolts. Couldn't find the 6mm x 1.00 x 70mm in sten-a-less. Option was chrome (@ $5.89 a bolt!) and grade 10.9 black oxide coated at $1.59 (which I got, didn't have 4 in other grades so it's substantial overkill). I did splurge unnecessarily and got 6mm & 8mm stainless washers as I couldn't get the 6mm, let alone that long, in a shoulder cap. Volvo specs these out as 6mm x 1.00 x 73mm because the initial 3mm is non-threaded step-in for easy threading into the threaded clip. I'm not worried about it as the Nissen upgraded the OEM clips from stamped turd to nuts welded to the clips.
What else can I ramble on about so I don't commit to this by putting on the insulated "zoot suit".... hmmm. We need a chat room.
Waiting for the IPD silicone lower/coupler intercooler kit... the lower hose on this one looks about the same as an elephants colon. Saturated with oil. Wish they were closer. Not getting that stuff until end of next week. Thought they were in CT as well, would've paid for faster shipping. When I ordered the serpentine belt tool, never gave it a second thought that they're in Oregon. Live'n'learn.

[abscate]

You need to get those intercooler connections on all the way and the hose clamps tight. A little leak there will make you think your car is dead....very poor running

[NC2001v70]

You may want to try this place for your online part shopping. http://www.germanautoparts.com/
They have some of the same part manufactures as IPD and FCP at better prices. They are growing the list of available Volvo parts over time.
I own a 1998 VW Jetta and this place helps to keep it alive at 280,000 miles and counting.
Good luck.