Coolant in cabin '95 850 T5 wagon

Volgrrr · Post by **Volgrrr** » 24 Jul 2007, 23:55

I need to remove the heater core to find where the leak is coming from.

No doubt there are others out there who have experienced this problem and removed the heater core.

Would one of these forumists like to post the steps they took to remove their heater core - preferabley with photos.

Are there any traps to be aware of?

Are any special tools needed?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 25 Jul 2007, 07:19

G'Day Volgrrr,

There is a good thread here:

Heater Core

I haven't had to mess with mine yet but everyone seems to have a lot of trouble with the plastic clips and o rings that secure the coolant lines.

...Lee

damnyankee · Post by **damnyankee** » 25 Jul 2007, 08:33

I would say heater core. Mine was just begining to leak and very little antifreeze leaked out.
I just did this(Saturday) so here is some advice.
Buy a 2.5 gallon zip lock bag, it's the biggest I think they make. You will need this when you pull the heater core assembly from the metal tubes to catch the antifreeze it holds all the antifreeze that will leak out.
Pinch the hoses at the firewall to stop coolant leak, I used a pair of wood clamps that you tighten by squeezing with your hand.
Be prepared for the plugger coupler to break or be broken at the firewall on the inside, this is really a poor design(IMO).
Buy about 2 feet ( I like extra) of 5/8 heater hose. and 4 hose clamps.
If the coupler breaks( and it will) use the hose and clamps to route through the firewall and splice the metal tubes with the heater hoses.
In hindsight I could have just run an entire new hose for each one but I didn't think of that until I returned from the autostore.
It really is an easy fix.
I purchased the heater core from Groton and 2 new O-rings for a $133.82. and the hose and clamps for $5.00, the Volvo way would have added another $100.00.
Feel free to email me if you want pics or any other advice.
Take Care

Post by **Wagonizer** » 25 Jul 2007, 13:21

Ditto.... It's not a big deal at all. I did it last week with no problems and all the hoses stayed intact. I replaced my radiator hoses while the cooling system was drained - it might be a good time to do yours if they're looking ragged. Good luck.

Volgrrr · Post by **Volgrrr** » 26 Jul 2007, 04:25

Thanks for the replies guys.

It has somewhat boosted my confidence to have a go at it.

Damnyankee, I had all under-bonnet the hoses replaced about 6 months ago purely as insurance against unexpected failure. I think this may have/is the root cause of my problem as the coolant level never altered before I had the hoses changed (at a Volvo garage) but ever since the coolant needs topping up on a regular basis - and now it has appeared in the cabin. Common sense tells me the heater hose "O"rings were not correctly installed at that time - but I'm sure the dealer would not accept any responsibility now. However, if the heater core looks the slightest bit "iffy" when it is removed - then it will be replaced also.

Wagoniser, I certainly hope my wagon gets to 340,000 miles (it has about 210,000 kilometres now, i.e. 126,000 miles). I've sure still got a hell-of-a-long-way to go before I get anywhere near the mileage your car has done. I guess it has been very reliable during that time otherwise you would not have kept it.

Ozark Lee, nice to see you still in there helping out Volvo owners experiencing problems. My glovebox has never given me one minutes trouble since you told me how to get it open in order to repair it...... lever it out, not down (remember that advice?)

Regards to you all
Volgrrr

TuHandy · Post by **TuHandy** » 26 Jul 2007, 17:29

Volgrrr,

I sent Matt a Heater core removal How to guide with pictures last week, but not heard from him. It would have been good for you to see. I saw the just saw the thread that Ozark Lee suggested. It was about what I sent Matt.

So anyways, it is a simple process, maybe a little messy but needs to be done. I bought mine from Groton as well.

Good luck,