Leaky heater core

Pcar · Post by **Pcar** » 17 May 2011, 22:33

Hi all. I have a '99 XC70 with a leaky heater core. Mist coming out the vents , sweet odor and fog on the windows. I havn't noticed any fluid on the floor. Is there any way to tell if I just need new o rings or the whole heater core.

Thanks , Mike

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 May 2011, 23:01

The Volvo heater cores were much like IBM Thinkpad batteries - they were all shipped from the factory bad, That said, remove the lower panel below the heater core and have a look see with a hot engine while it is running. If you have steam or dripping at the joint to the pipes it may just be O rings - but I doubt it.

...Lee

falconbrother · Post by **falconbrother** » 18 May 2011, 20:08

Yea, I ordered a new one for my car from ebay. It came today. I do get that sweet smell when I turn on the heat. I haven't noticed any loss of antifreeze but, I have to replace my evaporator anyway. I also have a compressor and dryer ordered, along with a new fuel pressure damper. I have a lot of work to do. I figured that as long as I have to pull the dash anyway for the evap I'm replacing the heater core.

Post by **bronxnativ** » 18 May 2011, 20:35

Don't waste your time on replacing the o-rings. While you are their, just replace the whole heater core element. It's not difficult (plenty of posts about this on our forum). All of your listed symptoms point to a heater core. I replaced my core about two months ago and NO regrets. Smoke gone, Aunt Jemima smell gone, and more importantly, my windshield does not fog up!

Al

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 19 May 2011, 08:43

Agreed, the hassle of having to replace these cores, it is definitely not worth the hassle of having to deal with just the rings alone. If there is a problem even a slight leak I would personally replace the core unit itself. Just to tedious of a job,

I offer a replacement nissens one, have had some good reviews from it, as well as an aftermarket one.

FCPeuro.com

Pcar · Post by **Pcar** » 22 May 2011, 01:49

Then a new core it shall be . Thanks for all the advice.

Mike.

gilhuly · Post by **gilhuly** » 22 May 2011, 07:43

You'll be glad you ordered the core. When it is o-rings only you only get the coolant on the floor and not through the vents.

mrjacobrussell · Post by **mrjacobrussell** » 22 May 2011, 09:43

If you ordered a ebay one , I needs to go thogh the dish washer to get all the oil off of it .