Proactively replace coolant tank? Topic is solved

Post by **FireFox31** » 06 Sep 2021, 20:11

Should I proactively replace the coolant tank on my 2000 V70 with 200k miles and unknown service history? I've seen posts about tanks cracking and leaking. It's about $130 for a new tank, cap, both hoses, and all clamps.

Over three months, the coolant level dropped until it reached the middle horizontal seam. For six months, the coolant level has remained right at that seam. Is it common for tanks to leak at that seam (like the power steering tank)?

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 06 Sep 2021, 21:00

If you think it's original, personally I would definitely replace it. New tank, cap, and hoses. I've previously developed cracks in both the tank and the cap. Cheap insurance to avoid a potential head gasket replacement down the line.

Good time to inspect all coolant hoses. Luckily you don't have the dreaded turbo hoses to deal with, but I would check your oil cooler hoses (two smaller coolant hoses that go into the rear side of the oil pan).

Post by **abscate** » 07 Sep 2021, 01:45

They leak amd seep before failure , Firefox , so the Scot in me says wait fir the failure to squeeze every last penny. For someone fastidious like you who watches their fluids carefully, that model works best.

I don’t think the NA runs the oil cooler in 2000, turbo only

Post by **FireFox31** » 07 Sep 2021, 10:11

I have an oil cooler and all the black staining around it suggests its leaking slowly. I will install two new seals between it and the block, hoping that stops the leak. The hoses, however, look dry at all of their junctions.

I think I will replace the coolant tank and hoses. "What's another $130." After seeing how bloated the power steering tank had gotten in 20 years, it seems smart to get ahead of the problem.

Post by **850 LPT** » 07 Sep 2021, 11:29

I would consider cooling equipment essential. Therefore it is usually the first thing on my list of parts to replace when I buy a P80 car with unknown history.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Sep 2021, 11:42

abscate wrote: ↑07 Sep 2021, 01:45 They leak amd seep before failure , Firefox, so the Scot in me says wait fir the failure to squeeze every last penny. For someone fastidious like you who watches their fluids carefully, that model works best.

I don’t think the NA runs the oil cooler in 2000, turbo only.

Post by **cn90** » 07 Sep 2021, 11:56

Yes, and use only Volvo parts for reservoir, cap, hoses.

I'd add also thermostat, I use Wahler. For ECT, search forum...

Post by **FireFox31** » 07 Sep 2021, 15:36

cn90 wrote: ↑07 Sep 2021, 11:56 Yes, and use only Volvo parts for reservoir, cap, hoses.

For cap part 9445462, FCP only sells Gates (black) and Rein (blue) caps for about $6 each. Volvo brand (blue) is $43 list, $36 at VolvoPartsWebStore. Is the Gates or Rein the actual part sold by Volvo as their own brand? I assume FCP knows something to sell those and not the Volvo one.

I currently have a blue cap.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Sep 2021, 16:21

Cap is probably a good junkyard part, for a Volvo one

Post by **FireFox31** » 07 Sep 2021, 21:57

Thanks for the input. I ordered the new tank, cap, hoses, and clamps; all Volvo brand except a Rein cap (which looks identical to my current Volvo one).

I just checked my coolant tank while it was dark out and could clearly see where it's slightly leaking at the seam. Also, the area near the top hose is more red than the rest of the tank. When I held a flashlight up to it, it looked like a shattered windshield; a huge network of fine cracks. This also revealed a crack by the top hose. Who knows how many other cracks and brittle areas there are.

$140 well spent.