hey guys, I think I found a Volvo mechanic I can go to that isn't too far from me. He said he used to teach volvo mechanics in Dallas for 10 years and has been working on them since the 70's...Of course he knew of all the issues with these cars and started asking me what I have done to it.

When we finally addressed my problem about the radiator, he strongly suggested against going with the Nissens radiator since I have to remove the radiator plugs off the old one and if they dont come off correctly, I will need to buy replacements. So, this question is really for anyone who has ordered this radiator from FCPgroton. how did the replacement go? He said he'd sell me the volvo replacement for $289 plus tax.

of course he also said I should replace the thermostat cause whenever the system is opened, if air gets to it, it shuts closed and never opens correctly again. is that true? btw, he only charges $50/hr for labor. since I have always been a shade tree/garage mechanic, I've never had to pay anyone for anything. how does his rate stack up?

finally, he had a 97 850 turbo, black, that he was fixing and is going to sell...said it will be $4200. I may give him my car as a trade and take that one off his hands.

 

Sorry but is yours turbo?
I have always had good luck with the Nissens. But they have always come with the proper fittings already in them. But we can't get them for Turbo cars anymore.
$50.00 and hour is really cheap.
We are the cheapest in our area at $80.00 and hour. The Dealers are at like $115.00.

 

I have a NA engine, GLT. FCPGroton has the radiator for $209. I just want to make sure if i get it instead of his for $289, that I am actually saving money and not creating headaches for myself. Since there is a lift in our shop at work, i get to use it after hours

so im trying to find the cheapest route to fixing it pretty soon. then i put a for sale sign on the thing and try to get rid of it.

btw, he renewed my suspicions that our 97 960 may just have a vacuum leak so i'm headed to west texas for easter to see if i can get it back to houston. if i can get that car running smoothly, i wont even bother getting a turbo 850 from him.

 

Call FCP and see what they say.
The 850 turbo is better than a 960 IMO.
But what ever you feel better with.

 

I would trade a 95 850 GLT for a 97 850 Turbo in a minute. Then again I would never own the NA to begin with. I really don't like the way they run.

 

yeh, i kinda got the GLT out of haste but it has been a decent car I guess..for it's age. I just ordered the thermostat and seal, radiator and seal/clamp kit so it's $255 shipped. what they could not tell me is how much and what kind of tranny and radiator fluid i'll need. can ya'll help me out with that?

 

I use just any Coolant with a 50/50 mix with water. I have mixed store brands with Prestone or Xerox. Pretty much stick with either Preston, NAPA orXerox though. You need Dexron III transmission fluid.

 

and the last thing I need are R&R instructions with pix! I haven't found any on this site or others

 

Go home take a nice warm bath, get out of the tub and take a nice long nap. That's my instructions for R&R. Rest and Relaxation. As far as pictures go, I don't think you want to see me in the tub.

 

jaja, very funny...ive been searching and not even the downloadable volvo manual has anything about removing and replacing the radiator [:@]

 

Remove and Replace Radiator oh now that's different. Here you go:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/Radiator850turbo.php

 

thank you...printed in color on 11x17 paper

 

Good luck. Atleast yours is N/A which is a ton easier.

 

I'm paying $40 to a mechanic in need of money to help me out and provide any needed tools. I guess my biggest challenge will be the necessary snap plier or whatever it's called that removes the tranny fluid snap ring. any suggestions on what is required to get it removed and new one in place?

 

Snap ring pliers that work reverse. If all else fails a pair of needle nose pliers will work but you will have to pull them open to open the clip.

 

alright, sounds good. After reviewing everything, I guess my last question is, are there any bleeder valves that need to be opened to ensure all the air is out of the system when i refill it the 50/50 mix?.

btw, FCP said everything already shipped

 

Total newb to this forum, but thought I would just offer my experience with Nissens/searching for best prices, etc. I have put a Nissens in my 850 and yesterday in my 960. Both of them fit flawlessly, and have had no issues. Both were purchased from Eeuroparts, and the service, speed, packing, everything was unmatched. My dealer wanted $390 for the 960, I paid $240 covering express shipping and all. Good luck!

 

No bleeder. What I do is fill the bottle all the way to the top. I mean tippy top. Put the lid on and drive the car. You might have to add a tiny bit after the drive but not to much.
It will bleed itself.

 

ok, thanks tech. All I can think of now is do I need a sealant for the thermostat or is the seal that comes with it all I need? I just want to be 100% prepared before the radiator gets here later this week...

 

You will need a gasket/seal with the thermostat. I belieive it comes with it if I remember correctly. It's been a while since I did one.