Hello All!

Thanks for all the help last time. THis time I've got a coolant leak.
Took her to the mechanic as I couldn't find the actual leak for some time and now its gotten worse.

So, my mechanic, who I trust a fair amount, says the leak is from the hoses that run from the engine into the firewall to the condenser or something inside the front of the cabin. Also said might be one of the four freezer plugs running along the driver's side of the red block(more likely a further back one that cannot be seen). Based on his knowledge of me and what I've told him I've done, he said its not a difficult fix. Requires removing the throttle body, intake manifold, oil breather box, etc. and getting at the hoses and plugs.

So, he also said these replacement parts need to be ordered at a dealer. I've found them online thru ipdusa and fcpgroton. I'm wondering if my mechanic just isn't privy to the online world of volvo replacement parts, or if these replacement parts shoulb be bought via the dealer only, albeit at an outrageous price.

I have since located one leak at one or both hoses mentioned earlier. Can't find any diagrams in my Bentley bible of these hoses but based on research I am thinking they are the heater inlet and outlet hoses.

QUESTIONS
-Am I correct in thinking these hoses are the heater inlet and outlet?
-Should these parts be bought online or at dealer?
-How do you go about removing the freezer plugs and installing new ones(I've never heard of people replacing these)?

QUESTIONS
-Am I correct in thinking these hoses are the heater inlet and outlet?

Yes

-Should these parts be bought online or at dealer?

I prefer using Volvo (OE) or the exact same brand as Volvo uses (OEM). However, as a long time mechanic and now shop owner, there are always exceptions. And in your case, aftermarket heater hoses will work just fine. But sometimes, especially for relatively low priced items, it best to just let your mechanic source the parts. When it comes to online purchases, returns, AND THAT DOES STILL HAPPEN, takes a lot more time and effort.


-How do you go about removing the freezer plugs and installing new ones(I've never heard of people replacing these)?

It all depends which freeze/core plugs need to be changed and they do eventually rust and develop leaks. There are freeze plugs on both sides of the block and there more in the cylinder head.


I suggest starting with the heater hoses as it is a common problem and then see if you still have leaks.

Although it is a lot easier to change the 1 heater hose connection under the intake manifold, I regularly change that hose without removing the intake manifold.

BTW, if the mechanic can verify that there are freeze plugs leaking while replacing the heater hoses, you should have him replace them.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

Thanks Eric,

I'm going to replace the two hoses myself and have 4-5 freezer plugs on hand when doing the hoses in case I find some leaking. From the ones I could see towards front of block, they were not leaking.

Your knowledge and advice greatly appreciated!