2001 S60 Coolant leak drivers side of engine

cgyfto · Post by **cgyfto** » 25 Oct 2019, 10:05

Hi MVS,

First post here & hoping everyone could give me some needed advice.

2001 Volvo S60 T5, 2.3 Turbo with M56 Transmission

Since the weather started getting cold I was getting the low coolant indication and having to fill my reservoir once a week or so. Yesterday it got quite cold and I had turned the heating all the way up and fan on full for a few minutes and the light turned on once more with a visible leak under the car.
Its coming from the drivers side of the engine but can't pinpoint it to a single hose.
Called Volvo this morning and they sent me the following diagram.

Looks like there's only 3 hoses with coolant on the drivers side of the engine #12 #20 & #21
#12 - Looks like the lower Radiator Hose (Possible culprit)
#20 - Looks like the upper heater core Hose (Possible culprit)
#21 - Looks like the lower heater core Hose

I didn't know which part to get so I got all 3 from Volvo, knowing I could return them if I did not install one of them.

#20 Hose seems like it plugs directly into the nipple of the engine block
However I have no clue where #21 routes too and its not clear to see unless I start really digging through my engine bay.

Are there any hoses which I have not mentioned that could be the culprit and I should change for preventative maintenance?

Post by **abscate** » 25 Oct 2019, 10:18

On a turbo car there are several small hoses, in nasty places that link hard pipes to the turbo - one on passenger side, one on driver side, and two more that cool the oil cooler on the rear (or RHS) of the engine.

You need the diagram for the turbo and oil system to see all these in VIDA

cgyfto · Post by **cgyfto** » 25 Oct 2019, 10:44

abscate wrote: ↑25 Oct 2019, 10:18 On a turbo car there are several small hoses, in nasty places that link hard pipes to the turbo - one on passenger side, one on driver side, and two more that cool the oil cooler on the rear (or RHS) of the engine.

You need the diagram for the turbo and oil system to see all these in VIDA

Thank you for the quick answer!
I was also given this diagram from Volvo. Are any of these the small hoses which you were referring to? Which ones of these would you suggest I replace?

This vehicle has been meticulously maintained but to the best of my knowledge all hoses are still original therefore whichever could be the culprit I will go ahead and replace.

Post by **abscate** » 25 Oct 2019, 12:34

Replace 9 and 10 and don't even think of using URO hoses there, Volvo only.

You also have two hoses that feed the oil cooler not shown.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 25 Oct 2019, 12:42

On my long gone 2001 XC70 it was hose #12. It is actually not a bad repair once you figure out it is the leaker.

I strongly recommend you put some UV color dye in the system. It makes finding the leak so simple. It will be the best money you have ever spent. Put the dye in, drive around until the thermostat opens and then look for the leak. You need a UV light source, some kits come with a small UV flashlight, which is what I bought, and served the purpose well.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 25 Oct 2019, 14:30

I have a coolant leak on 2001 V70 T5. It does not appear to be at radiator (which I replaced last year). I need to inspect all of these hoses at the back of the engine.
Do you experts recommend replacement of more than just the hose found leaking currently? Would you replace several or all hoses at back of engine while doing the job?

volvolugnut

Post by **SuperHerman** » 25 Oct 2019, 16:11

It is always best to replace all the hoses, then you know they will not be an issue.

That said the other prudent course is to look at their condition and squeeze them. They should not be soft and gooey feeling, but firm. Usually Volvo hoses last a good long while - worth buying them over other brands.

If you plan on driving the car for the long term replace as many hoses as you can afford and refresh your coolant, maybe even do a back flush of the heater core. I hate coolant so generally when I go in to do a hose I replace as many as I can see. Service it once and be done for another 100k hose related miles. Now if you don't have the funds and/or planning on selling the car - check your hoses and replace the bad ones.

To find your leak I strongly urge you to use some UV dye. If you service your own cars a coolant pressure tester set is a great investment. Buy it now and use it every time you have an issue. Just add the dye, drive the car to temp and look for leaks. If you find none, pressure the system and come back later and it will be there. These two purchases have been some of the best I have made.