Volvo 850 heater core replacement 2

Post by **cn90** » 12 Dec 2012, 17:58

The reason for the non-sense coupler is money. It is less time on the assembly line.
They could have done the whole thing with old-fashion pipe + hose + clamp.

Post by **precopster** » 13 Dec 2012, 05:26

Engineering and fashioning a complex rotating coupler with a set of O rings spacers and clips is hardly cost cutting and allows hose replacement from the engine bay side (at least this is the case when the coupler is new and isn't leaking)

Somehow I don't think this was a cost cutting exercise and like most of Volvo's engineering at the time was done with the best of intentions and an easy to service method. I can swap out a coupler, heater hoses and heater core in an NA in about 1.5 hrs.

The turbo heater hose arrangement, however looks mean and nasty......even on RHD cars. On one of those the bypass method looks awfully tempting.

Post by **xHeart** » 28 Feb 2013, 09:10

Justin warned several time in past few months about the reason for the loss of coolant, I just wanted the winter to be over first.

Last night while preparing for the steering column task, there it was soaking wet carpet.
So I am doing it by replacing with Behr heater core, silicon o-rings, and the firewall junction coupler sealing kit from IPD.

I am in the middle of steering rack replacement. No break for this laddie.

Post by **precopster** » 01 Mar 2013, 04:33

Must admit the Swedishautolampsforless heater core for $45 really does produce great heat, doesn't leak (yet) and isn't made of the black plastic the other low quality aftermarket heater cores I've used.

It can get so hot at face level you need to pull your hand away from the vent after 20 secs with a/c off.

Kecy · Post by **Kecy** » 03 Apr 2014, 18:13

Thanks precopster (M) I needed this, I will also try the heater core you recommended !!
Thanks Kecy( Kevin)

Post by **precopster** » 04 Apr 2014, 15:31

No worries Kevin. I've since learned through trial and error and through some great ppsts here at MVS that if you simply undo the centre torx at the heater core you can avoid dislodging and possibly damaging the firewall coupling seals by leaving the metal pipes intact and connected to the firewall.

This now becomes a simpler job taking less time and expense.

I did all my cars with new coupling and heater hoses because they were new aquisitions and I wanted to replace all water carrying hoses at the same time.

Replacing the firewall coupling on RHD cars is not as difficult because pedals are not in the way.