Heater Core

I would suggest draining the entire cooling system before trying this one to avoid a wet mess. If the core is too low to drain just blow in the hose to push the fluid out to drain.

volvo 850
mike

This product was relatively east to install with removal/installation help I was able to find on the net. It took 1 hour 45 minutes from start to firing up the engine to topping off the antifreeze. It didn't include the two hours I let the engine run to help dry out the carpet where I spilled some of the coolant. Another 10 minutes to reinstall the carpeting and mats. Also used the recommended new silicon orings with some silicon grease to help them slide into place and not bind. The old orings were not yet brittle even with 140K miles. However, they were somewhat flat on one side and prior experience tells me that there's a good chance the old orings would have leaked after being disturbed. If you don't save the old coolant for reuse, make sure you have a gallon or so of new coolant on hand.

I saved $650 doing it myself. Most difficult part was fitting myself under the dash to get to it. Like the other post said, make sure you have a pan to hold at least a gallon of coolant. It comes out quick. Also, to disconnect the core from the pipes coming through the firewall, there is one screw in the middle of the clamp that makes it easy. I tried removing the clamp and it added about a half hour to the job. Otherwise it took less than 2 hours to complete. Thanks IPD.

Removed the old core and man was it in bad shape. It had leaked all over the floor board. Tip: make sure you have a container or plastic bag to catch the leaking antifreeze. Removing the unit was a breeze. I was advised by a pro technician that this job was not for an amateur (I proved them wrong) I've never worked on cars before, and I was able to change it in 3 hours time. Easy. Give a try. If you get a white smoke when you run your AC in the summer and if it fogs your winshield in the winter. It is probably you heater core is leaking.
This weekend I am tackling my faulty ABS unit.
Ed (Amateur Volvo enthusiast)

This core is an easy direct replacement for the original. It is easy and quick to r&r, about 1 hour TOTAL.

Removal of the old core was easy and didn't require any fancy language or tools- 15, 20 and 25 torx, ONLY. Just remove the glove box, then loosen the two bolts that hold up the triom above the passanger's knees, pull back the carpet on both sides, the black plastic shield on the center console (under the carpet) and then 4 screws + 1 screw on the lines and the core will come out. Be aware, when you pull out the lower coolant lines, you will get about 1 gallon of coolant gushing out! i put a tarp down and scooped out the puddle of coolant for later proper disposal. (If you have the heater last on COLD, ie, not HOT, maybe less coolant will come out?). The core comes out with the plastic mounting bottom with a bit of persuasion.

re-assamble is the same as reverse.

tools- 15, 20, 25 torx
coolansdt
tarp
o-rings (i only used 2, there were only 2 and not sure where the other 2 go.... maybe it will start leaking in a few days??)

good luck
-matt
moscow id 98 V70 awd