Questions on heater core replacement

carlsun · Post by **carlsun** » 29 Sep 2012, 08:19

I have a 99 V70XC, 152K miles.

I'm beginning to notice the smell of antifreeze as well as seeing vapor occasionally coming out of the a/c vents. I have to refill the coolant reservoir about evry other week.

I've looked over several repair explanations and it seems like they gloss over how to remove the lower passenger panel to get to the right side fasteners holding the heater core housing in place. Tips, anyone?

Also, is changing the clips and o-rings necessary on the heater core coupler that goes through the firewall, or only if the leak emanates from there?

Thanks!
Carl S

jonesboy1983 · Post by **jonesboy1983** » 29 Sep 2012, 08:47

This may be helpful:

Post by **pkc303** » 29 Sep 2012, 08:51

Check the write ups here, there are several. It isn't as fun as it looks. We did use the Volvo heater core, as I feared the aftermarket may not line up or fit correctly, and I didn't want to do that job twice.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 29 Sep 2012, 10:00

Removing the lower dash panel on the right side isn't as simple on the 70 series cars as it is with the 850s. You need to remove the torx screws that hold in the glove box, remove the glove box, and then get access to the torx screws that are just below the glove box lip. At that point the lower dash panel should drop down for removal.

If you are just replacing the heater core you don't necessarily need the O rings and spacers for the quick connect on the firewall. When I replace a core though I remove the hoses from the firewall sockets so that I can use a shop vac to suck out the coolant from the core. It makes the job less messy but I still use the plastic trash sacks. Anytime I remove anything on the heating system I replace the O rings and spacers that were removed.

There are two variations of the quick connect connect clips and they need to be replaced as a set so as to assure that they will work - they do not play well together. It is also important that all of the old O rings and spacers are removed from the socket.

...Lee

Post by **Pauloil** » 29 Sep 2012, 10:20

i just did this same job one my 99. after you get the panel out, all you need to do is take out T15 screw on the side of the heater box, then T20 up higher on both sides. T20 holds the pipes to the core. I did not think is was smart to try to clamp the heater hoses, so just pulled out the old core and used old towel to catch the small amnt coolant that came out. ipdusa.com has nice silicone red o-rings. i took the occasion to change my coolant hoses, gates from Oreillys, 22251 and 22253.

MMT51 · Post by **MMT51** » 29 Sep 2012, 23:05

Your new core will probably be coated with oil. Make sure to degrease it before installing.I forgot this step and was able to enjoy the oil smell all winter, driving around with the heat up full, windows open, trying to burn it off. I came to miss the leaking coolant smell. I think I saw a recommendation for washing in hot soapy water, or a degreaser like Simple Green or one of the citrus products.

Here's a good tutorial; there are a number of threads on this site.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=40547

Post by **Pauloil** » 04 Oct 2012, 20:08

dealer quote: 1,060 dollars for this job. no shit!

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Oct 2012, 20:19

Pauloil wrote:dealer quote: 1,060 dollars for this job. no shit!

DrewsT5 · Post by **DrewsT5** » 04 Oct 2012, 22:55

Holy crap! $1,060? Living up to the term "Stealership." That's ridiculous. I just bought mine from IPD a couple weeks ago for around $100, added the silicone o-rings too. I found a local guy on Craigslist advertising this specific job for a couple hundred bucks. I was able to talk him down to $120 for 2 hrs. of labor, since I've got the parts. I've just gotta get to that broken glove box this weekend so I can make an appointment to do this with him.

Sheesh... a grand.