coolant dripping from radiator - how to fix?

bobice · Post by **bobice** » 10 Feb 2011, 17:27

Since my leakage is small - only half-way to the minimum line in a week from the max line, and it's too cold outside, currently I simply top the coolant up every week. But the Volvo radiator runs about $210 from Tasca

youngin9494 wrote:Hey out of curiosity what did you do? And if replaced the radiator what was the total cost?

I just noticed this on my volvo this afternoon.

Post by **thecheat** » 10 Feb 2011, 17:45

I put in the cheapest radiator they had at Rock Auto and aside from having to install my own (provided) fittings for the trans and oil cooler lines it looked identical to the one that came off the car.

It was a huge pain in the xxx but I did it almost entirely by myself in about 3 hours AT NIGHT with nothing but a halogen floodlight and an occasional helper to guide the radiator in and out.

bobice · Post by **bobice** » 10 Feb 2011, 18:29

thecheat wrote:I put in the cheapest radiator they had at Rock Auto and aside from having to install my own (provided) fittings for the trans and oil cooler lines it looked identical to the one that came off the car.

It was a huge pain in the xxx but I did it almost entirely by myself in about 3 hours AT NIGHT with nothing but a halogen floodlight and an occasional helper to guide the radiator in and out.

what kind of fittings? where to get them?

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 Feb 2011, 18:46

Just go with the Nissens or Behr replacement - direct fit, good quality. The cooler lines will hook right in; just buy new clips and O-rings for them.

If this is a 1999, you will only have the transmission cooler integrated into the radiator, so you will only need the hardware for 2 lines.

Post by **thecheat** » 10 Feb 2011, 19:16

bobice wrote:what kind of fittings? where to get them?

They came with the radiator. Mine is made by "Pro" and has a 2 year warranty... cost $120 from Rockauto.com and I think it was about $18 for shipping (Fedex ground)

JohnInFlorida · Post by **JohnInFlorida** » 11 Feb 2011, 19:43

My S70 radiator is cracked and leaking from near the top. I bought the radiator but am looking for the instructions on how to replace it. Anyone have a reference?

Thanks!

John M. in Ocala

Post by **precopster** » 11 Feb 2011, 21:59

They are not difficult. Woops double posted as below.

Post by **precopster** » 11 Feb 2011, 21:59

They are not difficult.

Jack the car up as you require clearance from underneath when removing it

Remove the plastic engine guard (two 10mm self tappers)

Remove the transmission cooling pipes by bending the metal clips outward then pull and cap the pipes with plastic and elastic bands

Remove the ECU cooling pipe from the radiator shroud (just pull it)

Four self tapping screws on top to remove the relay holder, then unplug and remove the cooling fan (large two pin connector)

Four 10mm bolts through the condensor into the radiator which are reached from the front (two at the top close to and behind the headlights are hard to reach so you'll need a tricky spanner with a bend)

There are two 12mm bolts which do up from underneath (vertically) through large rubber grommets in the radiator.

There may be some small brackets to swap over from the old radiator.

Use thread tape on the brass fittings of the new radiator if it comes with slightly different transmission pipes. Also it may be a good time to fit new o rings and metal clips to the transmission pipes.

JohnInFlorida · Post by **JohnInFlorida** » 09 Jul 2011, 16:10

I forgot to post that your directions were Excellent! Thank you much!!! I am going for that 300k mark or farther.