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Volvo S70, V70, 850 Heater Core Replacement - Video

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70
This topic is in the MVS Volvo Repair Database » Heater Core Replacement — Volvo S70, V70, 850 Video
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KBlue_V70
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Year and Model: 2000 V70 XC AWD SE
Location: Colusa, CA

Re: Volvo S70, V70, 850 Heater Core Replacement - Video

Post by KBlue_V70 »

After purchase, I found that my used 2000 Volvo V70 XC AWD SE had a disconnected heater core in addition to the funky A/C clutch. :roll: I suffered all summer because nobody was willing to do the zip-tie quick-fix but I can't do without a heater and defroster during the winter.

I bought a heater core kit (Behr heater core, I think) from eEuroparts for $120.99 (was this a good manufacturer choice?) a heater core coupler for $42.99, and inlet and outlet hoses for $49.50.

How long should this job take? Robert DIY makes it look easy. A member got his done in about 2 hours. A Volvo dealership told me 2-4 hours, "It just depends." My mechanic is estimating 4 hours. Could he encounter any MORE problems??
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rspi
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Post by rspi »

He should not. However, I hope you did NOT purchase after market hoses? They don't seem to last very long. Maybe 4 years. I believe the job could be done in 2 hours, 3 max.
'95 855 T-5R M, Panther - 22/28 mpg, 546,000 miles
'95 955 T-5R Yellow Wagon, Lemonade, 180,000 miles
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Volvo's of past: '87 740 GLE, '79 262C Bertone, '78 264, 960's, '98 S70 GLT, '95 850 T-5R YellowVolvo Repair Videos
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KBlue_V70
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Post by KBlue_V70 »

The hoses came from eEuroparts as well. They are both by ÜRO.

I trust the mechanic. It's only that I'll have to borrow money for this job and since I have to pay it back, I'm hoping that it's not going to be the entire 4 hours labor.
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KBlue_V70
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Post by KBlue_V70 »

Why wouldn't Robert change the heater core coupler while he was down there and had everything apart?
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JimBee
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Post by JimBee »

Nice job, Robert. I think you showed every detail, and kept it moving at a good pace that is easy to follow.

Having done this job twice, I agree with the estimated time. The first time, I had my core out when the local parking monitor came around and threatened to write me a ticket for having an immobilized car that I was repairing in the street. A civic sin in Minneapolis. I pointed out that I hadn't spilled a drop of coolant on the street. He gave me an hour to get it back together. I was done in half an hour and haven't had a problem with it. Not sure if he ever came back to check : )
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songzunhuang
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Post by songzunhuang »

I bought a heater core kit (Behr heater core, I think) from eEuroparts for $120.99 (was this a good manufacturer choice?) a heater core coupler for $42.99, and inlet and outlet hoses for $49.50.
Well, the first time always takes a bit longer. I bet I could do a heater core in under an hour now. Just as an FYI - I think you paid a bit much for the core. There are cores by Swedish Auto Parts on eBay for around $40! I bought one and installed it and it's been working great. They also have a lifetime warranty.

When you say coupler, is it the entire assembly in the firewall? You really only need to replace the O-rings for the heater hoses. That's like $4. The plastic locks on the metal part of the hose itself seem very durable. Even after 17 years, mine felt like they were still serviceable.

As for the heater hoses. That's another animal entirely. I am in the process of doing that now. (Search for my Heater Hose in Pics topic) In fact, I am replacing every coolant hose. Now that I know where the hoses are and how to get at them, I'd say that's at least an hour job. I did a bunch of searching on forums and read everything I could find. It seems that everyone warns of using the URO hoses. They don't seem to last. I decided to play it safe and get the OEM hoses. I ordered them from my local auto parts store for about $45 each. My original hoses lasted 17 years and 228K miles. So I think that it's worth it in this case to invest in the best hoses.

Last thought. I am fascinated by folks who have totally bypassed the junction at the firewall and installed a standard hose from the engine block to the heater core. That seems a reasonable and very cost effective solution. If I did that, I'd find some nice silicon hoses.

Good luck with your repair.
Song Huang

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rspi
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Post by rspi »

KBlue_V70 wrote:Why wouldn't Robert change the heater core coupler while he was down there and had everything apart?
LOL, well, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Robert was fixing what was broke. If other things are serviceable, there is no real need to go deeper to more than double the cost of a repair. Replacing a heater core is by no means having everything apart.

Besides, some would rather wait a while than barrow money to do preventative maintenance.
'95 855 T-5R M, Panther - 22/28 mpg, 546,000 miles
'95 955 T-5R Yellow Wagon, Lemonade, 180,000 miles
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Volvo's of past: '87 740 GLE, '79 262C Bertone, '78 264, 960's, '98 S70 GLT, '95 850 T-5R YellowVolvo Repair Videos
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Post by abscate »

.....write me a ticket for having an immobilized car that I was repairing in the street. A civic sin in Minneapolis. ......

:?: :?: :?: :?:

The person who wrote this statute will enjoy Kharmic transmission failure in rush hour traffic every odd month henceforth...those who enforce it, once a year.
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dosbricks
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Post by dosbricks »

I replaced my coupler because I read a few posts about folks who cracked it while changing out the core and had to go back in there later. After 223k the old S70 coupler I took out seemed very tough and still reasonably pliable. I threw it in a drawer of spare parts--like the ones I've changed trying to solve a problem but were not the problem. :wink:

When I do the wagon (156k) I'm not going to change its coupler. I do believe one should be careful not to unduly stress the aluminum piping when changing the core.
'98 S70, 230k, purchased new in '98
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screwdriver
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Post by screwdriver »

great video wish I had found this forum a year ago. heater core and PCV service are next in line. Robert is a great contributor
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