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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Marcellus, NY
    Posts
    99

    Default Looking for a remove / replace radiator DIY

    03 XC70- the wet spot on the driveway (and drips under the radiator) tell me it's time to put a new radiator in the old girl. I'm sure I could figure it out, but is there a "How-to" link anyone has on doing a radiator? Looks like a 10mm socket and a wire snipper is about all I'd need.

    Also- what is the recommended coolant type? Anything special? Dave
    Last edited by daver1100rt; 10-02-2017 at 06:57 AM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Northeast
    Posts
    584

    Default

    If you don't want to pay $$$ for the Volvo coolant, Xerex G-05 is what I used. My understanding is that it's closest to factory specs. If you buy 1 gallon of the concentrated Zerex and dilute it 50/50 with water, you'll have enough to replace your old fluid. Do a search on "Zerex" and you'll see there's been a few discussions on this site.
    Haven't had to replace my radiator (yet) so can't help you there...
    2007 XC70, 206,000 miles
    2002 V70XC, 130,000 miles, parts car

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Western Head, Nova Scotia
    Posts
    3,089

    Default

    I've always used the standard Prestone green stuff (50/50) with a 2-3 year change and with no ill effects.

    Cheers,

    Bill
    Western Head, NS CDN

    '08 BMW 750i (Black Sapphire)-204K kms to-date
    '05 XC70 (Lava Sand)-296K kms to-date
    '02 V70XC-gone @393K kms
    '05 V70R (Magic Blue)-120K mi to-date - gone
    '96 854R (Red)-real CDN-spec 5-speed R - gone @270k kms
    And other Volvos and misc. Euro stuff

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Virginia Beach
    Posts
    4,116

    Default

    The Volvo fluid is about $25 and you only need a gallon. System holds about 8 quarts. I just use Volvo blue so I never have to worry about a shop or dealer adding blue to some other chemistry. Yeah, I could save $10 by using Zerex or Prestone green on a complete flush, every several years, but then I have to remember what's in the car...
    Current Fleet:
    2016 Tundra Crewmax 4WD 1794
    2005 MB S600 (126K, Michelin AS4, HPL 0W40)
    2005 MB SL600 (55K Michelin AS4, Mobil 1 0W40)
    2004 V70R (143K, six speed M66, HPL 5W40)
    2004 XC90 (235K, HPL 0W30 Euro)
    2002 V70-XC (295K, HPL 0W30 Euro)
    2002 V70-T5 (225K, IPD bars, Bilsteins)
    2001 V70-T5 (125K, IPD downpipe, cat back and other mods)
    1932 Packard Sedan (straight 8, dual sidemounts, original paint and interior, Shell Rotella 15W40)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Marcellus, NY
    Posts
    99

    Default

    Anyone have a removal / installation procedure on doing a radiator job? I hear it comes out from the bottom... Dave

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Pacific NW
    Posts
    364

    Default

    The radiator, intercooler, and AC condenser all come out together, from the bottom. You do not have to disconnect the AC freon lines! The car has to be up high enough for these to come all the way down on an angle.
    Basically; remove the air dam under the car, remove the fan, disconnect the radiator hoses, I suggest replacing these at this time. Disconnect the trans cooler lines, get new clips and O rings! There are two bolts top side into the core support, there are two large bolts vertically in the radiator "ears", note that the AC and intercooler mount to the radiator.
    Drop down, separate the cores, and reassemble.

    A helper is desirable, as juggling all this needs more hands.
    PDX-Vancouver, USA

    2005 XC70 140,000

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Marcellus, NY
    Posts
    99

    Default

    Scope- thanks for the advice. I did notice that the green plastic clip on the transmission line has one of the ears broken off, hopefully I can still disconnect it. Does the top metal plate need to come off? Hope the whole nose doesn't need to come off too.

    Did a radiator on my wife's 03 Beetle this summer and the whole damn front end had to come off! Dave

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Posts
    1,196

    Default

    On P2 Volvo removing and reinstalling the front bumper is 10 minutes, the metal plate is maybe another 10 minutes. You'll be able then to keep car on wheels, support intercooler and A/C condenser from the bottom and pull radiator upwards.
    2002 V70 (sold)
    2005 XC70 (Telos Road took it. Did a chassis swap)
    2016 XC60 (sold, P.O.S.)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Portland Oregon
    Posts
    2

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by vtl View Post
    On P2 Volvo removing and reinstalling the front bumper is 10 minutes, the metal plate is maybe another 10 minutes. You'll be able then to keep car on wheels, support intercooler and A/C condenser from the bottom and pull radiator upwards.


    Just did this last week. Had the radiator replaced within an hour. You'll need a 10mm, 12mm, and t27(I think) to remove the bumper.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Marcellus, NY
    Posts
    99

    Default

    Ok, maybe taking the bumper off is the way to go. I could replace my broken left side fog light with the broken mount while I have the bumper off. Horns sound kinda whimpy too- maybe a good time to upgrade. Dave

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