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.

Thanks for a great write up and the pix have been a great help. God love engineers, because looking up under the dash is insane how it all comes together.

ANYWAY, I have it all apart to the point of trying to remove the heater core itself. How do I get it out?
It's pretty tight, and I don't want to use any force to do it. Is there an easy way, or rather a proper way to remove it?

After having gotten this far, I think it may have only been the O rings leaking after-all, but figure since I'm this far into it and I have already ordered the parts
I may as well change it at this point.

Thanks in advance, Terry

thanks for the post, just completed my heater coil replacement tonight and it's working great

Amazing...I really want to thank this individual.

I succesfully replaced the heating core, warning light went off in 98 Volvo v70 XC!!

Hello,

Thanks for posting this as I have a quote from my Volvo mechanic for $650. Once you remove the screws, how do you get the heater core out? Did you have to replace any hoses? Any gotcha's to look out for.

You can send reply to dlpeguese@sbcglobal.net

Thanks,

deepee422

Thanks for a great post!! Very informative. Would this work for a 1999 s70??

You are a VOLVO GOD, Thanks

You are a VOLVO GOD Thanks !!!!!!!!

this was a great write up!! it saved me a lot of money and time, being an auto student i was able to have it done in less then an hour, but it beats taking out the whole dash like i had to in my escort. thats for the info

Nice post. If I have a heater core problem, I know a bit more because of your efforts to post.

Is this one of the better Volvo forums for the do-it-yourselfers? If not, what are the others.

Good job!

I smell a whif of coolant whenever I turn on my heater, but then it goes away. Never fogs up the windshield, or wets the carpets, etc. Perhaps it's just o-rings or something small.

Been like that for awhile. I'll have to take another look.

Hi, thanks for the great post. I have a 1999 s70, I'm assuming it would be the same procedure. Do you think it would be the same parts? And did you have to buy 2 heat cores or does it come in sets of 2?? Thanks again. Hope to hear from you guys soon.