Hello all! This is my first post on this forum. I have read/posted on other forums, but they are having problems, so I was decided to come here.

I finally got around to replacing my busted heater core today. Symptoms I had were a "sweet" smell when I turned the heat on, damp carpet on both the driver and passenger side floors, film on the windshield and finally the check coolant light started coming on.. My Volvo is a standard 1998 V70.

I initially called the local dealership and a local import repair shop and was quoted $700+ and $1000+. I unfortunately don't have that kind of money floating around, so I searched online.

I managed to get a brand new Behr heater core for $140 shipped and after 2.5 hours of work, I feel like I saved between $600-$900. I did not replace the thermostat.

It wasn't the easiest thing I've done in my life, but I have never done ANY maintenance work on my car until now.

Here is the leaking that was happening when I turned the heat on (sorry environment). Fortunately its hot here most of the year.
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_012.jpg)
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_013.jpg)


First of all, I drained the coolant. I found the plastic screw at the bottom of the radiator. I bought a collection bin for the coolant which I am going to take to a local disposal facility.
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_001.jpg)

After I removed the coolant cap, the coolant flowed out quickly. After the coolant was drained, I ran a bunch of distilled water through to flush the system.
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_002.jpg)

(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_003.jpg)

After pulling the carpet back, there are panels on the driver and passenger sides which hide the heater core "sarcophagus"
Driver
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_004.jpg)
Passenger
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_007.jpg)

Here is the "sarcophagus". You can see where the fluids were draining out onto the carpet.
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_006.jpg)

(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_010.jpg)

Wet carpet.
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_008.jpg)

These are the screws that need to be removed. 5 in total.

Only the one in the top left. Do this on both sides of the "sarcophagus"
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_015.jpg)

And this one that is hidden by the grey cable. Again, do this on both sides
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_009.jpg)

And the one that holds the 2 tubes in place.
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_014.jpg)

The old heater core next to the new one.
(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_016.jpg)

(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_017.jpg)

(IMG:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/baustin420/heater_core_replacement/2008-08-01_heater_core_018.jpg)

I didn't take any pictures after this, but everything basically goes in reverse after that. I refilled with new coolant and she seems to be running great! No drippage and the "sweet" smell is gone!

Hope this helps somebody like ya'll helped me!

Nice write up on heater core swap. I'm sure it will save people some money in the future.