Hey guys,

I am changing my radiator in my 98 V70 (finally! ; I am taking some pics), and I am at a loss as to how to disconnect the transmission cooling lines. I see they have some sort of easy connector or snap-on connector (green), but I don't want to mess it up if it requires a special tool or something. Any help is greatly appreciated, preferably before sundown . Thanks in advance.

P.S. I will report back when I am done, and I will post pics.

 

Thanks a lot guys. I am sorry I didn't write an update sooner, but I was toiling away with the radiators.

I have it almost all back together. The only thing I am missing is making the top part connections and putting the retaining bolts back on, the ones right next to the headlights. I have to confess that I took a shortcut with these bolts: after trying for several minutes to figure out how to get at them, I figured I wouldn't hurt anything if I drilled two holes through the plastic housing of the headlights . It worked! It made my life a lot easier. They don't look too bad, as I took a carpenter's bit, the kind you use to make big diameter wholes in wood, and the holes ended up looking almost factory made.

Now my question is this: once I have everything put back together, how should I add the coolant and water. Also, should I add more tranny fluid, as it only dripped a little bit?

P.S. I'll tell you, even though this job is a little tricky, it's definitely worth the effort to save the almost $400 in labor that the dealer wanted to do this.

 

The coolant goes in through the coolant bottle.

Check the tranny fluid level and see if it is low now.

 

All done. However, there is a leak somewhere. It seems to be coming from the water pump area, but I suspect it's dripping down from the thermostat housing (which I just replaced, due to my breaking it ). I will report more on this tomorrow, as it's already pretty dark and I am tired.
In the meantime, thanks again for your tips. I'll keep you posted.

 

I hope it is a nice and easy fix.

 

All is well, at least with the radiator. I am embarrassed, but here I go: I had forgotten to put in the thermostat, with the accompanying gasket.
In any event, I put it in, and also used some thermostat silicone: no leaks now!

Now I have another problem: the oil dipstick handle broke off. It seems non stop with this car! (I almost want to get a Toyota) I will get a new dipstick Monday.


P.S. One last question: is it okay to use the thermostat silicone, or was that overkill?

P.S. #2 I forgot to say that even though it was a little tricky and it required patience, doing the radiator wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. At least I know it wasn't worth the $400 bucks that the mechanic wanted to change it.

 

The silicon was a little overkill but it will be fine.

 

My coolant-out-of-the-reservoir-cap problem is back. Damn car. I thought I had gotten past that problem. The car overheated for a few seconds and I took it to a reputable Volvo mechanic and said that it was only an air pocket. But the coolant still spills out through the cap, so I am still suspecting a BHG.

 

I read somewhere that sometimes the water pump or the impeller in it can go bad, and cause blockages, which result in coolant spilling out of the reservoir.
I ask this not because I am trying to avoid the possible HG problem, but rather because the mechanic said he didn't think it was a HG, as it doesn't spill coolant when cold or even all the time when warm, only when under load. Even when I park it and leave it running, the coolant remains the same; it's only after driving for a little bit that this happens. I am going nuts.

 

You might want to do a quick block test to make sure the HG is good.

 

Thanks for the answer Tech.

The problem is, no frigging auto parts store sells block tests where I am (Tucson). I already went to three or four, and they look at me like I am speaking in tongues. I will call around tomorrow.

 

Ok keep me posted if all else fails I will find a kit online that you can order.

 

Ok, it's official, I have a blown head gasket.
Now the question is, how expensive is it to fix this?
Is it something that a moderately skilled person could tackle? Is there a write up or how-to for head gaskets? Do you think it might be better to junk the car or swap the engine instead of doing the HG?
Thanks for all your help guys. I look forward to your response.