1999 V70T5M Nissens Radiator incorrect fitment induced Replacement Failure

[abscate]

The Oem plastic/metal one lasted 15 years/140,000 miles. The replacement one 3.5 years. If I can get one to last in the middle of that range I'll be happy. I'm a bit worried about failure mechanism..no seeping, no warning, just a big breech.

[tryingbe]

Autozone offers life time replacement with their radiator.

[abscate]

Same with FCP - but the next time this one goes, someone else will own it.

[theWIFES_S70]

I'll probably go Nissens again. I only have about three more years life left in this car before I move to either Queenston or Queens...

My vote is for Queens!

In all seriousness, it's kind of heart-wrenching and bitter sweet to read that you're only planning for three more years... My wife and I have said something similar about our car. Sorry, the sentimentality is hitting me!

[mecheng]

That sucks, I was thinking of Nissens but went with a cheap BTK radiator, so far so good. My supplier said they are good.
I hate buying Chinese stuff but with Rads it is so hit and miss even with Brand Name stuff.

My OEM one lasted a long time though.

[abscate]

The good news is I got the whole thing out in 30 minutes, thanks to having done this job before, and a warm 35F spell this morning

This car has served me well for 17 years now, and when it hits 20, the last kids are gone and will likely not need it, so it will be time for it to move to someone who wants to zoom zoom zoom with an M5 HPT......take a number, please!

[cn90]

I did some random search for 1998 GLT Auto Radiator...

Nissens $160 or so.
Volvo genuine $230 or so:
http://www.volvopartswebstore.com/produ ... 03769.html

To me, if you plan to keep the car for another 5 yrs+, then the Volvo OEM is not that expensive at $230.
The problem with most of us is, once the car reaches 20yr/180K etc. mark, we "lose" interest, we don't want to spend money in a machine that is worth $1000-$2000 range.

[kallekula]

I've replaced several radiators with Nissens and never had a problem with them...

[abscate]

I went with Nissens again. I think my 3 year+ life was on the short end of the stick, and by 5 years I know Ill have passed it on. It was a 50-50 call, to be fair.

Three huge time savers on this job

1. I replaced the 4 fan screws with SS and left the bottom two loose enough for the fan to slide out without fussing

New M6 SS for the four 'sandwhich screws which hold the condenser, intercooler, and radiator on this car.

2. I ditched the M8 radiator mount bolts for two M6 bolts with Nylocks and washers - so I didn't have to fuss with that captive nut that always breaks loose and then leaves you with a mess


Purists stop reading here.

3. put two 3/4 inch holes in the plastic apron so I can access the two top M6 sandwich screws EZPZ

Ill plug them with hole plugs from Lowes.

[abscate]

I went to finish up the hoses and reconnects and got stopped here.

If yours looks like this, congratulate yourself, then redo the job putting the intercooler in right side up next time.