1992 960 110k

I am considering changing cooling hoses, I don't know if this service has been done in the past, hoses are Volvo parts and look to be in good condition. They have worm screw type clamps. Are these used from the factory? The reason for the concern I smell a faint odor of coolant on the outside of car now and then. The coolant level light came on and I added about 1 pint of coolant about 2 weeks ago and the level is still fine. I don't think the water pump is leaking as I changed the timing belt about a month ago and checked it. No other sign of leaks BUT…

From under the car looking up I see a build up of fluid on block in the area of motor mount under exhaust manifold. It dose not look, smell or feel like antifreeze feels like oil, no smell, Please tell me this is not a block porosity problem and I should find something else to stress over!!

Thanks

It's time for all new OEM hoses. If your car uses a heater water valve, then you need one of those as well. Plastic radiators last about eight years and then you start risking breakage due to embrittlement of the plastic at the top outlet.

Take a hard look at the block below the exhaust manifold and look for porosity. See the 700/900 FAQ for more information.

If you change coolant hoses, use Volvo. Aftermarket hoses like Mac Kay turn hard. This makes them transmit engine vibration to plastic radiator that breaks easily. Volvo hoses are cheap despite high price because they last a long time and remain flexible to avoid damage to plastic radiator. Best regards.

The leak you are talking about may be from the hydraulic engine mount. It has no odor and clear. I had a spot on the floor under my '90 760 and couldn't figure out what it was. What on the car would have a clearish oily liquid in it? Thought it was from a leaking floor jack, but then remembered the car had hydraulic engine mounts. Voila, problem found-right engine mount was leaking. It was an easy fix too. Good luck with your 960.

Another suggestion: If the radiator is the original plastic/aluminum one consider replacing it for piece of mind. I didn't on my '93 960 after replacing the hoses and coolant. Within a month the original radiator split under the upper hose connection. Thank god for the coolant level sensor warning me or I could have cooked a very expensive 6 cylinder engine.

Has the radiator been replaced? I had to replace the radiator when the top hose connection broke off. I also was looking for a leaking and when I wiggled the top hose it snapped off and I was very lucky that I didn't get a serious burn as the engine was hot. The 92's had some blocks that weeped below the exhaust manifold, but I would have thought if your engine had weepage it would have surfaced long before this, at least I hope so for your sake. I don't think the worm screw clamps were standard issue when the car was built.