radiator leak

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Ralph, Jan 5, 2010.

  1. Ralph

    Ralph Guest

    I have a 1992 Volvo 960 with 140,000 miles.
    It has developed a small radiator leak and I was considering using one
    of the leak fixes you pour in the radiator instead of going through
    the trouble of removing it and having it repaired.
    Is there a particular product that is good for this application?
    I need to keep this car through the winter and maybe the spring.
    Thanks for your help,
    Ralph
     
    Ralph, Jan 5, 2010
    #1
  2. Ralph

    James Sweet Guest


    140K is barely broken in, personally I would just replace the radiator,
    I don't like pouring the various types of magical goo in cars, it can
    gum things up and make a mess.
     
    James Sweet, Jan 5, 2010
    #2
  3. Ralph

    Leftie Guest


    In addition, this car probably has a combination plastic and metal
    radiator. If the plastic portions fail, you dump all of your coolant,
    immediately. Part of owning a classic Volvo of that era is replacing the
    radiator to stop tis from happening, even if you just install a new
    plastic and metal unit. There are also solid metal aftermarket units.
     
    Leftie, Jan 5, 2010
    #3
  4. If you are able the all metal radiator is the way to go as the plastic fails
    big time with out warning .It becomes like sodden cardboard on the top inlet
    first .I have an all metal radiator .Check with your local Volvo club.
     
    Jon Robertson, Jan 5, 2010
    #4
  5. Ralph

    James Sweet Guest



    Yeah the plastic radiators are horrible, and Volvo is not alone in using
    them. Nothing made of plastic should ever be used as part of the cooling
    system, when (not if) it fails, it almost always does so
    catastrophically. I suppose perhaps it's planned obsolescence for the car.
     
    James Sweet, Jan 6, 2010
    #5
  6. i agree...swap out the radiator....although its aprox a 3 hour job....
     
    ~^ beancounter ~^, Jan 15, 2010
    #6
  7. Ralph

    James Sweet Guest


    3 hours? Couple bolts, 3 hoses, cooling fan, oh, there's coolant lines
    if it has an automatic, still I don't think I've ever spent more than an
    hour changing a radiator.
     
    James Sweet, Jan 15, 2010
    #7
  8. on the 1993 940t the whole front end needs to be
    "tweeked" to get to the unit....
     
    ~^ beancounter ~^, Jan 16, 2010
    #8
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