My daughter (18 yrs old) called on her way home last night with a report of 'sweet smelling smoke' coming out of her a/c vents and the temperature gauge rising extremely rapidly. Since my wife and I were out to dinner and unavailable she called her brother to rescue her. He showed up with water jug in hand, began filling the reservoir (with the engine running) and immediately saw the problem - one of the heater hoses right in front of the fire wall was 'spewing' water - ended up towing the car.

I plan on overseeing my daughter replacing the hose this weekend after verifying which one it is (son said the one on the top?). Question I have is whether they are formed hoses or can I use the regular inexpensive heater hose? Also, looking at it in the dark last night I think there are two at the rear of the engine - one on top and one right below it. Anyone know which one is the hose to the heater core and which is the return? Any tricks or suggestions to help me not turn this into a really expensive fix?

Many thanks for the help.

Ted in Albuquerque
1996 Volvo 960 125,000 miles