about to replace the radiator on my wagon this weekend. the old plastic one leaks and has gotta go. any special points to consider before I dig in?

 

There are some pretty good procedures that others have taken the time to put on the forum about replacing the radiator - with pictures. Only thing that comes to mind that I had never seen before are the clamps that hold the automatic transmission coolant lines to the radiator. Those clamps need to spread apart so you can remove the ridgid transmission lines. You can use a needle nose plyers to spread them apart. If you do not have volvo replacment clamps for the re-installation part, you can use regular hose clamps, the ones you can get a parts store. The ones that tighten as you turn the bolt head. Use the parts store hose clamp over the old volvo type clamp and it will hold in place. If the transmission coolant line o-rings are bad, you may need to replace those too. Other than that the radiator change is pretty similar to any other radiator change. Mine was a 98 V70 also that I changed the radiator. It had a small leak on the right side in the plastic. I was afraid the leak would get worse at a inconvienent time.

 

thanks for the reply demon. those clamps did look a little odd. there is a volvo dealer about 2 blocks from work. I shall price volvo replacement clamps just to be sure. I don't really trust radiator hose clamps on tranny cooler lines as I have had them break loose on a cooler line on the family olds twice before -stranding my wife and the car in a smoldering, stinking, tranny oil slick and another time when backing out of the driveway. the car spewed out about 10 qts of red stuff in about 3 seconds flat. once again thanks for the info.

 

Take the opportunity to flush ATF as well.

Re: Trans Cooler Lines:

1. Use new O-rings from dealer. If Trans Cooler Hoses leak, replace them now to save labor.

2. Trans Cooler Clip. Use a snap-ring plier to remove it.
The last time my indy mechanic changed the Rear Main Seal, during the re-install the CLIP for the Upper Trans Cooler Hose was installed backward!
Actually it is very easy to make this mistake as the clip looks symmetrical but upon close inspection, the THICKER side Must go to the Trans Cooler. The THINNER side goes to the Hose. You can feel a click when it goes it.

3. Apply a new screw-type clamp to each clip (Upper and Lower) to prevent it from coming loose! Just tighten the clamp snug, don't force it too much. The idea is to prevent the clip from spreading apart. See pic: