98 V70 NA 135K miles - missing coolant

[98v70dad]

2 cups per month is about 8 mL per day.

Dont pull on the loose thread of uncertainty when the fabric tapestry of life is working well.

Watch it, do weekly checks on car, and watch for changes. You have a seeping hose that you can put right when Jupiter, Florida aligns with Bruno Mars.

Yes, I agree. I think I found my leak it and I watched it drip out. I would estimate it at 5 ml. One big drip which immediately stopped as soon as the coolant heated up a bit. Apparently this was happening twice a day. I've tightened that
Connection. I'll watch the level now and see what happens.

[obayha]

How did the problem get solved?
Don't leave the story hanging.
Shane

[cuhfs]

It looks like he tightened the hose clamp. LOL thats what I figured.
...after I reinstalled my new rebuilt head on my 04 C70 I had a loose clamp at the T-stat but could not find source of antifreeze leak for the life of me because the leak went to the back of the engine...

[obayha]

Small leaks can evaporate and never hit the ground.
Now I think I am smelling antifreeze in the cabin of my Volvo.
Noticed it, maybe yesterday and the windshield seems to fog a little.
Always something.
Shane

[cuhfs]

Exactly why I like to pressure test - low and slow while car is cool. BUT I guess its not for everyone
And with the window fog you mention... watch that temp gauge.

[obayha]

Well I do have the cap to pressure test. So I might rent and at least see if it hold pressure and then go from there.

[98v70dad]

I've been out of town for a couple of days. The leak (maybe there are more) was at a loose hose clamp. The clamp wasn't that loose. It only leaked when the coolant was cold and only one drop. I'm going to check all the clamps tomorrow.

I would agree that using a pressure test carefully at around 10 psi is a reasonable way to find leaks. That said, I'm still not a fan of the test for diagnose the system for "goodness". To each his own.

[98v70dad]

I checked the recovery tank level and apparently I still have a leak. I need to check the cabin side of the firewall for leaks as suggested. I misunderstood the location and replied that I had already checked which was incorrect. I also need to check the drain tube for the heater core. I don't know where it comes out if anyone can point me in the right direction.

[erikv11]

There is no drain tube for the heater core. If there is a breach and coolant collects, then it leaks out of the housing into the footwells. Usually driver's side but have seen it on both.

That tube back, there under the center dash, is for the AC evap core.

[98v70dad]

There is no drain tube for the heater core. If there is a breach and coolant collects, then it leaks out of the housing into the footwells. Usually driver's side but have seen it on both.

That tube back, there under the center dash, is for the AC evap core.

I came to that same conclusion after posting this by looking at the Volvo Illustrated parts catalog and watching a few videos on replacing the heater core.

Yesterday before it got dark I looked closely at the place in the engine bay where the heater hoses pass through the firewall and on initial inspection they don't look right, although I see no evidence of leaks. One of the tubes sticks out about 1/2 an inch more than the other. It may be designed this way for clearance but if that's not the case one of the heater hoses isn't properly seated. Someone else did that job before I got the car so I don't know if its right or not but it looks suspect.