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Pictures of Radiator Emergency Patch/Repair (with pictures) 900 1995

Hello everyone,

I had the misfortune of finding a significant leaking/pouring of coolant from my 1995 940 sedan (non-turbo) after a short trip to the supermarket (or perhaps fortune since my car engine would have died if I hadn't noticed). I heard the fan going when I turned off the car, which was unusual. I opened my hood right there and found coolant everywhere. I left my car there, had a friend take me home so I could visit brickboard, and I found this temporary solution:

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/Cooling.htm#EmergencyRadiatorRepair

I'm not a mechanic, though I like making things and working with my hands. Hopefully these images display okay. Here is my patch job. It looks as though the flange cracked and broke off, leaving part of it in the hose itself. You can see the crack right where the internal metal support ends inside the hose. I had to pry that piece out with a screwdriver (hence the scrape marks you see after it is out). I thought the spit trick was just a joke, but it worked after trying hard to push it in dry or with coolant. I cleaned the hose by dropping it down and letting some coolant run out. Then after the sweat coupling was put in, I placed the original hose over it and tightened it.

I was going to drive it right over to the repair shop on Monday (for some reason none of the repair shops open on Sat around here). But after doing this patch job, I'm thinking I could replace the whole radiator unit myself. The only problem is that my rental car contract is for 5 days and I doubt I can get a replacement radiator that fast, or can I? Maybe someone has a recommendation for where I can pick up a new radiator or good shop in the IE (Inland Empire, I-215/I-10).

I love the Brickboard FAQ, perhaps I can contribute by uploading pictures everytime I have to repair something.



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    Pictures of Radiator Emergency Patch/Repair (with pictures) 900 1995

    Almost any of the online parts places will send you a radiator overnight or UPS 2 day for a price. I bet it's cheaper than another day car rental.Might want to give this guy a call, he should have one in stock http://www.rprusa.com/
    --
    -------Robert, '93 940t, '90 240 wagon, '84 240 diesel (she's sick) , '80 245 diesel, '86 740 GLE turbo diesel, '92 Ford F350 diesel dually








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    Pictures of Radiator Emergency Patch/Repair (with pictures) 900 1995

    Wender, nice looking patch. I would suggest that you refill the system and test it for leaks before you drive anywhere. If you live more than a couple miles from the store and the engine will warm up enough for the thermostat to open, it would be nice to see ahead of time if the patch can hold under pressure. As for a new radiator, Ipd (www.ipdusa.com) gets mentioned a lot on this board and should be able to get you a new unit in only a day or two (from Monday), as they ship from Portland, OR. Good luck.








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    Pictures of Radiator Emergency Patch/Repair (with pictures) 900 1995

    Great job on the patch. A picture is worth a 1000 words.

    This is only a temporary fix because you are flirting with disaster if it leaks again because of engine overheating. The radiator replacement is one of the easiest jobs on the car and it would take less time than your temporary repair. Order a new one as soon as you can. The Nissens aluminum two row with plastic side tanks, if you can get it, is about as good as the OEM Volvo (Blackstone) and is a perfect fit.

    Also time to replace coolant, thermostat, heater control valve and reservoir cap.

    See:
    http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/Cooling.htm#Replacement_Radiators








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      Pictures of Radiator Emergency Patch/Repair (with pictures) 900 1995

      How much coolant should I expect to drain out? There's a nipple somewhere on the radiator right?

      I better go stock up on some coolant and figure out who can take the coolant for disposal. And where do old radiators go and die? Regular garbage can?








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        Pictures of Radiator Emergency Patch/Repair (with pictures) 900 1995

        Drive with your expansion cap loosened for the duration so you don't have a blowout. In your pics you can see the lighter colored plastic around the repair, that is rotten plastic just looking for an excuse to crumble, and the added pressure from hose expansion in the hole there is going to cause stress.

        Drain all the coolant and flush when you replace the radiator. I used to take my old coolant/oil etc to the city garage, in many towns they will accept waste fluids for recycling/disposal. Radiator can go in the garbage, or if you are really feeling eco pop the plastic tanks off and recycle the aluminum.

        As posted, replace your thermostat and also your heater valve now, if they are not fresh.

        Good luck, and great idea for the patch job. Certainly much more attractive and functional than a towing bill... : )

        --
        Scott "Bricking on Japan time"--night shift is ON
        --------1993 945 GLT 74,000--------1973 Suzuki Jimny 'Brute' 61,000--------








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        Pictures of Radiator Emergency Patch/Repair (with pictures) 900 1995

        I believe the whole system holds 14 quarts/liters. I have always found a drain on the right side corner of the radiator but if not pull off the bottom hose. My guess, the radiator holds 6-7 quarts. Lots of tips in the FAQ for flushing the cooling system and other TLC.

        Check with the local government for coolant disposal. The aluminum/plastic radiator is almost worthless and can go where ever you can get rid of it.







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