'98 S70 ebay heater core heat output

Post by **dosbricks** » 19 Nov 2014, 19:02

I replaced the original with the "improved design" $39 core from Swedish Car Parts. But we find the heat output to be far less than the original core. During last week's cold spell my DW was running the heater on 80 degrees setting to stay warm, and it only dropped into the mid 30s down here in S. TX. My wagon with it's original core is a cooker compared to the S70 redo.

So has anyone else experienced reduced output from these unbelievably low cost cores?
Or perhaps I have an ECC problem to deal with. It has some history of kicking the fan up on high for about fifteen seconds when changing the temp setting on A/C. Appreciate your thoughts.

dos

Baptiste1106 · Post by **Baptiste1106** » 19 Nov 2014, 19:33

I also have the $39 ebay heater core in my 850 and but heat output is beyond hot. Send it back for a new one

Post by **stephansvolvo** » 19 Nov 2014, 21:34

I have noticed a down turn in heat out put as well.

Post by **kahl** » 19 Nov 2014, 22:07

I put one in my 94 850 with the manual heat control and I noticed the other day that heat output was not like the original. With the 0 degree temps we had this week the heat knobs are both set to high makes the cabin comfortable. Not the searing heat of the OEM core.

I still feel that $39.00 heater core is a wonderful purchase.

speedyt5 · Post by **speedyt5** » 19 Nov 2014, 22:41

I replaced mine with the Behr from FCP Euro two weeks ago. It was around 100 bucks with the o rings. I am in Austin and last week I was sure glad I did, man that thing gets toasty! I figured it was only 60 dollars more, I was going to do it right rather than do it again. If you are in S Texas I don't think I would worry about it though. Austin gets cold enough where I would change it if I bought the cheap one.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 19 Nov 2014, 22:54

No matter what brand of heater core you install it is imperative that the seal around the core fully seals.

I installed a new Behr a few years ago but the foam seal left a small gap and the heat output was seemingly terrible due to the cold air getting around the core rather than through the core.

...Lee

Post by **kahl** » 19 Nov 2014, 23:45

As usual Lee excellent observation. If I remember correctly the 39.00 core came with the seal already attached. I did not think to ensure it was airtight while installing. thanks for the tip!!

Post by **precopster** » 20 Nov 2014, 01:30

They actually come with a spare seal if memory serves me so we can get it super snug.

The black cores that explode (and are also all over ebay) have fin count of around 23 per inch and produce far less heat.

The Behr and the Estonian core (or autolamps_for_less or volvonest eBay cores) have around 28 fins per inch.

Post by **xHeart** » 20 Nov 2014, 07:47

The original heater core was replaced with Behr last fall -- painful task.
I keep the temp knob at mid-point, 12 o'clock.
The heat warms the cabin, and melts away the overnight frost flakes in minutes.

However, the MCC blower fan works at 4 only -- too loud –– can't hear the good news.
New Volvo blower fan, resistor and cabin filter would arrive soon.

Post by **cn90** » 20 Nov 2014, 09:47

I guess the heating system "self bleeds" after the heater core job?
In other words, are there any air pockets in the heater core?