Radiator dead... how?

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 14 Aug 2009, 13:31

So I got back from a fairly short drive on the freeway. Pull in to our house, walk out and see a little steam coming from the front and drips of the nice green stuff we call coolant...

Open it up to see coolant and steam rushing out of this large crack in the radiator. It was on the passenger's side, near the top facing the rear. A few inches below the upper coolant hose, the crack itself was in this metal part about 2 inches long. It's being replaced now for about $400. I would do it myself but I have to go back to school on Thursday and don't have enough time to get parts and screw around with it.

Just wondering though, what would cause that to happen?

This car (00V70XC) has NEVER overheated a single time in its life. Coolant is good, thermostat works... Water pump does not leak. I'm confused for sure! Was it just its time?

db130 · Post by **db130** » 14 Aug 2009, 14:06

i wouldn't dwell on it too much. it was just its time...

i just replaced the XC's radiator two weeks ago when it had 122k on it. the plastic side tank on the passenger side had developed a 4-inch hairline crack.

not a bad price for parts and labor - now would be a great time to have new radiator hoses installed as well.

Craigd2599 · Post by **Craigd2599** » 14 Aug 2009, 14:27

Thats not metal. Those have plastic press on end tanks. Mine went bad about the same mileage. You can order a replacement with metal tanks

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 14 Aug 2009, 14:37

Ok, making me feel a bit better! The hoses are surprisingly good for being original. All have flex and elasticity still with no cracks, so I'm not going to bother. I did replace all the vacuum lines with silicon a couple months ago.

I didn't look too hard at it, so I thought it was metal. But come to think of it, I do remember reading a lot about the "plastic tanks".

volvomileage · Post by **volvomileage** » 14 Aug 2009, 15:28

these rads tend to quit without notice....the plastic tank just busts...they are reman heaven for the companies that rebuild them over here...

in the past mine just went like that while driving thank god it went in front of a garage...no warnings just went ..it had brand new coolant (2 months ) and no codes whatsover (ect ot other)...

at least if they go in a convienant spot its better lollll

cherrs !

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 14 Aug 2009, 15:36

Yeah, like I said, I'm about to go on a 500 mile trip back to school through the desert. Would have been just fantastic for this to happen in the 105 degree weather I'm expecting through the area! Better now than then!

Post by **wheelsup** » 14 Aug 2009, 21:32

I would replace the hoses if they are original. It's more age vs. miles. My lower hose went without notice and the car instantly over heated. Now I possibly might have a slightly leaking HG. I bought a new t-stat, ect, and hoses for around $65 @ eeuroparts.com shipped. Wish I would've done it before it decided to go

.

drtrance · Post by **drtrance** » 16 Aug 2009, 14:50

( Sigh ) I'm fried.. this is really expensive in my country... and as I see there is no other option but to buy a new radiator... I had a few days ago the same "hairline" crack at the front passenger side...

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 16 Aug 2009, 14:56

Sorry to hear that! There really isn't any choice at that point since you are really in danger of it becoming worse and doing some serious engine damage.

I'm pretty sure a new radiator can be done by yourself if you've got a few proper tools, tutorials and time. I would have attempted it had mine broken a month ago, but as I'm getting ready to leave, I just don't have time to mess with it.

drtrance · Post by **drtrance** » 16 Aug 2009, 15:00

Actually I would love to! But I just got graduated as an MD. So my budget is very limited... but... I still love my Volvo as much as the day I bought it. I'll look forward to fix it ASAP. Thanks for the advise I'll keep it in mind!