overwhelmed- it is radiator now...

Post by **xHeart** » 05 Jul 2012, 17:48

Hoses look fine...

: low fluid...; MVS_0091.jpg (338.47 KiB) Viewed 1412 times

Post by **xHeart** » 05 Jul 2012, 17:50

This feels like a big job...

: cracked radiator...; MVS_0095.jpg (296.19 KiB) Viewed 1411 times

Post by **MoVolvos** » 05 Jul 2012, 18:20

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The expansion tank is warped (like mine was) and needs to be replaced. It can leak ever so slowly losing pressure (like mine was). Since you'll need a need Radiator the Hoses, Thermostat and Cap should be replaced also. Might as well do a transmission flush if the fluid is dirty and if you have the time. Both upper and lower hoses will be off when you remove the Radiator. You can flush before connecting it back to the Radiator in case your fluid is very dirty.

How to Replace a Volvo 850 Radiator
http://www.ehow.com/how_7304189_replace ... iator.html

It took 3 guys but it sure went quick

Blessings,
BKM
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Post by **erikv11** » 05 Jul 2012, 19:54

What do you do, google people's questions and just post up the first few links?

- The expansion tank looks fine. Unless the system is leaking when you put it back together, you don't need to replace it.

- That write-up from ehow.com is generic, it refers to items that are irrelevant or do not exist on an 850, it has no pictures, it will likely get you through the job but bottom line I wouldn't use it or recommend it, because you can do much, much better.

Here is an accurate, well-illustrated guide to the radiator job on a turbo 850:
http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how ... ement.html

and a follow-up thread with comments:
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/11 ... placement/

It is not a bad job but I feel your pain. Be sure to do some searches on this web site for which brand of radiator to buy, if you just get a cheap one from Autozone it will likely not fit well and fail soon. OEM is of course good, that's all I have ever bought for an 850, but I believe Nissens and Behr have been getting good reviews, too.

byeboy · Post by **byeboy** » 05 Jul 2012, 20:16

My 97 850R had a non-Volvo replacement installed (bu indie shop)about 5 years ago, and both of those special 'push-on connectors has leaked at the oil cooler fitting, each 6 moths apart. They put a small worm gear hose clamp on each right over the Volvo clamp), and that appears to have fixed them...so I recommend that 'Band AId" be done when you do the install.

Post by **xHeart** » 06 Jul 2012, 10:24

Reading pertinent MVS post, Volvo OE parts would cost $300, it includes radiator, thermostat kit, upper and lower hoses, transfluid braces and seals, drain cock, flush and fluids.

Will I need new bolts and bushing, what else would fail while put it back together?

Less anxiety.

Post by **j_cd** » 06 Jul 2012, 10:33

Had my radiator replaced (with an OE Volvo part) a few months ago. Shortly after it was fixed, the heater coupler started leaking. Not the heater core, but the coupler just inside the firewall that connects the heater hoses to the core.

I thought it might have been the pressure testing of the radiator that caused the heater coupler to fail. My mechanic said the plastic just gets brittle over time though.

Post by **jblackburn** » 06 Jul 2012, 10:36

On an NA, it should be a relatively straightforward and easy job.

Make sure you get the clamps and O-rings for the transmission cooler; other than that and new hoses (and new clamps for those hoses), you shouldn't need anything else.

The Volvospeed radiator write-up is a good one.

You MAY find on a 1997 that the smog air pump is right in the way of lowering the radiator down if you choose to drop it from the bottom. Unbolt the pump and shove it out of the way. You should be able to work the radiator down past it.

I'm very pleased with the Nissens I used.

Post by **xHeart** » 06 Jul 2012, 18:32

A quick survey from below.

It would not clear either side for a straight drop. There is no room to angle it out or insert back up.

: a dropping view at passenger side - object on left must be removed; MVS_0104.jpg (486.33 KiB) Viewed 1343 times

: a dropping view at driver side - object on right must be removed; MVS_0107.jpg (512.74 KiB) Viewed 1344 times

Post by **jblackburn** » 06 Jul 2012, 19:36

Air pump is on right. Unbolt it and shove it forward.

Remove the fan assembly from behind the radiator. Put the car up on ramps. Once unbolted and disconnected, the radiator will drop straight down with some finagling the bracket past the air pump on the right.