hello again everyone. does anyone have an idea how much it would cost me to properly replace a bad heating core? what kind of damage could it do to a 96 850 if it wasnt replaced?

thanks

 

Jy core (if it looks newish), $15, do the job yourself, Priceless!!!

If your heater core is leaking, it can get worse and loose a lot of coolant, in which case can cause you to overheat your motor and GAME OVER.

If you take it to a repair shop, they should be able to replace it in an hour. They will likely need the firewall coupling so between the $150 core, the $35 coupling, a little coolant and the labor, you're likely looking at about $285. At the stealer, likely about $425.

 

What he said.

 

smelly, stinky, soggy and rotting if you dont.

 

I didnt notice any coolant loss, I just smelled the sweet smell of pancake syrup. except it wasnt pancake syrup. I figured I was poisoning myself driving a car with that ethyl glycol (or whatever coolant is) vapor blowing right in my face so I changed it out! D

 

Sometimes i don't understand you guys; he said to "properly replace a bad heating core"!!

Why put in another worn out part in after the first "used" part failed?

Go w/new and go OEM; here you go:
1993-1997 Volvo 850 Heater Core

Like the other guys said, DIY is easy; here's one guide:
Pics Of Heater Core Install - Volvospeed Forums

 

No one suggested that he put a "worn out" part in his car. The junk yards are full of parts that are new or near new. A heater core will likely last betwen 10 and 13 years. Just doing the math, most cars have had them replaced with the past two years. So, if you pull a part out of a car and it looks black, full of grime, and is obviously leaking, keep walking. However, if you pull the part and it looks like it's 3 days old, pay the $10 and install it in your car.

Sad as it may sound, not everyone has $120 to purchase a part for their car. (And yes that would fall under the catagory that "one can not afford to drive")

 

What did you end up going with and how did it go for you ??