Volvo RWD 900 Forum

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Radiator Change 900 1994

posted by  someone claiming to be Kevin on  Sat May 5 08:51 CST 2001 [RELATED]

My 1994 945 non-turbo Radiator End Cap has a crack. I have decided to replace with the same, due to cost. I found a new OEM for $190.00 delivered.

Does any one have the procedure and/or any time saving tricks for swaping out the Radiator? Should I pull the rad, with the fan/shroud attached?

Will trani fluid pour out the lines when I disconnect them?

What about flushing the system out, is their a procedure? Or since I been added straight water to the for about 8 weeks or to the tune of a gallon every other day, should I consider her "flushed-out"?

I tend to like to use OEM parts and Chemicals, what are the thoughts on Replacing the coolant with Volvo Antifreeze, is it a waste of money?

thankx again guys

One of these days I should buy a manual, but when I need one, I need my $$$ to buy parts!







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    Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

    posted by  someone claiming to be b davis on  Mon May 7 12:54 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    Where did you find the OEM radiator for the 1994 940 for $190.00







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      Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

      posted by  someone claiming to be Kevin McKenna on  Tue May 8 02:35 CST 2001 [RELATED]

      http://www.alloemvolvoparts.com/

      Assuming it is fare to mention part dealers by name on this site

      Kevin







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    Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

    posted by  someone claiming to be BC on  Sat May 5 14:47 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    Kevin - Let me add a point to the excellent posts you already have. When you re-fill, use your choice of quality anti-freeze and blend it with Steam Distilled Water only. Hereabouts it sells for about $0.90 a gallon at any chain grocery store. Keeps the system cleaner and keeps radiator repair guys away from your car. Also, buy a couple extra jugs, useful for having extra on a long trip and for topping up the battery cells during the hot months.

    Good Luck,

    Bob







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      Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

      posted by  someone claiming to be Kevin on  Sat May 5 15:42 CST 2001 [RELATED]

      Thankx for the tip. It makes perfect sense, I guess all the minerals in the water could cause havac in the cooling system. Do the dealers use distilled H20 when the top-off?







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        Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

        posted by  someone claiming to be BC on  Sat May 5 17:29 CST 2001 [RELATED]

        Kevin -

        You are not cynical enough.

        1) Dealers have been known to sell radiators with installation labor @ $80.00 per hour. 2) Dealer Service Writers get a commission on what gets done.

        3) I don't have the first-hand facts, but given #1 & #2 I would bet megabux that dealers don't top off with distilled water.

        Distilled forever !!!! (Water, not spirits, OK)

        Bob aka BC







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    Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

    posted by  someone claiming to be Duane C. Skelton on  Sat May 5 14:23 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    I just did the same to my 93. The procedure in Haynes was pretty accurate from what I remember. I took off the fan shroud. Under a dozen screws/bolts involved in the whole process. Of course I used at least three different tools (two wrenches and a torx screwdriver).

    Trani fluid spillage was minimal, and I was facing downhill. Less than a cup.

    I used Volvo antifreeze when I baught the radiator. The thing opened up on a saturday morning, and the dealer was the only option for the new one. They were nice enough to give me a 20% discount.

    It took my bother-in-law and I about an hour to change it out. I am not a volvo tech, nor do I have much experience. One of the easier jobs I've done.







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      Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

      posted by  someone claiming to be Kevin on  Sat May 5 15:46 CST 2001 [RELATED]

      Duane,

      Did you take the shroud off while the radiator was still in the car or after you removed the radiator?







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        Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

        posted by  someone claiming to be Duane C. Skelton on  Sat May 5 16:25 CST 2001 [RELATED]

        I'm sure I removed the shroud first. The shroud is connected to the radiator by three torx screws at the top. Since you have to remove it anyway, seems easier to get that part out of the way. I just let it hang down out of the way. We had to remove the splash shield to get at the lower hose clamp. This left plenty of room for the shroud to hang down out of the way.

        Hope that helps.







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    Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

    posted by  someone claiming to be chris herbst on  Sat May 5 14:14 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    If you haven't bought the new radiator yet, see if you can snag a Nissens all-metal one. They're really nice.

    Anyway, you can refill it with the quality antifreeze of your choice. I use both green and red, in different cars. Use a name brand. Mix for maximum protection, as listed on the bottle.







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      Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

      posted by  someone claiming to be Brandon on  Sun May 6 18:56 CST 2001 [RELATED]

      Chris,

      Meatal radiators are good until they corrode. Im not saying that the plastic one's don't have thier flaws. But once the metal starts corroding and little metal pieces enter the engine its not too good. I would rather have to replace a cracked plastic one than replace a corroded metal one and an engine.

      Brandon







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        Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

        posted by  someone claiming to be chris herbst on  Mon May 7 12:07 CST 2001 [RELATED]

        Well you're in luck then. The OEM radiators are not ONLY plastic, but metal as well. By your theory, that will allow you the best of both: Cracking and corroding.

        I've never had a Volvo radiator corrode... yet. But my all-metal one is pretty nice, from Nissens. For $125, I'd have to see a pretty compelling reason to pay for the OEM one.

        I also have 3 OEM metal/plastic radiators, one from 1986 (in my 91...?!) That one is gonna go away pretty soon.

        Besides, I've actually never had a radiator corrode on the inside. It's usually a matter of using good coolant and the right mixture, and changing it out at the proper times.







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        Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

        posted by  someone claiming to be Kevin McKenna on  Mon May 7 06:21 CST 2001 [RELATED]

        Chris, Good point I am glad to hear that, for my plastic one is on the way.

        Does anyone know the cooling capacity of my vehicle?

        thankx

        Kevin







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          Re: Radiator Change 900 1994

          posted by  someone claiming to be keefus on  Mon May 7 07:19 CST 2001 [RELATED]

          You might as well flush out the cooling system since you will have to take the rad out anyway (see 700/900 FAQ for excellent info on this). This would also be a good time to check your cooling system hoses and replace any suspect ones. There are two small hoses near the oil filter housing that tend to go soft from oil contamination. An empty cooling system helps in the changing of these two hoses. Also, go ahead and replace the thermostat for $10 and 10 minutes of your time.

          I switched to Havoline DexCool last year. My mechanic (works at dealer) sez that the DexCool is as good if not better than the Volvo coolant, is cheaper, and much more readily available. Again, there is a wealth of info on the 700/900 FAQ on this subject.

          The OEM plastic rads are fine. Just count on them cracking/leaking after ten years or so. I have heard very mixed reviews of all-metal replacements (some good, some not so good). When my rad gives up the ghost, I will probably replace with OEM plastic.

          Also, be sure you have one of the new, green expansion tank caps. The older black/grey ones tended to crack and leak.






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