hey folks a question for you about my awd 850 radiator. the upper hose that is attached at the radiator has broken off, and has taken a good chunk of the plastic flange with it but there is a nub 1 inch of the plastic flange on the radiator for the hose to be reclamped. my question is do i need a new radiator or is there a fix for the radiator flange, super glue, epoxy, jb weld.

 

Anything you do short of replacing the radiator isn't going to work. I wish I could give you a quick fix but all that's going to happen is that as soon as the system builds pressure, that hose is coming off and your going to have a very hot engine. The cooling system capacity on the 850 is less than two gallons total so it doesn't take much loss to be a big problem. The good news is that a new radiator can be found for $90.00-$100.00... The bad news is that it is a PITA to change. It's not technically that difficult but it's time consuming and it makes it much easier if you have a helper... I just changed out the radiator on my 94' 850 today. (seam leak) I'm ASE certified and have been turning wrenches for about 30 years and that was the longest radiator swap I can remember doing in years... Four hours roughly. Good luck if you tackle it... Just take your time, pay attention how things come apart and you'll get it done. It comes out the bottom by the way.

 

Casey: you're doing it wrong. I've pulled my intercooler, condensor, and radiator in about an hour. I do agree though, a new radiator is gonna be in order. If money is tight, get it at a salvage yard, otherwise, Id buy new.

 

thanks guys, much needed info, even though it's news i did not need to hear lol. cheers

 

The Volvo recommended way is to take the radiator out the bottom but a lot of guys have taken it out the top. If you end up tackling the job I suggest you go to Matthewsvolvosite and look up directions and pictures of both ways to make a choice which might be best for you.

I agree on a new radiator. It's expensive but for that location there isn't enough structure to reinforce trying to piece that neck back on (IMHO).

Which Provence?

 

Did you need to pull the condenser to do the radiator and if so was it out the top or bottom??
I have a radiator ready to go in I just haven't taken the time to do it. Figured to toss it in when I do the PCV as I'll have more room in there.

 

If I get a mechanic to do what is the price range? I talked to Volvo and to get one from them would be 500$, just the rad .my mechanic I take my Volvo too for jobs like this is charging 500 for parts and labour. And I'm in Vancouver.

 

You can pull the radiator independently of the condenser.
-Drain
-Remove the fan shroud(two bolts and plugs)
-Disconnect the top hose (already done) and intercooler hose (if turbo)
-Disconnect the oil lines (if turbo) and trans lines (if auto)...two clips each (super simple) but you will need to have something to catch some oil/fluid.
-Jack the car up
-Remove the lower rad hose and intercooler hose (if turbo)
-From underneath the car there are two 12mm bolts holding the entire assembly in place. Loosen them enough where you can get to the 4 - 10mm bolts that hold the condenser to the radiator. You can release the 12mm bolts to maneuver if needed.
-Once separated the radiator slides out the bottom. It is not a tough job.

 

$500 in Canada is likely a fair price.

 

Thanks again for the info. Is it worth buying the silicone hoses from ipd or esp,instead if the rubber ones you can get at lordco

 

It's just my opinion and I've never owned them for any of my vehicles but I'd look at them like hubcaps.

I've never know anyone to have a problem with stock coolant hoses. So I would tend to think of them as a dress up item more than an upgrade or performance enhancement. They come in colors so if you're detailing your engine compartment and adding a touch of color they would make a good addition to add a bit more of that color. Again it's just my opinion.
They likely are a better material and will hold up longer but it looks like the warranty, at least on IPD's site is only a year.
The silicone intercooler ducting hoses are a different story. If you've upped your turbo they are a definite upgrade and something you should consider.

I likely will purchase them for my vehicle but for now I have too many other things to purchase that are needed to complete upgrades. I'd google the hoses and look around at who and how much $$$.

 

Agreed, there is no benefit to these hoses. They are cosmetic.

 

good to know, thanks guys.