My son's 850 radiator is leaking. I can get a new one from eeuroparts.com for $175, or I can take it to a local shop for repair, or I can repair it myself. I have not had a chance to look at it closely, but I think it is a crack in the reservoir (non-core) area.

Is the OE 850 radiator aluminum? Can I use aluminum solder on a crack and expect it to hold up? Is there another product or method that will work better?

Should I admit defeat and pay someone to replace/repair it?

Thanks,
JM

 

Most of the time the radiator splits on the plastic tanks and good luck trying to get a patch to hold.

 

Tried repairing it with high-temp epoxy. Didn't work. New one was $175 shipped from eeuroparts. Supposedly only take two hours to install. Instructions on volvospeed web site.

 

Good luck it is a PITA to change out.

 

And why specifically is it a pain? The instructions didn't seem that bad, and the radiator shops I talked to listed the work at 2 1/2 hours.

JM

 

You will need someone else to help you.
The condensor will have to be supported and then you will have to slide it out the bottom.
If it is turbo you will have to drop it with the intercooler then swap it once it is on the floor.
It is kind of a pain to slide it out the bottom and work it out and in.
Make sure you get it high enough to have it slide it out the bottom.
What everyone says it pays and sometimes what it takes to do is very different.

I have done a bunch of them sometimes it is very smooth and other times it is a pain in the A**.
I hope it goes smooth for you.