Sis's car needed coolant added the other day to the expansion tank. Two weeks later it's low again and I swear I smell coolant driving it.

There is no steam under the hood or anywhere visible with the engine running.

How many coolant hoses are there/where are they? it's hard for me to do a visual inspection of the hoses when I don't know where they all are.
I've learned that these cars have plastic radiators, and just like my Miata, they leak at the seam when the ygo bad. What is likely to be the problem for a slow coolant leak with no visible signs (no drips, no steam)?

Thank you!

 

Does the smell get worse with the heat on?

 

You're thinking heater core, aren't you...

I'll find out if the smell comes worse with heat.

 

Or visually check under the dash, too (I'm sure you knew it and might as well done it already).

Coolant hoses are everywhere on 850. The best way to check all hoses is to follow the hoses from the expansion tank & the radiator. If the heater core is ok, the leak could be anywhere, such as very slow leak from the radiator, hose connections, faulty expansion tank cap, etc... Or internal leak from the head gasket?

As far as I know, the best way to check for mysterious coolant leak is to let the car idle for 15-20 minutes. This really seems to put stress on the cooling system, and the possible leak might reveal then. Or you could also drive steep uphill with the A/C on for a while, then park and check for leaks.

Please keep us posted.


JPN

 

There is a short length of flexible hose that joinstwometal pipes located behind the engine in front of the firewall. Sometimes the hoseclips on the flexible hosework loose over time and allow coolant to escape under pressure.

Also it might be advisable to do a pressure check on the cooling system.

If a dye is put intothe coolant it may be possible to trace the spot where thecoolant is leaking.

 

That's what I thought about the pressure check....aren't there places that perform this service for free/a small fee?

 

Hi Miatamon,

AutoZone does have free tool-renting, and they do have pressure tester (You pay when renting out, but they'll give you the money back as long as you return it within 30 days). However, I am not sure if theirs attach to Volvo. Other than that, I believe it is worth visiting a shop.

Good luck,


JPN

 

Yes I was thinking Heater core.
The car is about at the right milage/age for it to be bad.