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Coolant leak from near upper radiator hose

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Mn10
Posts: 52
Joined: 20 April 2019
Year and Model: 940 1994
Location: Sydney

Coolant leak from near upper radiator hose

Post by Mn10 »

Hi all,

Recently I noticed that I had a noticeable coolant leak from where the upper radiator hose connects to the radiator. Naturally I thought that the hose was on it's way out and need replacement. I replaced it a few days ago but the leak still seems to be there. I think it may be leaking a little less, but I am definitely not sure.

Does anyone have any ideas? I'll try taking some pictures tomorrow of the suspect area.

Thanks in advance :D
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BlackBart  
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Post by BlackBart »

It could be the joint where the inlet or outlet tube joins to the tank of the radiator. Corrosion, or the solder joint is failing.
ex-1984 245T wagon
1994 850T5 wagon
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volvolugnut
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Post by volvolugnut »

Was the radiator neck still round or had it been squeezed too hard by the clamp and now does not seal well to the hose?
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
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Mn10
Posts: 52
Joined: 20 April 2019
Year and Model: 940 1994
Location: Sydney

Post by Mn10 »

Thank you both for your reply. I didn’t get the chance to take off the hose and have a good look at it today, hopefully I can in the morning tomorrow.

In the meantime though, I was able to quickly take a pic before heading off to work today which shows coolant on the fins. Maybe this picture could be of help?

Thanks.

Image
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IMG_coolant.jpg
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Mn10
Posts: 52
Joined: 20 April 2019
Year and Model: 940 1994
Location: Sydney

Post by Mn10 »

Also on a "side-ish" note. When I replaced the hose, there was calcium deposits or some kind of sediment on the radiator neck which I didn't really bother to clean off. There wasn't too much but it was definitely noticeable. Would this cause seating issues, even though the hose is clamped tightly?
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volvolugnut
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Post by volvolugnut »

I see you have the plastic top tank on the radiator. I think we both assumed you had the metal tank. The plastic tank necks are prone to cracking over time. Inspect for cracks and confirm there is a metal ring inside the neck to support the clamping squeeze.
Looking again, that may be a side, not top, tank. Same things to check.
volvolugnut
Last edited by volvolugnut on 30 May 2024, 09:15, edited 1 time in total.
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
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BlackBart  
Posts: 6498
Joined: 10 December 2016
Year and Model: 2004 XC70 BlackBetty
Location: Over the far far mountains
Has thanked: 927 times
Been thanked: 884 times

Post by BlackBart »

OH, plastic! Disregard my advice.
ex-1984 245T wagon
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty
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Mn10
Posts: 52
Joined: 20 April 2019
Year and Model: 940 1994
Location: Sydney

Post by Mn10 »

It’s winter where I am so the days are short. It’s also raining quite a bit so I haven’t yet been able to open the bonnet and have a good look. It is only Saturday, so I do have one more weekend day left to give it a good check.

If it is the plastic neck which has cracked, are there any durable ways to fix it, short of getting a new radiator? I believe I have seen a guide on the internet where someone used copper piping I think…but I’d love to hear what both of your thoughts are.
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Mn10
Posts: 52
Joined: 20 April 2019
Year and Model: 940 1994
Location: Sydney

Post by Mn10 »

Okay so I was finally able to check. I do not see any cracks around the side tank and the neck, and I think I do feel a nice metal support piece inside.

Also I took it for a drive today and no leaks, even stood around for a bit with the car idling and then with it off, no visible leaks anywhere. Previously when it had leaked, the expansion tank was filled all the way up to the max line, this time it's still in between min and max, maybe that could have something to with it?....idk, all I know is that the plot thickens.
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volvolugnut
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Post by volvolugnut »

Consider it may be fixed - but watch closely!
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
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