I have been told my radiator has a leak. Can it be repaired or must be replace? I feel like this guy is fleecing me these days.

1995 Volvo 850 sedan 250K miles

Thanks for any help

 

The radiator can be repaired, but it will likely cost double what a new one does. No one repairs radiators anymore since the plastic tanks typically crack and a tank kit is more than a new radiator.

With 250k miles on a 1995 model, I'm surprised that you have gone this long without a radiator. However, if you believe that you are being fleeced, then continue to drive the car, overheat the engine, then you'll see that you weren't being fleeced.

 

a proper repair shop uses a book rate for the labor then applies their parts cost. I have a local indy mechanic who ok with me providing my own parts - where I buy from reputable volvo friendly web stores (FCP, IPD USA, EEUROPARTS and TASCA Parts - for dealer parts are the ones I use). +1 on tony1963's point that a new after market is cheaper and longer lasting than repairing leaking unit. The job is not small, as the radiator is right there with the AC condensor and oil cooler. If I were to guess, I'd think 3 to 3.5 shop hours is about right. Assuming your shop charges $120/hr and you get an aftermarket part for 150 you are looking at $600 for the job.

 

Thanks for your input. I will get the new radiator!

 

Yes, replacement is the only way to go. DO IT NOW. Coolant roulette is a bad game to play with these cars.

 

Ok,


I haven't had time to get the car back to the mechanic. He did tell me it's ok to drive. I have taken it out for about 40 minutes at a time on a few occasions. I always check the coolant level upon departure and arrival. It is never down. How can the radiator be leaking? Between the mechanic and ya'll I am pretty terrified!

 

sounds like you may have to do your own look around. Do you see spotting on your driveway or in a recent parking spot? slide some cardboard under the nose of the car can help check. Do you smell a sweet smell in the cabin when you first start out or when the heat comes on? Look around the side edges of the radiator - any wetness or staining? any wetness around the coolant reservoir? look around the radiator hoses - from the radiator to the engine? from the engine to the firewall? If you are not loosing coolant rapidly, I'd keep a jug of green 50/50 antifreeze in the car (not the orange DexCool!) and check regularly until you get a sense of any level change. It could be that the mechanic saw some old staining from a prior issue or you may have a slow leak that may take some looking to uncover.

 

or ... go to a different radiator shop and have them pressure check your system

 

It is probably a slow leak that will only get worse. The car is 28 years old!

Get a new radiator.

 

I've had to replace the rad on my 96' 850 recently. I did the work myself so it only ended up costing me about $100 for parts from IPD and a bit more for fresh coolant.Took me about 4 hours start to finish.