New Radiator Advice Please

jlgood50 · Post by **jlgood50** » 18 Oct 2010, 11:51

Hi guys,

I am ready to purchase a new radiator for my 97 960. My aluminum one with plastic tanks has developed bad leaks down the left side where the plastic tanks are joined with the radiator. Is this normal? The guy I purchased the car from, 21 months ago, put a new aftermarket radiator in it. Now I'm thinking he purchased one of the $85 ones off Ebay.
I have researched brands from Nissen, CSF, Spectra etc. Do I want to get a copper one with steel tanks, aluminum with plastic tanks, copper with plastic tanks? So many to choose from. Most are only warrantied 1 -2 years.
What are your thoughts on this matter?

I appreciate your help!

Post by **billofdurham** » 18 Oct 2010, 12:13

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The original radiator had an aluminium core and plastic tanks and that is what I would be looking at. However, Volvo original parts do run expensive, about $320, and it pays to shop around. We have three sponsors at the top of the forum: IPD, FCP and VolvoWholesaleParts. Their adverts are links to their websites and you can easily check and compare prices. Mention your membership of this forum for a possibly better deal.

The Volvo part number is 8603907.

Bill.

Kmaniac in California USA · Post by **Kmaniac in California USA** » 18 Oct 2010, 13:52

Years ago, manufacturers used all metal radiators, made usually of copper or brass, because of superior heat transfer capabilities. Also, they were soldered together. Therefore, if you got a leak or serious clog, you could disassemble them, clean them (rod out) and put them back together again. Also, in years past, it was cheaper to repair an all metal radiator than it was to replace one. The serious disadvantages were material cost and weight.

As cost and weight savings became important in these modern times, manufacturers switched to aluminum core/plastic tank radiators to reduce both initial cost and overall car weight. The big problem with this design is that they tend to spring leaks more readily than all metal radiators. Also, once you develop a leak, either in the core or in a tank, or you break off a plastic hose nipple, you CANNOT REPAIR them. All you can do is replace them.

My advice is to go with an all metal radiator. Not only will they last longer, you can repair them if they leak. My "two cents"

jlgood50 · Post by **jlgood50** » 08 Nov 2010, 09:36

I took the car in to a local radiator shop and had them replace it. The new one has the plastic tanks, but has with a lifetime warranty. The total cost, parts, labor, & all new coolant was $282.00.

Post by **billofdurham** » 08 Nov 2010, 11:13

Thank you for the update.

Bill.