1996 960 small coolant leak - Hose?

Jani36 · Post by **Jani36** » 05 Jul 2014, 17:48

Hi, I'm new here, so please pardon any gaffs I might make!
I have just purchased this car at 154000 miles. It has some minor probs., but doesn't throw any codes, and it smogged (CA) fine. I have just discovered a small coolant leak where two hoses connect behind the valve cover/engine block. There isn't coolant in the oil and vice versa, and exhaust is clean (no vapor). I can see it dripping when the car is running if I look hard (It's really small and doesn't make a puddle under the car), but I do have to add some coolant once a week. My question if anyone knows -is what is this hose connection, and how do I get to it? Can't really get a good look at it. Has anyone else encountered a leak here? Are there any hose diagrams I can look at? Don't want to let it go and becomes a big problem!

I'm out of work so any diy help would really be appreciated!!

Post by **abscate** » 05 Jul 2014, 18:27

I'll bump you into the 960 a Forum since that is a different engine that the P80 series in this Forum.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 05 Jul 2014, 20:31

Jani36 wrote:so any diy help would really be appreciated!!

Well now, here's everything else you need to know:

1992-96 MAINTENANCE
Volvo Maintenance & Service Intervals
960 Sedan
960 Wagon

RE: where two hoses connect behind the valve cover/engine block.

Assuming: Cooling system 6CYL

Then take a look at these parts

Chances are, its the heater block hoses (items 31 and 32) that is/are leaking

Never messed with Volvo six banger, but on any vehicle, when possible, slice with knife these hoses before removing, and no "he-man" pulls...gently remove; otherwise, you could damage your heater core's pipes

danr960 · Post by **danr960** » 07 Jul 2014, 09:46

It very well could be the hose. But if they are original, which I doubt, OEM Volvo hose can easily go ten years, with the exception of the upper radiator, that one, gets hard and eventually cracks the fitting on the radiator.

But I would determine where the leak is coming from, get a light and a small mirror. Things it could be, a hose, the fitting the hose is connected to, fits to the back of the head, maybe it just needs tightening, there is a plug there I think, the 96 went to one sensor for the gauge and computer, that is located at the t-stat housing. But there may be a plug where the old sensor was located at the rear of the head. Then the worst would be a head gasket leak. If that is the case, then try some leak stop and see if that limits the leak.

DanR '94 964 398,000 miles (156,000 on the new engine)

Jani36 · Post by **Jani36** » 07 Jul 2014, 12:23

Hi, Thank you for the links 93Regina! I suspected these hoses might be for the heater core, and I am praying it's not the head gasket. My best guess at this point, is you are right danr960 this is the hose/hose connection Part #s 32/33 that are leaking. Looks like son and I will have to pull that valve cover and have a look-see. Haven't had to do anything other than maintenance on a vehicle for a long time as my last two were fairly new trucks, but being out of work long time, I had to sell my last beauty. This Volvo was reasonable, pretty good shape, and I always liked 6 bangers, from my first car - slant six. The previous owner of 960 was really good about maintenance i.e. changing the timing belts etc. So I'm hoping "she960" will give me a fair ride. Going to learn everything I can, as I know nothing about these cars now! The other concern I have is getting "clunk" on uneven road - reading about this - seems most common is sway bar end-link bushings?? Aghh - well next project!! Again Thank you! Be seeing y'all.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 07 Jul 2014, 22:15

Jani36 wrote:"clunk" on uneven road

Most likely item #5, and there are two per side.

On that anti-sway bushings, there are at least two different styles...