Radiator leaking where upper hose connects.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 28 Jul 2023, 21:46

The top outlet pipe on my radiator had a crack running through it parallel and was leaking coolant. I put a bunch of rtv around it and put the hose on, and it lasted about a year. (2-3k-ish miles.). Now it is leaking again. How can I fix this? Is there a way I can repair it, or do I need a whole new radiator? I think there is metal underneath the cracked plastic. Can I try to cut all the plastic off so that the hose grabs onto the uncracked metal?

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Post by **jonesg** » 29 Jul 2023, 03:25

I think I paid $225 for a new rad last year.
A warped cyl head is far worse.
Order new transmission line clips and O rings too.

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 29 Jul 2023, 03:37

Test for blown head gasket. I blew my radiator at that junction from overpressure. The hole was massive.

Post by **cn90** » 29 Jul 2023, 08:29

Don't try to save money here.

You need new Rad, Volvo is the best.
Get O-rings and Green clips from Volvo too.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 29 Jul 2023, 11:02

dikidera wrote: ↑29 Jul 2023, 03:37 Test for blown head gasket. I blew my radiator at that junction from overpressure. The hole was massive.

I replaced the head gasket about a year ago. I’m pretty sure this is what caused it.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 29 Jul 2023, 11:06

New radiator time I guess… Fcp has a nissens one on sale. Is that a good brand? I have seen other threads in this forum of people getting that one with no problems.

Also if I have to order transmission line clips does that mean I have to drain the transmission fluid?

Is there anything else I should replace while I have the radiator out that isn't that expensive? Right now, I'm going to replace the upper and lower hoses.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 29 Jul 2023, 13:27

Search MVS for threads on how to replace the radiator. It can come out the top or the bottom. Pick working standing up or lying on your back with the car on blocks.
volvolugnut

Post by **cn90** » 29 Jul 2023, 15:15

If you suspect head gasket, then test coolant for combustion byproducts.

Post by **jonesg** » 29 Jul 2023, 15:25

They get broken by clamping down too hard with the hose clamp.
Better if you can order the original spring clamp.

Remove elec fan.
drain coolant , disconnect hoses,.
Disconnect tranny line, drop both rad and intercooler out the bottom.
Transfer threaded clips to new rad and push both intercooler and new rad as one unit together up from below,
Stand them on a milk crate whilst you insert bolts from the top.

Drain trans fluid from old rad into a cup to measure loss, it was less than 1/3 cup for me.