1999 XC70 102k Coolant loss, engine loss - options/discussion/

MEB · Post by **MEB** » 21 Jun 2018, 08:39

We are original owners of a 1999 XC70 AWD wagon. It only has 102,000 miles on it. Always maintained by the book, with oil services every 3,500 miles. Last weekend, without warning, white steam billowed out of the center console while we were going up a hill on the freeway. The engine temp did not read hot. We got no warning light for the coolant, though the coolant reservoir was bone dry when we raised the hood. We pulled onto a turnout and had the car towed to our mechanic. Apparently the engine is now ruined. How does this happen with no warning, on a vehicle that has been meticulously maintained? We are sick about losing this great car, as we’d hoped to get many more miles out of it as a city car. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!

Post by **850 LPT** » 21 Jun 2018, 09:14

Wow, I am truly sorry to hear this.

The way this sounds to me is that you lost the coolant in an instant. It could have been the radiator, coolant hoses, the expansion tank or cap. It could have been the heater core that blow on you. Your mechanic should be able to tell you what part actually failed.
You should have seen the low coolant warning light come on right before this happened, unless the sensor was faulty.

At this point you are looking at a 19 year old car. There are a lot of rubber and plastic parts in the cooling system that can get dry and brittle over time. Also the radiator and heater core can crack from fatigue.

It sounds like the car is in real nice shape, so maybe you will consider installing a used engine?

I hope you get things sorted out and it doesn't get too expensive.

Dirk

Post by **matthew1** » 21 Jun 2018, 09:23

Engine temp gauge didn't read hot? That's baffling. Sorry to hear of this, MEB.

MEB · Post by **MEB** » 21 Jun 2018, 09:29

Thanks for your thoughts.
Yes, our mechanic said the core failed, which caused the coolant to leak. It’s just surprising to me (and I know absolutely nothing about cars, except how to drive them!) that we had no warning lights come on and the temp gauge read normal. We won’t sink more money into it. But, it’s a shame to let the body and interior go to waste. They are in pristine condition. I have posted on Facebook and Nextdoor, in case an aspiring mechanic wants the skeleton for a project to replace the engine. It looking to make money on it, just don’t want it to be scrap metal. Anyone want it?

Post by **matthew1** » 21 Jun 2018, 09:44

Put it in the Classifieds section, with photos. Craigslist too.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Jun 2018, 09:44

Thats a perfect project for a Denver MVS person - you should ask $500 or so for the car.

If you lose coolant suddenly, the coolant sensor does not read the heat and the cylinder head gasket fails.

It is likely you could fix it for about $2000 in cylinder head work. $2000 into a 100k V70 isn't a bad investment, by the way. Thats a perfect car for a low mileage city car too. My 1999 has been retired to <100 mile trips from home (my AAA range) with three of my female drivers, when it hits 250k I will pass it on to a 5 speed turbo enthusiast.

Post by **tryingbe** » 21 Jun 2018, 09:59

Heater core is made from plastic. How long was the car driven with the coolant lost?

MEB · Post by **MEB** » 21 Jun 2018, 10:01

The car was only driven a very short distance to get off the highway. About three city blocks.
Our mechanic is at the Volvo dealership where we purchased the car and have always had it maintained. He said the engine is ruined, as is the heater core. He said about $10,000 for them to replace engine and fix.
I have asked at a local auto trade school but they don’t seem interested.
I will post on Craigslist. It I really don’t want to deal with strangers coming over to our house.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Jun 2018, 11:05

Once coolant is lost, you have about 30 seconds to get the engine turned off.

This sounds like the heater core let go, which is full flow on these cars, so the coolant runs out pretty quickly

Post by **abscate** » 21 Jun 2018, 11:07

He said about $10,000 for them to replace engine and fix.

ok, that is crazy high quote, bordering on the ridiculous. If you do like the car, wait a few days for some of the folks who have dealt with this before you throw it away. A well cared for 99 at 100k easily has 5 years of life left in it.

You could put a good used engine in it for about $2000 at an indy, for example.

On edit - changed title to reflect thread and attract the vultures/helpers/others