2006 V70: Replace radiator as preventative measure? Topic is solved

hughiescho · Post by **hughiescho** » 11 Apr 2023, 20:57

Dear Volvo Lovers,

I have a 2006 V70 with 215k km that I adore and wish to keep in service as long as possible.

While there are no leaks or evidence of weeping on the radiator or at junctions with coolant hoses, the system is all original. Would you suggest that it is time to replace the radiator as a precaution?

I am concerned that a failure could occur and result in the transmission fluid being contaminated which would result in a repair bill well above what the vehicle is worth.

Perhaps it would be a better idea to bypass the factory tran fluid cooler that is integral with the radiator? An aftermarket transmission fluid cooler could be mounted in front of the radiator or air conditioner condenser. Have you had any experience or possess any knowledge with respect to such a modification.

All thoughts and opinions are welcomed. Thank you!

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 11 Apr 2023, 22:58

hughiescho wrote: ↑11 Apr 2023, 20:57 Dear Volvo Lovers,

I have a 2006 V70 with 215k km that I adore and wish to keep in service as long as possible.

While there are no leaks or evidence of weeping on the radiator or at junctions with coolant hoses, the system is all original. Would you suggest that it is time to replace the radiator as a precaution?

I am concerned that a failure could occur and result in the transmission fluid being contaminated which would result in a repair bill well above what the vehicle is worth.

Perhaps it would be a better idea to bypass the factory tran fluid cooler that is integral with the radiator? An aftermarket transmission fluid cooler could be mounted in front of the radiator or air conditioner condenser. Have you had any experience or possess any knowledge with respect to such a modification.

All thoughts and opinions are welcomed. Thank you!

Anything related to the cooling system and especially the radiator can ruin an engine (or transmission) if the radiator fails so it makes sense to pay close attention to all cooling system components. It's not a bad idea to consider replacing your original radiator after 17 years of service but, based on my experience replace only with an original Volvo part as I've had problems with two aftermarket radiators, Nissen didn't last and whatever brand O'Reilly Auto Parts sells I couldn't keep the top radiator hose on it. There are so many low-cost, low-quality radiators out there it's just not worth it even at a significantly lower price. As you mentioned and something I think not too many pay attention to, a leak in the radiator internal auto trans cooler can ruin a transmission if coolant gets into the transmission and another reason to only consider a higher quality OEM part. Engines and transmission are not cheap so a $200 difference in radiator price is worth it IMO.
By-passing the radiator trans cooler would only be a good idea if you use a large enough external trans cooling and a thermo bypass valve set-up in my opinion. I think if you went with a Volvo OEM radiator you would be okay to keep using the radiator trans cooler. It's usually the plastic end tanks and upper radiator hose outlet that fails after years of service and the failure can be quite sudden so can leave you stranded too. Just my thoughts base on dealing with cooling system problems with my 2001 Volvo V70.

Post by **jonesg** » 11 Apr 2023, 23:19

hughiescho wrote: ↑11 Apr 2023, 20:57 Dear Volvo Lovers,

I have a 2006 V70 with 215k km that I adore and wish to keep in service as long as possible.

While there are no leaks or evidence of weeping on the radiator or at junctions with coolant hoses, the system is all original. Would you suggest that it is time to replace the radiator as a precaution?

I am concerned that a failure could occur and result in the transmission fluid being contaminated which would result in a repair bill well above what the vehicle is worth.

Perhaps it would be a better idea to bypass the factory tran fluid cooler that is integral with the radiator? An aftermarket transmission fluid cooler could be mounted in front of the radiator or air conditioner condenser. Have you had any experience or possess any knowledge with respect to such a modification.

All thoughts and opinions are welcomed. Thank you!

Nowhere near enough miles to consider it worn out for my money.
Just drive it and quit worrying.

hughiescho · Post by **hughiescho** » 12 Apr 2023, 06:24

Hahaha...

thanks for your reply.

[/quote]

Nowhere near enough miles to consider it worn out for my money.
Just drive it and quit worrying.
[/quote]

hughiescho · Post by **hughiescho** » 12 Apr 2023, 06:45

Thank you Firstv70Volvo. Your thoughts and experience are very much appreciated. I just had a look at the cost of an OEM radiator. Volvo Parts Canada lists 31319056 at $669, which is a lot. I think if I did the radiator I would replace all hoses and the expansion tank too. Shall have to take a look at costs of aftermarket radiators too.

firstv70volvo wrote: ↑11 Apr 2023, 22:58

Anything related to the cooling system and especially the radiator can ruin an engine (or transmission) if the radiator fails so it makes sense to pay close attention to all cooling system components. It's not a bad idea to consider replacing your original radiator after 17 years of service but, based on my experience replace only with an original Volvo part as I've had problems with two aftermarket radiators, Nissen didn't last and whatever brand O'Reilly Auto Parts sells I couldn't keep the top radiator hose on it. There are so many low-cost, low-quality radiators out there it's just not worth it even at a significantly lower price. As you mentioned and something I think not too many pay attention to, a leak in the radiator internal auto trans cooler can ruin a transmission if coolant gets into the transmission and another reason to only consider a higher quality OEM part. Engines and transmission are not cheap so a $200 difference in radiator price is worth it IMO.
By-passing the radiator trans cooler would only be a good idea if you use a large enough external trans cooling and a thermo bypass valve set-up in my opinion. I think if you went with a Volvo OEM radiator you would be okay to keep using the radiator trans cooler. It's usually the plastic end tanks and upper radiator hose outlet that fails after years of service and the failure can be quite sudden so can leave you stranded too. Just my thoughts base on dealing with cooling system problems with my 2001 Volvo V70.

dj_v70 · Post by **dj_v70** » 12 Apr 2023, 07:33

Replacing parts on a old car just because they are old is extremely inefficient, buy a newer car first. If you are willing to drive an older car, perform all manufacturer maintenance (ie Coolant replacement) and keep a watchful eye. Look for fluid drops on ground when you pull out of your parking spot and check fluid levels before every major trip. Watch gauges regularly. I am near retirement age and have never owned a brand new car, no regrets.

Post by **abscate** » 12 Apr 2023, 07:44

Very few P2 radiator failures, unless they were accidents or deer hits. I think the OE is good for 400k kilometers at least.

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 12 Apr 2023, 08:44

dj_v70 wrote: ↑12 Apr 2023, 07:33 Replacing parts on a old car just because they are old is extremely inefficient, buy a newer car first. If you are willing to drive an older car, perform all manufacturer maintenance (ie Coolant replacement) and keep a watchful eye. Look for fluid drops on ground when you pull out of your parking spot and check fluid levels before every major trip. Watch gauges regularly. I am near retirement age and have never owned a brand new car, no regrets.

Thousands of heat cycles on a radiator with plastic end tanks and a part that can leave you stranded and your engine overheated when the plastic cracks apart isn't that inefficient to replace after 17 years, it is a maintenance item like a timing belt IMO. For most other parts I agree, keep up with the maintenance and keep a watchful eye. I've replaced 5 radiators that have failed suddenly(plastic) on the various friends and family cars that I take care of so that's been my experience. These failures haven't been slow failures like a leaking water pump either.

dj_v70 · Post by **dj_v70** » 12 Apr 2023, 08:57

firstv70volvo wrote: ↑12 Apr 2023, 08:44
dj_v70 wrote: ↑12 Apr 2023, 07:33 Replacing parts on a old car just because they are old is extremely inefficient, buy a newer car first. If you are willing to drive an older car, perform all manufacturer maintenance (ie Coolant replacement) and keep a watchful eye. Look for fluid drops on ground when you pull out of your parking spot and check fluid levels before every major trip. Watch gauges regularly. I am near retirement age and have never owned a brand new car, no regrets.
Thousands of heat cycles on a radiator with plastic end tanks and a part that can leave you stranded and your engine overheated when the plastic cracks apart isn't that inefficient to replace after 17 years, it is a maintenance item like a timing belt IMO. For most other parts I agree, keep up with the maintenance and keep a watchful eye. I've replaced 5 radiators that have failed suddenly(plastic) on the various friends and family cars that I take care of so that's been my experience. These failures haven't been slow failures like a leaking water pump either.

Interesting, I have always had advance notice to radiator failure. Hope my luck holds out:)

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 12 Apr 2023, 09:21

I would go to a junk yard and try to grab a radiator that looks good and clean out of the newest v70 you can find. If your handy then one underrated factor is that if the rad does start to leak then you can do a swap immediately. I’ve saved time on cam position sensor replacements in a p80, and alternators on Acura platforms. Nissans makes good aftermarket’s as far as I know.