Radiator Stress Relief Cuts? Yes or No?

Post by **Eddystone** » 19 Jul 2021, 07:08

I have a new Nissens radiator I am installing in my 1999 S70 T5. The factory radiator coming out has two cuts in the frame surrounding the radiator: one in the top horizontal bar and one in the lower horizontal bar, both in the center. I have read elsewhere that Volvo added these cuts as a improvement later in production radiators because it was thought that the expansion and contraction of the frame was causing the radiators to fail prematurely.

Question: Should I take my trusty Dremel tool and make similar cuts in the Nissens radiator? It's a fairly easy thing to do without damaging the radiator.

Post by **scot850** » 19 Jul 2021, 12:11

First I'd say you will void any warranty on your new radiator. If you are ok with that then go for it. The biggest issue with the radiators is not the radiators but the condition of the engine mounts and the torque rods allowing the engine to move too much and putting the load on the top hose and that can cause issues with the radiator joints and the top hose to fracture.

The last Nissens radiator I bought had a reinforced top hose area. I suppose you should also factor in how long you plan to keep the car?

Neil.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 19 Jul 2021, 17:09

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This is not your regular radiator as in my 03 Odyssey and other cars where there are 4 grommets, two top and two bottom where the radiator is secured into and float in.

This radiator has so many hard attachments to it from the transmission fluid hose to brackets that cutting the radiator will not only void the warranty but might also weaken the structure. Leave it alone!

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