i just got back from a 150 mile trip and thought i was smelling coolant... now i my overflow bottle is low, i need to check...
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-woodsy; 245k 1995 850 wagon; 123k 2000 V70

Thanks guys,

I had forgotten about the low coolant warning light. With that, at least you have some warning of coolant loss.

I think I will let it go for now, change the coolant, hoses and thermostat, wash the fins well of dead insects and road garbage and keep some coolant and water in my emergency basket.

Thanks again for your thoughts,

Marty

I just replace mine on a 98 V70 AWD due to a slow leak at the bottom. If you go away on business or vacation, like I did, you might come back to an empty radiator. My car started ran for a little bit and then the coolant low warning light can on followed by an overheat.

I replaced mine when I noticed coolant seeping at the seam where the plastic end piece was attached. It was not leaking enough to loose level in the expansion tank -- around 200k if I remember right.

'98 V70 336k

I don't seem to remember reading here about these radiators having catastrophic blowouts like the RWD 200/700/900's radiators can. Normally they start with a slow leak in the passenger upper corner behind the hose and will give some warning. Keep an eye on that area in particular. FWIW - I replaced my 95 850's radiator last year at 16 years old and about 180k miles.

Your call. You could change it out simply for peace of mind...:)

Jim