Swedish Auto Lamps (Ebay) heater core

bradgiles · Post by **bradgiles** » 02 Nov 2012, 10:17

OK guys - It's time to do my heater core. I've read a bunch of the posts about bad experiences with aftermarket heater cores - failing again, not fitting well, being less efficient, ... I've also read several that said the Behr one also failed prematurely. I was set to go ahead and get the Behr unit until I saw this listing on Ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-Heater-Co ... a1&vxp=mtr

Has anyone had any experience with this company and/or part. They claim that it will fit properly and is manufactured with a stronger construction. Not worried about the "lifetime" warranty - but would like a better part if it's available.

Just looking for input on this one from anyone that has experience good or bad.

Post by **rmmagow** » 02 Nov 2012, 11:17

Haven't bought one of these myself, but for 40 bucks I'd say go for it. Feedback's pretty good. I "might" go to a Volvo dealer and get some Volvo o-rings just in case.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 02 Nov 2012, 11:25

There is a fairly long thread on the heater core over on VS. I think the reviews have been quite positive and I'm going to get one to replace a 2 year old Behr that is starting to leak again.

...Lee

Post by **jimmy57** » 02 Nov 2012, 11:29

I got one recently and it did looks sturdier than the Behr I got last. The ends have more ribs and thickness. Will the whole end just pop off with no cracking failure? Who knows......

Post by **cn90** » 02 Nov 2012, 11:43

Here is the thread on volvospeed:

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/15 ... ter-cores/

Make sure you wash in hot soapy water before install.

Post by **rspi** » 02 Nov 2012, 11:52

I've only read positive things about them. Some have put them in their other cars as well (multiple Volvo's). It looks like the Nissas that I pulled out of a jy car a few weeks ago.

bradgiles · Post by **bradgiles** » 02 Nov 2012, 12:28

Thanks for the replies and the link to the other forum. Opinion was pretty positive - other than the smell. I just ordered one and will plan on washing it thoroughly before I install. I'll let y'all know what I find out.

Thanks

Post by **cn90** » 02 Nov 2012, 12:30

Yeah,

Make a spray bottle with concentrated soapy water.
Spray it well, then clean with hot water.
Let it dry.
Then spray it with Perfume Chanel #5 from France haha!

Post by **precopster** » 03 Nov 2012, 06:37

The fin spacing looks closer to OEM than all the aftermarket ones which produce less heat (I've installed 2 aftermarkets in 850s and this was the case)

I have this Autolamps Plus one sitting in my garage waiting for a heater hose that FCP will send next week. It has around 26 fins per inch. I'm looking forward to fitting it and reporting back.