How to inspect radiator coolant hoses?

Post by **FireFox31** » 23 Jul 2021, 16:12

How can we tell when a radiator coolant hose needs to be replaced proactively if it isn't leaking? Do they have an estimated lifespan for proactive replacement?

The few service records which came with my 200k mi 2000 V70 said to replace the upper radiator hose. I don't see any cracks in it even when squeezing, and it feels soft instead of brittle. It looks a little swollen at the thermostat clamp. I read an FCP reviewer mention they might fail "from the inside out".

The clamps don't look great, but I can swap those. Can anyone recommend good replacements with the inner metal ring to protect the hose? FCP and VolvoPartsWebStore sell part # 988030 but it no longer has that insert.

Post by **mecheng** » 23 Jul 2021, 18:35

Mine are original at about 220km.
Your hoses look like they need to be replaced,
You are correct I go by the swollen look and yours meet that criteria. When it looks like an animal is living in them, the threads I believe are stretched.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 23 Jul 2021, 20:00

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It's best to changes them out if they are over 15 years old or 150K miles. Some hoses last the life of the vehicle but that not a great idea if it is hidden and burst while driving.

2008 C30 and 130Kish miles but still decent with one end starting to bulge. Volvo used plastic as hose clamps to sandwich the T connection. Could have just purchased hose clamps and not remove any of the ends to repair the leak.

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=97343&p=575759&hil ... ps#p575759

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Post by **cn90** » 23 Jul 2021, 20:16

Agree with the above.

Rubber only lasts that long under heat cycles.
It is amazing these hoses go to 200K miles.

Replace both upper and lower hoses.
Use only Volvo, don't bother with aftermarket.

Time to replace the thermostat too (I use Wahler only)...

Inspect the heater hoses too.

Post by **scot850** » 23 Jul 2021, 23:11

I also agree on this. A burst hose is way worse than the cost of replacing it and the piece of mind that goes with it.

Can't recall if your car is turbo or not. If turbo, also consider the turbo coolant hoses as they are easily over looked.

Neil.

Post by **FireFox31** » 24 Jul 2021, 11:54

Thank you guys for your input, yet again! Should the expansion tank hoses be replaced (top overflow hose and bottom supply hose)? This is starting to get expensive...

On my last 2000 V70 at 160k mi, I blew the engine when a coolant hose came off at highway speed. The dealership said it was caused by "pressure building up in the engine" and I never really figured out what. I had a used engine put in ($10k along with other work) and enjoyed it for another 10 years and 115k mi. So yeah, $100 of hoses is cheaper than $10k of engine replacement. Thanks.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 24 Jul 2021, 13:05

FireFox31 wrote: ↑24 Jul 2021, 11:54 Thank you guys for your input, yet again! Should the expansion tank hoses be replaced (top overflow hose and bottom supply hose)? This is starting to get expensive...

On my last 2000 V70 at 160k mi, I blew the engine when a coolant hose came off at highway speed. The dealership said it was caused by "pressure building up in the engine" and I never really figured out what. I had a used engine put in ($10k along with other work) and enjoyed it for another 10 years and 115k mi. So yeah, $100 of hoses is cheaper than $10k of engine replacement. Thanks.

Exactly what happened to our 2003 S80 T6. Lower radiator hose blew off when my Son drove home from work last summer late in the evening. Discovered it in the morning when he tried to drive off for work. Engine was not damaged as home is a little over a mile from freeway and it was late so weather cooler. A hundred dollar is really nothing compared to other expenditures in life.

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Post by **MoVolvos** » 24 Jul 2021, 13:08

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As for the tank hoses the ends were bulging on both the 03 T6 & C30 T5 and leaking so had to cut those section. I would change it.

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Post by **volvolugnut** » 24 Jul 2021, 13:59

I would also replace the hose clamps. Those are starting to rust and can separate from rust. Cheap insurance and easier to work on new clamps. Get all stainless steel clamps if you can find them.

volvolugnut

Post by **FireFox31** » 24 Jul 2021, 14:23

Thanks, I am also replacing the clamps. I'm using OEM Volvo clamps, so probably paying more than I should. But why save $5 to have a weak link?

How important is it to replace the coolant tank top and bottom hoses? FCP includes them in their "cooling refresh kit".