Hey guys, I've had my S70 for about 3 years now and she's still running great. about ~8 months ago my check engine light came on when there seemed to be no leak at all. When I finally did notice the level dropping, it wasn't bad. I'd add maybe 8oz every week or so. Now its gotten to the point to where its going from the max line to the min line in a week

The thing is, the level of the coolant only seems to drop when I drive. If it sits for a few days, the level stays the same.

Also, whenever I turn off the car, you can always hear a hiss from the cap.

Thanks for the advice ahead of time

 

i did a little reading in a few posts for other models and it appears it may be the heating core perhaps? i can smell anti-freeze in the cabin when the heat is on

 

There is a leak somewhere and you need to find it ASAP. If it's the water pump, and it breaks, you will be in trouble. Find the leak today.

 

this problem has been progressively been getting worse for a few months. at first i wasn't adding hardly any coolant at all. do you think it could still be that big of an emergency? i'm going to try and look into it asap, but its a little hard during the week along with work.

 

Yes it is. Loss of coolant is the death of most of these older Volvos. It has gone from a dribble to a solid leak. Next is the gusher and the car will over heat and destroy the motor. Your call...

 

well i had it all ripped apart to get to the heater core and it doesnt seem to be a problem there. i followed this DIY guide Pics Of Heater Core Install - Volvospeed Forums

any other ideas as to what it could be or where i should look next?

 

You can rent a cooling system pressure tester from Autozone. That would be the easiest way on finding the leak.

 

I actually have one myself. I'm not sure its a hose that is leaking though. As of now i ordered a new coolant reservoir along with a new cap.

My guess now is there may be a crack in the tank, the puddles of coolant seem to be on the passenger side. I didnt think tht was the problem at first since i could smell it in the cabin, but im guessing its getting sucked in through the fresh air intake

Still open to any advice! greatly appreciated!

 

Pull the timing belt cover and see if it's coming from the water pump. If it is, you need to replace the pump before the shaft breaks.

 

well I found that there was a crack in the coolant reservoir and just popped on a new one as well as a new cap.

I took it for a spin and when I got home, I noticed that there was still a little coolant accumulated around the perimeter of the cap. I assumed it was coming from the return hose connection (perhaps stretched out), so i cut an inch off and used 2 NEW clamps to hold it on. unfortunately i am STILL losing coolant.

I still hear a slight hiss coming from what appears to be the res cap (not positive) could it be that the tank is getting too pressurized?!

My father has all of the equip and the correct adapter to run a pressure test. can anyone post a link or just give me a how-to do one? He is working a lot this week and I may have to do it myself.

thanks for all the tips!

EDIT: i also pulled off the plastic guard to get a loot at the water pump. there is a little moisture but i cant tell if it is antifreeze or just grease. does antifreeze lose sent after it has been "cooked"? the residue i saw was black and slimy but had zero scent

Also, the coolant seems to be leaking on the passenger side. i saw it dripping by the fog lights. So whereever it is leaking from, it is traveling all the way to that point. That is why i was guessing the reservoir