My father in law has an old 740 turbo wagon. I think it's an 87.. Might be a couple years older. The thing has over 450k and needs a heater core. I haven't looked at it yet and am looking for pointers and any help. Does the dash need to come off?

 

not absolutely certain but I think this is one of the few tough jobs on a volvo.

 

I did my 88 Turbo last fall and it was so far the longest repair yet.
Parts were under $140. but took almost 12 hrs. start to finish.

Console, radio, panels everythings got to come out and you better
be good with your fingertips working blind upside down and twisted like
a rawhide bone...

I think Volvo built the car around the heater core.

Replaced a core in an old Escort in 40 minutes, removed glovebox and core was
tray style behind a spring held door, Ford atleast got that right.

 

I have an 87 turbo wagon too - and my heater core has blown. I just had it disconnected until the weather starts getting cold - like in a few weeks...This repair has actually got me on a kick to replace my car - but....I think I am just going to go ahead and get it done. It costs about $850 for the shop to do it and I agree that it is one of the toughest job. Around here they say that the sign of a good mechanic is how fast they can do this job. Nevertheless, my father has volunteered to do the job (he is is capable as repairing cars is his hobby) - problem is he would have to fly here to do it. He is in the midst of figuring it out. Any tips would be appreciated - PLEASE and thank you.

Question - my wagon has almost 300,000 km on it. Is this just something that goes eventually?

 

Yes they Corrode over time and Leak. Most of them are Copper.

 

I guess 18 years is a fair amount of time for corrosion. Thanks.

 

I am in the process of buying an '86 740 GLE that needs a heater core. Sounds like I picked the worst repair possible - LOL - can anyone recommend a good step-by-step repair procedure manual for something like this?

 

I just replaced the heater core in my 93 940. the core was only 170.00$ cnd but it took me 8.5 hrs. the shop quoted me 10 hrs for this job. Yes the car is built around the heater core. I found some good instructions from a UK Volvo group that helped with the job.

Have fun..

 

I replaced the heater core over the weekend - took between 8 and 9 hours.