98 s70 T5 Slow coolant leak, not mixing fluids

captainkong · Post by **captainkong** » 08 Sep 2015, 18:41

Hey fellas, I've got a small problem- I've been been losing coolant for the last couple months. It's a very slow leak but it's there. It will take about a month for the coolant in my reservoir to fall the min level.

Things I've done so far

Replaced all the radiator hoses.
Replaced coolant reservoir.
Changed oil today along with a coolant flush and inspected for mixing fluids(no mixing).
Placed cardboard underneath and examined the next morning(nothing).
Checked the inside of the cabin for wetness near the heater core(dry).

I can sometimes smell coolant very slightly when driving. I'm guessing it's leaking out and burning off while I'm on the road. Any suggestions on where to start looking?

Thanks again for your time everyone.

Post by **RussB** » 08 Sep 2015, 18:59

If you smell it while driving. the heater core is where you want to look

captainkong · Post by **captainkong** » 08 Sep 2015, 19:04

Wouldn't I feel it inside the cabin though? or is it possible for it to leak in the engine bay and hit something hot then burn off? I'm just confused as how I have not seen any leaking coolant.

Thanks though, I will look into that.

Post by **cn90** » 08 Sep 2015, 20:17

Same issue here (Slow loss of coolant, 1 cup per month), turned out to be heater core (I posted the DIY in forum).

captainkong · Post by **captainkong** » 08 Sep 2015, 22:12

okay, how difficult would you say this is? The most difficult thing I've done was replacing the pcv system on my car....which took me a good 10 hours hehe.

Thanks again for your time everyone.

Post by **cn90** » 09 Sep 2015, 08:23

If you can handle the PCV (which is a 7/10), then the heater job is 3/10.
Here is the DIY I wrote. At this mileage, replace the heater hoses too.
Do everything (heater core, and re-plumb the heater hoses for $6).

DIY: 1998 Volvo S70 GLT Heater Core, Heater Hoses Rebuild!
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=69238

captainkong · Post by **captainkong** » 09 Sep 2015, 12:23

cn90 wrote:If you can handle the PCV (which is a 7/10), then the heater job is 3/10.
Here is the DIY I wrote. At this mileage, replace the heater hoses too.
Do everything (heater core, and re-plumb the heater hoses for $6).

DIY: 1998 Volvo S70 GLT Heater Core, Heater Hoses Rebuild!
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=69238

Thanks for the link. I'll plan on buying everything I need next week when I have sufficient funds. Tranny replacement really set me back:P

Post by **cn90** » 09 Sep 2015, 12:29

Actually, this DIY (ebay heater core = $40, heater hose is $1/each foot) is very cheap.

captainkong · Post by **captainkong** » 09 Sep 2015, 12:29

Is there a particular brand you would recommend using for the core and hoses? I want something that will last a long time. Don't want to do this again.

thanks

Post by **RussB** » 09 Sep 2015, 16:48

Perhaps you should diagnose the problem rather than throw time and money at the car?