Is the Genuine Volvo radiator still made by blackstone? I'm going to replace the radiator on my '89 244 soon. I'm either going with Nissens which is 135.69 at FCPeuro.com or Genuine Volvo which is 234.79 from FCPeuro.com. Either way i'm getting it from FCP because they have a lifetime replacement guarantee. Tasca has the Volvo radiator for 204.61 but no lifetime warranty. So I'm asking in 2017 who makes the genuine volvo radiator? should i pay the extra 100 bucks for it or should I go with Nissens?

Thanks,
Andrew
anh19132@gmail.com

A few years back (2013) I bought one of each to look at side by side:



My super critical review found nothing to remark about either against the other. I used them both and have had no reason to revisit the choices.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Back during the days of the former Soviet Union, a fellow by the name of Gerald Chattington had a friend by the name of Rudolph Nosov in the Soviet Embassy, who would drop by occasionally. One evening, Gerald and his wife, Peg, were sitting in the kitchen chatting when Gerald looked out the window and said, "Look, it's snowing." Rudolph looked out and said very quickly, "No, I think it is just rain." "I'm sure it is snow," insisted Gerald. "And I am just as sure that it is rain," said Rudolph. At this point Gerald turned to Peg to settle the argument. Peg looked out the window for a moment, then said, "Rudolph, the Red, knows rain, dear."

why is the volvo one black? is it an all metal version?

Hi ANH19132,

"why is the volvo one black?"
Who knows? The most common & cheap color available for rust protection?

"is it an all metal version?"
No, based on Art's photo, the water tanks are made out of plastic even nozzles.

As always, thank you.

Thank You for your replies. I'm, probably going with the Nissens one because it has the threaded thermostat switch vs. the push in type. Also because its a 100 dollars cheaper than genuine Volvo.

Thanks,
Andrew
anh19132@gmail.com

Hi Andrew,

FYI. So far, I have had no issues with the Nissen or Autozone radiator.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxhGoeOQNZw

Blackstone was bought sometime ago by Valeo, a large, diversified French company. Blackstone was a British company. Valeo makes the Volvo OEM radiators nowadays.

Valeo's radiator should be a good quality radiator especially if it is made in Germany as many of their parts are!

Nissen's has a mixed reputation on this board. Do a Brickboard search and you'll find some people that have had problems with them. Personally, I never replaced the radiator on my 90 240. FWIW - About 6 years ago I needed to replace the radiator on my 95 850. I decided against Nissen's and went with a German built Behr radiator that was a little cheaper. Zero problems, so if you find a good price on a Behr radiator for a 240 I wouldn't hesitate...

Bottom line: Your call, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. You'll probably be okay with Volvo OEM, Nissens or Behr. Just don't buy a cheap radiator. Chinese, American made or whatever.

I have no idea whether Blackstone still makes the original Volvo radiator, but I have had no problems with the Nissens 3-row all metal radiator that I installed in my 245 about 15 years ago. It's done a good 200K miles at this point and it still looks and functions like new.

The problem with the Blackstone OEM radiators was the plastic side tanks. They hold up fine for about 10 years. After that, it is anyone's guess how much longer they will last.

The 3 row all metal radiator is no longer available. Its either the Volvo one or the two row aluminum and plastic Nissens one.

The 3 row all metal radiator is no longer available. Its either the Volvo one or the two row aluminum and plastic Nissens one.

Have a Nissans radiator I installed in 2012 with no issues to date also replaced hoses as well as the thermostat car is a 89 245