2000 S40 Defective Upper Radiator Hose?

genikz · Post by **genikz** » 10 Apr 2010, 20:29

I recently replaced the upper radiator hose on my 2000 S40 with a new unit from FCP Groton and the replacement went fine. About one week later, with my wife driving the car, she called to say she had to pull over because it was getting hot. It turns out the section of hose that comes from the head to T-connector (the plastic part that connects to the small hose for the rad and includes the coolant expansion tank nipple) just pulled right out of the T-connector.

Are these hoses supposed to do that? Or did I end up with a defective hose? For $85, I thought they would be made a little better. And when a cooling system builds pressure, shouldn't the hose have a solid connection between the T-connector piece, instead of a friction fitting?

Are there better alternatives for this replacement hose? If I'm going to shell out another $85, I need to know the hose isn't going to leave my wife stranded again.

Thanks in advance.

Chris B.

Post by **billofdurham** » 11 Apr 2010, 11:58

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Have you told FCP about this? It may well be a faulty hose and they will want to sort out the problem for you.

Bill.

cain80017 · Post by **cain80017** » 05 Sep 2012, 14:26

I have had the same issue with this upper radiator hose after about a year's use, same year S40. I have found many different brands of this hose for a range of prices but all still seem to have this plastic "Y" fitting. I know that other vehicles have inline filler necks made of metal. I want to know if anyone has replaced the stock hose with something different and how well it worked. If anyone knows what pressure the stock "Y" fitting releases fluid into the overflow container?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Sep 2012, 03:35

I just bought the URO branded one from Amazon (the more expensive one that FCP sells) then noticed this thread.
I think I'll mix together some epoxy and reinforce that "T" nipple area before installing this hose, especially if it looks like the nipple is suspect to pulling out. I know this is an old post, but thanks for the head's up!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 30 Sep 2012, 16:35

Did the install today (hose came yesterday) and it was a piece of cake. The Uro branded hose looks very sturdy- no need to reinforce anything, I believe. After cinching everything down, I added radiator fluid to the expansion tank and checked for leaks before putting the panels back on- all is good!