2013 XC90 - Coolant Loss Topic is solved

Post by **xHeart** » 04 Aug 2018, 09:09

Close to 100 days of ownership, shall I say honeymoon is winding down.

Except for coolant reservoir level, all fluid levels are consistent. From its appearance, the coolant is Zerex G05. I use Zerex G05 in our '97 850. The reservoir level goes down from max to min between 1-2 weeks of urban driving (many 3-5 mile trips). Hesitant to take it for a daylong drive with family.

No visible signs of leak along the hoses. TIA.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 04 Aug 2018, 09:28

Spike the coolant with ultraviolet dye. Eventually the dye will stain any external leaks and you can find it with a ultraviolet light.

GenericVolvoDriver · Post by **GenericVolvoDriver** » 05 Aug 2018, 00:20

I had to replace my radiator due to a leak on the passenger side top seam. It was on the front side of the radiator (facing the condenser). It was loosing coolant about the same rate.

Post by **xHeart** » 05 Aug 2018, 09:47

Zerex fluid color doesn't help either. Our '01 V70XC uses Volvo fluid which leaves detectable hydroxyl phosphate like residue of fluid leak or escaping moisture.

What is recommend for ultraviolet dye, what light? It is a good day to visit local harbor freight today - sale!

Thank you.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 05 Aug 2018, 09:59

Any UV light will work ... the stronger the light the easier it is to see the dye.
Quest makes a UV dye compatible with all antifreezes, except GM DEX-COOL®

Post by **xHeart** » 06 Aug 2018, 13:35

The local Advance Auto Parts guy was super helpful. The small bottle of TINTE UV can be mixed with 2 gallons. He recommends drain and fill with new fluid mixed with UV dye.

The radiator drain at the bottom is obvious. Does the cylinder block drains at #4?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 06 Aug 2018, 20:30

Accessed from underneath.

Post by **xHeart** » 24 Aug 2018, 09:10

It dawned on me that if there was air in the cooling system then small loss of coolant would go away while keeping reservoir tank filled to MAX level.

Good News: Coolant loss has stopped.

Thank you everyone!

Post by **xHeart** » 09 Sep 2018, 18:10

Found the source of coolant loss. Is this radiator related or hose?

: MVS_XC90_2580.jpg (498.29 KiB) Viewed 1890 times

: MVS_XC90_2578.jpg (451.86 KiB) Viewed 1890 times

Post by **xHeart** » 17 Sep 2018, 09:16

I took the overhaul approach and replaced the radiator, connected hoses, cooler line o'ring and snap lock. Cleansed the system with distilled water, and then refilled with new Volvo fluid (blackburn method).

cn90 design 6" wooden ramps gave ample clearance for the rad to download and then upload. Volvo rerouted condenser fittings, it made the fan + radiators move in and out with relative ease.

The impact member mounted to the subframe takes some gentle wiggle to remove after the bolts are off. I used pry bar and let it rest over the subframe while freeing the other side -- heavy. Install method is like inserting mouthguard -- from front.

I like Volvo's guide pin-screw feature for radiator's upright positioning. A fun, no-rush weekend task.

ONLY VOLVO PARTS WERE USED.

Thank you!