2000 S70 Coolant Slowly Decreasing

[scot850]

Good seals are important. I had do-overs so even if there are 'O' rings supplied with an aftermarket unit I just buy Volvo ones. I know others may have had success with aftermarket 'O' rings but I have had I had one that leaked and a second one that also leaked but I had to replace the rings as they would just not seal as they were too thin.

Neil.

[Chuck W]

If you want to verify that you have the correct core, post up a pic if you can.
It would suck to get into it and find you have the wrong piece, and then the car all torn apart.

[tjmartin317]

A plethora of photos:

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[tjmartin317]

Stupid question: if a heater core was faulty is would drip… right? Like, into a catch can placed directly beneath it?

Because mine didn’t do that.

It also isn’t fogging up the windows. Or anything at all. And my friend of better nose can’t smell anything.

What gives?

[MoVolvos]

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Here is my old Post to changing the heater core. May I suggest just unplugging the 2 hose ends in the engine compartment by a radiator hose loop on both fittings and bypass all together for the trip. I didn't go over the old post but I believe mine was leaking in 2 places.
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The photo is from jblackburn. Again, basically a hose loop and clamps to bypass the heater core. As for your last question about drip and odor? Good question but not sure as yours maybe so diluted and going into the carpeting rather than fogging the windshield or like mine leaking at 2 places, with the worst in the engine bay?
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viewtopic.php?p=303763&hilit=S70+Heater+core#p303763
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[scot850]

The 'O' rings can fail not just the heater core. I had one that it was just the O'rings but as the core was close to 20 years old I decided to replace it for safety as the car was going to a family member.

Check the pipes carefully as well and at the bulkhead as the plastic connector car crack if someone has been rough with it in the past. You will read on MVS that some owners bypass the bulkhead section to prevent this happening.

Neil.

[tjmartin317]

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Final update for those interested… which you probably aren’t.

Topped off the coolant with the engine warm before beginning the journey (well, kind of warm, as I had to carefully depressurize the reservoir when removing the cap). Filled it a smidge over the maximum line. And after 4.5 hours and 238 miles, Blue wasn’t missing a drop. Heater core was slightly damp where the lines go in, so its likely the rings that went bad as someone else suggested. Can replace the core on my own time.

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Was an excellent leg of the journey, with heat and all. This thing is a champ, and I’m so glad I stopped worrying and learned to love the bomb instead of switching to my other car.

[Chuck W]

Just keep an eye on things and you should be fine for the rest of your trip.

Good luck and safe travels!

[scot850]

I for one am always interested in reading other owners challenges as you never stop learning from other's experiences! Good luck on the rest of your travels.

Neil.

[abscate]

and I’m so glad I stopped worrying and learned to love the bomb instead of switching to my other car.

My all time favourite movie. I’m just as sad as you, Dmitry

+10,000 MVS points given for using ‘ plethora’ in a post