Lessons learned and tips? TB/SB, Heater core, and PCV.

[precopster]

Scrimping on parts is OK as long as the product is equal or superior to OEM. That Nordic unit is like any other black non-OEM heater core with low heat output hardly making it worth the effort.

Must admit the Swedishautolampsforless heater core for $39 really does produce great heat, doesn't leak after almost 5 months in my V70 and isn't made of the black plastic the other low quality after-market heater cores I've used. They have a different crimp design than other heater cores. I even used their included o rings and after an initial re-tighten they have held firm.

It can get so hot at face level you need to pull your hand away from the vent after 20 secs with a/c off.

Link to their current eBay ad: http://www.ebay.com/itm/360541751528?ss ... 1423.l2649

Their heater cores have also been confirmed as very good over on Volvospeed

[abscate]

I'll be doing my heater core on my T5 later in April

I've got one on order fom IPD that I'll ask them about.

On keeping coolant out of the car, I was thinking I would drain the system and then fill flush with water 3-4 times, or even idle it with the petcock open until the coolant is all gone

This would make any spillage just an evaporation problem and not a sticky mess.

[precopster]

Draining the system doesn't drain what is in the metal tubes going downhill into the heater core and it doesn't drain the core itself. Idling the car with no coolant won't push coolant out of the heater core as there will be a huge air pocket that the water pump can't push coolant through.

It does help with coolant in the heater hoses.

[Klausc]

On keeping coolant out of the car, I was thinking I would drain the system and then fill flush with water 3-4 times, or even idle it with the petcock open until the coolant is all gone

This would make any spillage just an evaporation problem and not a sticky mess.

That is a waste of time and you really don't want to use tap water in the engine. Just use a plastic grocery bag without any holes, yes they do exist, and cover the bottom of the heater core before you take out the screw holding the pipes to the core. If you move the heater core and allow the antifreeze to slowy drain from the pipes, you will not have a mess. Wrap the entire core with the plastic bag when you pull it out of the dash.

Remember to use distilled water with the antifreeze.

Get OEM parts whenever possible for hard to get to items or parts that are critical to vehicle operation. As to the heater core, it is so easy to replace that the $39 fleabay option makes sense.

BTW, I removed the driver's side carpet and washed it in my bath tub to get all of the antifreeze and dirt out of the fibers. Fairly easy to do and no more sticky stuff or smell.

[abscate]

I should have clarified ...my idling with petcock open,I neglected to clarify that I would feed in water to replace and flush coolant through the system to purge it of coolant before starting the heater core replacement.

Heater core replacement easy? On my 1999 with ECC I'm planning on a full day each for both removal and replacement involving a full dash removal....?

I've seen a couple posts recommending distilled water for coolant mix. Without offending anyone's religion, I can tell you it's a bit odd to mix utility grade solutions like auto antifreeze with distilled water. If your tap water is pathologically hard with minerals this might make sense, otherwise its not of any benefit.

[precopster]

1.5-3.0 hrs for heater core removal and replacement. Dash removal is not necessary. Pls see the link provided.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=40547

or IPDs tutorial:

[erikv11]

...I've seen a couple posts recommending distilled water for coolant mix. Without offending anyone's religion, I can tell you it's a bit odd to mix utility grade solutions like auto antifreeze with distilled water. If your tap water is pathologically hard with minerals this might make sense, otherwise its not of any benefit.

This is news to me and an interesting idea, but keep in mind that the recommendations for distilled water originate with the coolant manufacturers, not DIYers.

[Klausc]

A lot of work for a 1-2 hour job. But please use either OEM coolant or Zerex G05. And always use distilled water! Why add sand or salt to the mix? All you need is 1 gallon, and grocery stores sell it cheaply enough.

[precopster]

A lot of work for a 1-2 hour job. But please use either OEM coolant or Zerex G05. And always use distilled water! Why add sand or salt to the mix? All you need is 1 gallon, and grocery stores sell it cheaply enough.

If you do it IPDs way and know your way around one of these you can achieve this in under two hours with no release of the coupler.

[kevabar]

I've ordered myself a new heater core which will be here in 5 days. Can I use a hose line clamp to pinch off one pr both lines to the heater core? I am only traveling about 6 miles to work. Is this an acceptable temporary fix? Forgot to mention this was my '99 v70.