Repair or Replace broken radiator support tab -- Volvo 850 GLT 1997 230k miles

Post by **jreed** » 01 Oct 2022, 16:27

I replaced my radiator back in 2013. Been working OK since then except that I noticed today it is sagging down 2-3cm on the driver's side. Inspection shows that the tab / ear that holds the radiator to the car is snapped off and missing. Before taking the photo below, I removed the bolt from the support. The washer and little rubber bushing that were originally in the radiator are still there, but no signs of the broken plastic ear. Must be by the side of the road somewhere.
Question for the gurus here: would you replace the radiator? Repair? If repair, how to repair?
Thanks!

: Snapped tab; Volvo 850 radiator tab IMG_6553.jpg (901.92 KiB) Viewed 4277 times

: Should be plastic where the blue circle is; Volvo Radiator tab IMG_6555.jpg (791.81 KiB) Viewed 4277 times

Post by **Roger_850T** » 02 Oct 2022, 16:52

How reliable do you want to keep it, and how many miles since you replaced it in 2013? If over 100k, I'd probably consider replacing it, as it's also got a fair bit of thermal cycling on it, probably 2/3 through it's life. OTOH, if it's only had 50k miles, and it's your second or third car (and some room for less reliability,) you could let it go for now and watch it.

Roger

Post by **volvolugnut** » 02 Oct 2022, 16:55

I you do not decide to replace the radiator, then consider a rubber cushioned bracket to support that end of the radiator.
volvolugnut

Post by **MoVolvos** » 02 Oct 2022, 23:35

.
Just rig it up anyway you can including several zip ties if possible. At that age drive it till the part dies. You never know perhaps so many things will need attention in a short period of time you may consider retiring it.

.

Post by **jreed** » 04 Oct 2022, 05:24

Thanks for the suggestions, advice and perspectives. Much appreciated. I'm leaning towards replacement and eyeing the Nissens radiator at FCP for $164.49. Anybody tried this one and if so how was the fit, performance and reliability?
Nissens NSN-65539A
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 70-turbo-1

Post by **abscate** » 04 Oct 2022, 05:33

jreed wrote: ↑04 Oct 2022, 05:24 Thanks for the suggestions, advice and perspectives. Much appreciated. I'm leaning towards replacement and eyeing the Nissens radiator at FCP for $164.49. Anybody tried this one and if so how was the fit, performance and reliability?
Nissens NSN-65539A
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 70-turbo-1

I’ve got two replacement Nissens in fleet. One failed after 5 years but that was on me. I let the screw in the mount fall out, it drooped and hung itsweight on the right side, which opened up the tank to plastic joint.

Luckily it was an FCP so replacement due to tailless monkey installation by owner was covered

Post by **scot850** » 04 Oct 2022, 16:11

I have used Nissens and I like them. If you are planning to keep the car for a long time, sure you can make a repair of some sort, but a new radiator is a lot cheaper than a head gasket rebuild. If you are only planning to keep for a short time, then maybe a used one?

Neil.

Post by **Chuck W** » 04 Oct 2022, 18:41

I discovered the same thing on the wife's car just before this past X-mas. We needed the car the day after I discovered it, so I got it back in place and held with zipties until I was able to swap it out a couple days later.

I think the spare I had in the garage was a Nissens, which is what went on.

Post by **jreed** » 05 Oct 2022, 05:07

Thanks team! Just ordered a Nissens from FCP and will replace the old Valeo that broke its tab after nine years and ~70k miles.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Oct 2022, 05:20

That hardware is always nasty around the radiator. I got rid of the stock stuff and through bolted with m8 stainless

A big fender washer with bent edges picks up the m8 underneath to support the plastic ear.

Is a pain to install without a helper though, as you can’t reach the nut while you holding Thebolt from below.