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

[hughiescho]

We have very few internal cooler failures ruining either engines or transmissions on these cars. I would take that failure off my worry list.

Thanks for noting this point Abscate.

[hughiescho]

Changing old cooling hoses proactively yes, radiator no. Plastics on expansion tank can get brittle too and easy to replace.

About to do all the cooling hoses on my 08 C70 with 120k miles.

And you'll replace the expansion tank and hose clamps too, Krons? Are you an OEM-only-guy, or will you be replacing hoses with quality aftermarket brands like Gates, Rein or Continental?

[hughiescho]

I did just that: a new Volvo radiator that I've luckily got with 1/3 discount. Bypassing the cooler is not a good idea in cold climate.

I appreciate the information--thanks vtl. Here in Canada the Volvo radiator lists at $670... one-third of that I could stomach.

[hughiescho]

But that's exactly the point: a broken radiator produces more broken parts

I'm definitely inline with this rationale too.

[hughiescho]

[/quote]

Perfectly good old radiators don't fail slowly and controllably because they are partly plastic, they fail suddenly, release all the coolant and leave you stranded at potentially the worst possible time. Some crucial parts like the radiator don't wear out they age out from heat cycles and need to be replaced to keep your car reliable and avoid really expensive damage to an engine or even the transmission. Replacing a 17 year old radiator is not throwing money away at a part that isn't broken, it's preventive maintenance that makes sense.
[/quote]

Thanks for this perspective--it is helpful.

Edit: apologies for messing up the quote function

[hughiescho]

They key thing is...

- If you drive around town and your coolant level sensor is workig, then no need to worry bc in the rare
event that the radiator leaks, the level sensor will warn you in the dash.
- My experiecne with a different Volvo (1998 S70/V70), the radiator cracks near the top hose,
hairline crack that leaked only when HOT. It was a slow leak.

- OTOH, if you plan to keep the car for a long and you frequently drive long-distance, then yes, a brand-new
Volvo genuine radiator is not a bad choice. it is not that expensive (~ $310), it costs the same as 2 new tires...

Thank you cn90. I would definitely like to keep the car in service. And it is our family's only car, so it does short trips around town but needs to be reliable enough for 400 km journeys south on the Alaska Highway to the next nearest city.

[abscate]

They key thing is...

- If you drive around town and your coolant level sensor is workig, then no need to worry bc in the rare
event that the radiator leaks, the level sensor will warn you in the dash.
- My experiecne with a different Volvo (1998 S70/V70), the radiator cracks near the top hose,
hairline crack that leaked only when HOT. It was a slow leak.

- OTOH, if you plan to keep the car for a long and you frequently drive long-distance, then yes, a brand-new
Volvo genuine radiator is not a bad choice. it is not that expensive (~ $310), it costs the same as 2 new tires...

Thank you cn90. I would definitely like to keep the car in service. And it is our family's only car, so it does short trips around town but needs to be reliable enough for 400 km journeys south on the Alaska Highway to the next nearest city.

You want to run the preventative maintenance model for that usage

New everything at 150k, and I would only use Volvo parts

I’m in the Kat right now, headed North ona 200 mile trip, but I have a safe haven garage located every 50 miles along the way so I’m running some parts RTF but I watch her closely for leaks

[vtl]

I did just that: a new Volvo radiator that I've luckily got with 1/3 discount. Bypassing the cooler is not a good idea in cold climate.

I appreciate the information--thanks vtl. Here in Canada the Volvo radiator lists at $670... one-third of that I could stomach.

Just under $300: https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/vo ... r-31319056 Taxes and shipment and currency conversion will add to that, but still can be cheaper than 670.

[scot850]

This is not an official Volvo reseller but claim to be selling Volvo OE radiator for around $500 with taxes. Shipping? $40 to Calgary.

https://www.volvopartsca.ca/oem-parts/v ... NS1nYXM%3D

Neil.

[Krons]

Changing old cooling hoses proactively yes, radiator no. Plastics on expansion tank can get brittle too and easy to replace.

About to do all the cooling hoses on my 08 C70 with 120k miles.

And you'll replace the expansion tank and hose clamps too, Krons? Are you an OEM-only-guy, or will you be replacing hoses with quality aftermarket brands like Gates, Rein or Continental?

For me…Typically OEM unless it is like 30% less or more. Also depends on the ease/difficulty of replacement. So my C70 ‘octopus’ hose is a PITA, so OEM…coolant reservoir is easy so Mahle/Behr worth saving $35 (50% less). I nearly always avoid ProParts Sweden or URO. Most everything I get is through FCPEuro. I’ll probably reuse clamps if they don’t come with the hoses.