When I took my normally-aspirated 2000 V70 (203,000 miles) into the shop for an unrelated minor electrical matter today, I was informed that my radiator was swelling and might leak or burst at any time. The replacement would come to $750.

I've heard of radiator HOSES swelling, of course, but never a radiator.

Although the diagnosis came from a well-regarded dealership, I'd appreciate learning a bit more about swollen radiators from The Brickboard. A Google search yielded nothing. Hs anyone else heard of or experienced this?

Thanks!

#1, radiators don't swell. Hoses do and it is about time for new ones if you think they are getting weak. Yes, radiator assemblies are now plastic and aluminum so they don't last forever and is why specific coolant is required.

#2, the dealer should have shown you the 'swelling' and a detailed cost of the 'repair'.

If you decide to get a new radiator, also get new hoses. Don't forget the heater supply hoses behind the engine. If the thermostat hasn't been replaced in the last 5 years, get a new OEM version at the same time and make sure the new coolant is either Volvo fluid or Zerex G05.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

I appreciate all the responses I received. Although each respondent offered some personal "fine-tuning" of opinion and/or fact, there was this consensus: The $750 price that the dealer wanted to replace the radiator was excessive.

I took the car to a highly regarded independent radiator man who replaced the radiator for $400. I also had him replace the hoses. Total cost: $550.

Thanks again to all for your willingness to help!

Smells like BS to me.

As Herb noted, try a reputable independant. $400ish is more like it.

Check internet prices. You should be able to buy yourself a good brand like Valeo, Behr or Nissens for less than $200 these days. Put a Behr in my car 4 years ago and so far so good! Fingers crossed... :)

Rec'd your msg just after I answered Herb's. I appreciate your confirmation and additional info. It's time to go shopping at the independents again. I've had some unhappy experiences in the past, but it certainly won't hurt to check them out in this case!

Thanks very much!

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If you post your approximate local, someone around here may know of a reliable/reasonable independent mechanic in your area.

Your radiator is largely plastic which deteriorates over time. If you are still running on a 15 year old radiator you need to be replacing that thing promptly. If it blows the neck off while you're driving and you don't notice it right away, it could be the end of your engine..... which would likely be an end to that car.

That happened to our old 740. The wife called me on the phone and said "There's a bunch of smoke (actually steam) coming out the front of the car and the engine is making a knocking sound."

"What does the temp gauge read?", I asked.

"All the way hot."

"PULL OVER AND SHUT THE DAMNED THING OFF!!!"

Fortunately the old red block engine survived with no permanent damage. The aluminum engines used in todays cars can't handle that kind of abuse.

More information, which is VERY much appreciated!

My 74 will go into a well-regarded indie radiator/AC shop Monday morning for a look-see.

Gosh, I just assumed that radiators were still made of copper and brass and stuff. How things change....

Thanks once again!

Never heard of a radiator "swelling"-- cracking, seeping, pinholes are common. Also, the price seems pretty steep for the repair. Get a quote from an independent and make sure to replace the hoses as well (a new thermostat is cheap insurance as well).

Good luck!

Thanks for your input. The diagnosis seemed odd to me. No leaking at present. If it weren't so darned cold outside I'd take a peek (at least looking down; can't crawl underneath) to look for some sort of bulging.

In any case, I'll try to have an independent garage look at it. Regrettably, I haven't found one that I have 100% faith in. But I'll look around.

Thanks again!

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A decent aftermarket radiator (Behr) is $140 USD. The labor should be 2 hours or less.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-radiator-36000001