1999 V70 XC Leaking coolant

D1ver2010 · Post by **D1ver2010** » 08 Aug 2015, 20:33

Hi all you experts out there,
A new boy on the block with, I'm sure, a fairly common problem.
I have a 1999 Volvo V70 XC AWD and its leaking coolant. It's been pressure tested at garage and help pressure. No smell of coolant from exhaust but no obvious leak below engine either. A strange scenario. I am contemplating putting a block sealant in but I'm told that will certainly shorten the life of the seals to Heating in the car and the like. Any thought?
Regards,

Kev

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 08 Aug 2015, 20:58

I guess I'm confused. If it held pressure with a pressure test then it isn't leaking at all and you aren't loosing coolant.

How much coolant are you losing and has there been any other recent work done on the car that would have necessitated draining the coolant? It is not uncommon for these cars to take an additional quart or so of coolant after they are initially filled and driven through a couple of full temp heat cycles. Absent that I am wondering how thorough the pressure test was.

Although less of an issue with the '99s than the older 850s it could be leaking at the overflow tank cap and that wouldn't get caught with a pressure test since the system is pressurized at that point with a test cap for the procedure. If you are losing coolant it has to be going somewhere.

The stop leak / head gasket repair in a can type products are usually a bad idea and that would be an absolute last resort for me.

...Lee

Post by **kahl** » 08 Aug 2015, 21:47

After you thoughly inspect overflow tank and all hoses in the engine bay, check the carpet where the drivers right heel normally rests. If damp your heater core is starting to leak.

Post by **abscate** » 09 Aug 2015, 02:24

No block sealant in unless its a car you want 3-6 months life left only.

Get the kick panels off under the dash and inspect that heater core for leaks. Easy job and if it hasn't gone yet, it will.

Post by **rspi** » 09 Aug 2015, 11:57

D1ver2010 · Post by **D1ver2010** » 10 Aug 2015, 17:28

Thanks a lot for your feedback and the video link gents. I'll go and check heater core now. But I agree that the pressure test couldn't have been conducted thoroughly, it's the only logical conclusion. A leak must leave a pressure drop. Will investigate further. Cheers. Kev.