Hi to all. I just purchased a 93 volvo 940 for my 17 yr old son. I purchased it not knowing anything about its history other than the info in a vehicle history report. The hoses that run to the heater have been cut and joined with a connecting tube on the motor side of the firewall. Before i replace the heater core, i was wondering if there is any other reason for the hoses to be disconnected? Can I hook a garden hose or air compressor up to see if it leaks? How much pressure should it hold?I would hate to do all that work if it wasn't necessary. I live in MD, so I need heat. also, this car was a turbo, but the turbo has been removed. Is it ok to run the car like that or should I search for a used turbo for it? This is the fourth volvo I have owned(also had 2-740's and a 850). I am glad to put my son in a car that is one of the safest cars around. thanks for your help!

There is a not reasonable explanation for the heater core bypass over than a leaking heater core. On a 240 it could be a leaky valve but not realistically on a 940. You can test it with a garden house and I doubt you will need to apply pressure before it will leak.

The removal of the turbo is puzzling. Did they do a proper job of re-routing all the intake plumbing? Did they replace the the exhaust manifold and a down-pipe with one from a NA 940? It just seems like a lot work compared to just getting and NA car which is why I suspect they instead did an engine swap...or just a badge swap.

The negatives of not have a turbo if everything was done right, is impressively low compression causing sluggish acceleration.

Mike

Right near this thread is another about heat, that mentions failure of a Nissens's heater core after a year. So if the OP replaces the core, maybe look for a World part no as mentioned.