[Mercedes] OT more Volvo troubles

[Allan Streib]

Son called this morning and said he got a "Low Coolant" message on the dash. He had added coolant a few days ago and didn't think too much of it but today the reservoir was empty and the front of the engine was wet. He added more coolant and was able to get to a parking lot. The engine never got too hot so that much is good.

Went out to where he was with assorted hose clamps and tools but the problem turned out to be the radiator. It has a seam down the side of the plastic end tank that appears to be crimped together with a strip of aluminum "C" channel. It's leaking out of that seam near the top. It was just dripping when cold but after running the engine for a few minutes it developed into a pretty heavy spray. Debated trying to plug it up with some epoxy putty but figured that probably would not hold. Of course he was about 50 miles from the house, so a $350 tow bill got the car home. I'll try to turn that in against my insurance "roadside assistance" coverage.

New radiator kit from FCP Euro is about $310. Includes new radiator, various hoses, and coolant. I am thinking that even if I can repair that leak, another one could spring at any moment so probably best to replace it. 17 year old original radiator, plastic is probably pretty brittle by now.

So now I need to do a little research on how involved of a job this is going to be.


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