2000 V70R- Like sucks some times.....

[bmdubya1198]

Thanks for the extra info. I'll look into the compression test once I get it running so I can check the compression warm.

As for the continued leaking it can be one of possibly 2 things. I had a friend recently that had a nightmare getting them on and then staying on.

I usually smear some vasaline on the 'o' rings to make them easier to get into place. First though make sure there is no crap in the 2 ports in the radiator where the hoses go in.

Finally, make sure you fit the 2 metal cage clips the correct way around the wrong way around allows the seals to weep.

If that doesn't work then:

1) Make sure you use Volvo OE 'O' rings
2) The radiator outlets are oversize.

Good luck!

Just ordered a Nissens rad from FCP and new top hoses, clips and 'O' rings. Won't get till end of next week, fortunately the car is a spare for now.

Neil.

Good to know, didn't know there was a right/wrong way to put those clips on. They are both so messed up already and I have hose clamps on both connections.
I'm using OE o-rings, just did a warranty return on the old one and got the new ones from FCP last week (fortunately the price went down on them by $1 so I get some money back on that return). I might just replace the clips.
Can't beat FCP's service and prices... they're probably the only place where I'm a repeat customer and haven't ever had a problem with (*cough cough* Rock Auto). Just wish their shipping was a little cheaper on smaller things.

[scot850]

Could be worse, you could live in Canada and have to ship stuff from the US!

If you look carefully at the cages at either end there is a slightly bend flat section that fits into the groove on the cooler line. If you look carefully the part that drops into that groove is wider one end than the other. The wider end goes toward the radiator.

Neil.

[bmdubya1198]

Haha, I forgot that part!
Cool, I'll have to take a look at that.

[cn90]

I need some long-term follow-up on Nissens rad for 1994-1998 with Auto and Turbo...

How is your Nissens radiator holding up?
I read FCP customer reviews on Nissens radiator and it us a mixed review!

My rad is cracked at the top hose connection, leaking coolant...

[bmdubya1198]

I'm sure I'll regret saying anything about it, but mine has been good *knock on every bit of wood in reach*. I got mine lightly used from a fellow MVS member and I've run it about 13,000 miles so far.

[scot850]

So far so good. But I do an incredibly low mileage compared to most (about 2000km/year) and so it has only been on the car for possibly 1.5 years. I did have an issue years ago with one on an 850 where it leaked out of the box at the join between the end cap and the matrix. Replacement ways ok for about 50,000km when the guy who bought it stuffed it into a ditch and wrote it off.

The 00 V70R is of course a version that has no engine oil cooler only a trans cooler lines to the the radiator (the engine oil cooler is at the back of the oil pan.

Neil.

[j-dawg]

I've had a Nissens on my T5 since 2014, about 25,000 miles. Still there. Still holds water. The car is a '99 with a manual, so not the same as yours, but it's a data point.

[precopster]

You can try to get a lower radiator hose to reach the thermostat housing. Perhaps some exhaust pipe and add some more old hose and it will make the distance.

This way you can compression test without a radiator.

[abscate]

My OEM radiator lasted 14 years/140k, first Nissens replacement lasted 5 years/50k

I’m going to call operator error on the replacement though, as I neglected to tighten the radiator mount bolts correctly on the job. This undoubtedly stressed the end caps which is where radiator number 2 began to leak.