My 91 745T (238K miles) has an all metal radiator that has sprung a small leak. My entire cooling system is due to a replacement so I am putting together a list of all items to replace including hoses, water pump, belt, expansion tank and cap, heater control valve, and radiator. I already have new OE heater hoses in place.

Id like to use OE parts wherever possible and am looking at this radiator as a possible candidate, Volvo P/N 8603894

http://www.tascaparts.com/oe-volvo/8603894?search_str=8603894

I have read up on this board and several others and am a bit confused about my next steps due to the radiator and coolant options out there. My goal is to have my cooling system as bullet proof as possible so:

1. In terms of reliability and longevity, is it better to repair my current all metal radiator or buy a new one? I dont mind spending a bit more if it will mean greater reliability.
2. If I buy a new one, I assume the OE one listed above is the best choice, correct? I assume it has the plastic ends like most replacement units.
3. If I buy the OE radiator listed above, what kind of coolant I should run in it so it doesn't eat away at the internals and spring a leak prematurely?
4. Anyone know if the OE radiator listed above has the push in fan temp sensor or a screw in one? My current radiator has a threaded collar that screws over the sensor and onto the rad.
5. Is the OE heater control valve my safest bet since all control valves are made of plastic anyway?

Thanks in advance,
Jose

Thanks for the input everyone. I overdid my search and compared prices from about 5 different online vendors. I went with a Nissens radiator from FCP and pretty much OE for the remaining cooling components from Tasca.

Ill probably eventually repair my old metal radiator and keep it as a backup.

I got 12 years out of my last VOLVO radiator. Rule of thumb is plan on 10 years for the Volvo/Blackstone. I replaced everything again with Volvo from Tasca. It does have the plastic ends.

If you get the Volvo radiator make sure to order a new fan switch seal, 1378869. It does not come with the radiator.

The Zerex G05 gold coolant is best. Also available as ford or MOPAR Gold. Google it.
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Paul NW Indiana '89 744 Turbo 175K/ '90 745 turbo 145K

Nissens seems to be the best blend of value and performance these days. FCP price matches and ships free. Zerez G05 seems to be the preferred coolant, with OEM Volvo a close second. The OEM Heater hoses are a better quality, tho last time I ordered and installed them(8 years or so ago) they came as 1 piece and left it to me to figure out where to cut....didn't love that idea.

1991 and has an all metal radiator, color me shocked. I am about 99% sure it would have to already be an aftermarket at that point.

1) A brass radiator can be almost infinitely repaired by an old-school radiator shop by re-coring or soldering leaks. Finding such a shop in this day and age is less likely. That being said, the AL core, plastic tank radiators are much more efficient.

2) Oddly, OEM does not seem to be the prefered over the Nissens these days. Most of it is the fact that the Nissens comes with the plug for the push-in temp sensor and their are numerous (at least two) reports of the Valeo Oem being damaged in transit due to poor packaging.

3) This is like asking what oil you should run. In the end, it is personal choice as there is not super-special coolant required in a Volvo red block with either a brass or AL/plastic radiator.

4) I am pretty sure they all have the push in sensor bung at this point. See the FAQ's for a safety wire backstop that many employ.

5) Yes. Also, OEM heater hoses are STRONGLY suggested. Radiator hoses...not as critical.

1. Had a nissan 3 row all metal. It went out last year. From what I could find on the net, nissan stopped making them for the 700s
2. Plastic-more than likely
3. I just use prestone
4. More than likely push in. You'll probably have to call them
5. There are all metal ones on the market. I don't have the part number readily available. Someone here posted it one time.

I replaced mine with a Spectra, about 1/2 that price. It did have "pushin" sensor opening.

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