The radiator has a pretty bad leak and I am contemplating replacing it myself. Besides the radiator and coolant, what else should I replace? thermostat? If so, what temp? Hoses? Anything else? Is this as straight forward as it seems?

Thanks

 

In SoCal I would use the 87-degree thermostat. OEM is 92. Either one is OK. If you swap the thermostat, just make sure the jiggle valve is situated to the uppermost point. Also, when tightening the housing, you don't need a whole lot of torque. It's an aluminum head. The seal will do its job.

Pretty easy job. Yes, I would replace the radiator hoses. Often the old hoses can't be salvaged anyway. They either have to be cut off or the plastic radiator stubs break off.

Take care with the tranny cooling lines. Use a flair nut wrench with a backing wrench.

I personally use genuine Volvo coolant. I just bought 2 jugs and it was about $44 out the door. Expensive. I flush and replace every 2 years. My original '86 radiator is in good shape. Actually you only need one gallon and re-fill with 50/50 -- distilled water.

Good luck. Post back with any lessons learned.

 

Thanks. I'll let you know how the job goes