Quick question. I have an 88 740gle. The heater core control valve went and it appears that there are a few different versions. Anyone know the differences or have any recommendations. (http://www.importpartsspec.com/products.htm)

Second, the heater hose that appears to run through the firewall. What is the easiest way to change that hose? Does it acturally run through the firewall?

Thanks

MIKE

Changed mine about yr ago. Got the half plastic/half metal. Called FCP and spoke to a rep. The hose is clamped at the firewall to the heater core nipple. Best to replace both hoses with the valve. The hose is probably stuck pretty good. I used a razor knife to get it off(heater core nipple pretty soft metal). While you got the hoses off, back flush the heater core, can't hurt anything.

Yeah, there are 2 1/2 plastic 1/2 metal heater core valves. One is a few bucks more expensive then the other. Which one is better/ what are the differences?

MIKE

I'll second that comment about the hoses likely being stuck onto the heater core nipples. They're a bear to twist off in that tight space without risking damage to the soft copper heater core nipples. Do not grab the hose by clamping down hard with pliers, rather use only a moderate grip or try to pry them off. If they don't come off relatively easily then cut them off and slit the remainder. If you damage the nipples you will easily end up with a leak that shoots coolant through the firewall. You may then have to remove the heather core to re-form the nipples to a round shape. Removing 700 heater cores is one of the worst jobs on any Volvo. Been there, done that.
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Dave -not to be confused with a real expert

Sorry, I can't remember the differences. That's why I called them.