Severe Coolant System Issues '99 S80 2.9L Non-Turbo

elmo_allen · Post by **elmo_allen** » 03 Jul 2012, 14:21

Hello again,

The last time I was on here I had throttle issues, those have recently been resolved, however a new problem has popped up. When I purchased the car, in 2008, I only had to put coolant in it maybe one a year if that, and now I have almost gone through an entire bottle of antifreeze in about 2 weeks. I know I have a severe leak coming from the coolant tank, however I am not sure what all I should replace and what to do with the coolant that is in my tank and hoses.

There are two hoses that are coming off the coolant tank, one I know is the Expansion Tank Drain Hose, the other one goes into the fire wall. What is this hose and should I replace that one as well?

Also, where should I get these parts and would you recommend an aftermarket tank or a Volvo tank. There is about a $25 difference. I am thinking getting the Volvo tank.

If it would be easier below are some photos that I took of the area.

This is where the two hoses connect to the coolant tank.

This is a picture of the hose that goes into the firewall.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 03 Jul 2012, 16:44

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My suggestion for you is to go Volvo. Some of us enjoy taking a chance from time to time to experiment with After Market parts due to pricing and or not fearing having to do the work again. Also, it is difficult to say whether you absolutely need to change those hoses or not but if it looks like a difficult job and the hose ends look pretty bad you may want to do it once and not have to worry about it again. Coolant is not cheap and for some reason I've never like to play around with that Fluid.
http://eeuroparts.com/Parts/PartResult. ... egory=1007

EDIT: Drain the coolant in the Expansion Tank via the Radiator. There should be a petcock of some sort under the Radiator to remove all the Fluid before you begin.

Blessings,
BKM
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elmo_allen · Post by **elmo_allen** » 04 Jul 2012, 03:27

Thank you so much for your response.

I forgot to mention that there is a little bit corrosion at the end of the hoses that connect to the expansion tank, how do I clean the hoses properly?

Thanks again!

Post by **jimmy57** » 04 Jul 2012, 08:57

Follow the large hose off tank bottom more carefully. It does not go to firewall, it goes to a pipe behind cylinder head. The grey pipe into firewall is for cool air to go to the computer box that is in front of your p/s reservoir and coolant tank. The black hose in that photo is the p/s hose.

elmo_allen · Post by **elmo_allen** » 05 Jul 2012, 00:09

Ah ok. Sorry if that sounded confusing. I was trying to describe the cooling hose that goes to the computer.

I did not know where it went to on the other end because it looked like it was going into the expansion tank. I saw where the other one went to, but thank you for clearing that up! It is one less part I have to get.

Just out if curiosity do you happen to know how to clean the corrosion off of the hoses?

Thanks!

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 05 Jul 2012, 13:43

The aftermarket one would probably be fine for the remaining time you plan to keep the car. Check to see if it includes a level sensor too as that will affect the cost of course. Replace the cap too.

I had a leaking expansion tank and what made is super great was the fact that not only did the level sensor stick on top but the tanks was stained mid way as if the level was correct. I think this may have lead to the demise of my turbos.. Who knows.

Anyway, replace the tank and cap, its a simple job. One electrical connector, large pipe on bottom, small one on the top.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 05 Jul 2012, 13:54

elmo_allen wrote:
Just out if curiosity do you happen to know how to clean the corrosion off of the hoses?

Thanks!

Depending on the condition you either replace it or cut it off. Many may not agree with me but if there is room and the hose is in decent shape I frequently cut a little section off as the hose (any hose) has been enlarged. This way as you push the hose back on there will be a section that is narrow and snug for the clamp.

Blessings,
BKM
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elmo_allen · Post by **elmo_allen** » 05 Jul 2012, 23:17

Ah good tip boosted5cyl. Thanks for the advice. I will take a picture of the tank tomorrow so you can see what it looks like. I am about 95% sure it is the tank. I think my leveling sensor is ok because it is letting me know when the coolant is low. Do you think I should still replace it?

Also thanks BKM for your advice as well. I think if I take a picture of what I am talking about, maybe you could tell me exactly where to cut it.

. Also you can see how bad the corrosion is. It might not be as bad as I am thinking.

Thanks again everyone for your help, it is much appreciated!

elmo_allen · Post by **elmo_allen** » 06 Jul 2012, 16:46

Here are the images of the tank that I promised to show you.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 07 Jul 2012, 01:52

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First replace the cap and see if the car overheats as the coolant seem to be coming out from there. The tank is dirty but seems OK. Replace if you think it is old, brittle with fine hairline cracks. If you have slack on the hose cut a quarter to half inch off the end and reattached with a standard reusable hose clamp. If this solves the problem then flush the system as it seems to have had more rusty water than coolant sometime in the past. Another possibility is Thermostat or Head Gasket.

How To Fix An Overheating Car

Blessings,
BKM
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