Changin the radiator -B14

[Olga]

Hi, got a new radiator off ebay for my 1990 1.4 B14 engine, and the job of changing it (when the snow stops!) seems easy, hoses off, couple of bolts on the bottom, slide it out etc... BUT... I know that the jubilee clips holding everything on are messed up and will probably break when I get the hoses off, so how do I know in advance which new ones to get? Also where can I get a new set of hoses from... might as well change them while I'm at it!

Thanks!

[Olga]

I just downloaded the tech spec sheet for this model of this site, and it says the radiator needs to come out from the front, ie you need to take out the grill first - is this correct? You see in the Haynes manual it says it comes out in the engine bay???

Help appreciated! Thanks!

[Olga]

Haha... and a final question! I need obviously to take the old thermal switch off the old radiator and fit it in the new one, but I suppose I'd need a new washer for it: what do I buy to ensure no leaks? Special heatproof washer? What size? Etc...

[Olga]

Oh, ha ha... and what antifreeze to replace the old stuff with??

[nomead]

Volvo's own antifreeze is a good bet, and isn't too expensive either.

[volvodspec]

haynes isn't holy! it's just a good guide to most 300's but it doesn't say everyting or contains all the facts and figures!!!

the old models have a bolt on -from the engine bay- radiator (as to the haynes) new models indeed go by the grille

only ALL mk3's have it sitting on the front beam. you can remove it by just getting the grille out of the way, i find it easyer to also remove the front bumper (only 4 bolts extra!!) to allow easy access.

for the copper washer, take the switch to you carshop and get a washer that fits properly to the switch's dimension.

also, you don't need to replace the radiator hoses; just replace the clamps. the hoses are currently only an issue on the old cars(pre 1980 models) an issue.

normal antifreeze is fine, while you're at it, it makes sense to flush the system properly and change the thermostate.

[Olga]

Thanks, both of you - so Volvo type c anti freeze and quite an easy swap over - an hours work? Measure all the hoses FIRST and get the right jubilee clips in advance.. BUT if ANYBODY knows the correct size for the copper washer for the the thermo switch I'd be grateful, as I need to get all the stuff BEFORE I start the job as the 340 is my only car and the spares shop is 3 miles away!

[Olga]

Oh, and Volvodspec, how DO you remove those pesky clamps round the hoses... they don't seem to have screw heads or anything?? They aren't actually jubilee clips are they? Thank you.

[volvodspec]

well, there's a simple solution;

change your radiator in front of that parts shop

the original clamps on the radiator are screwed, but the one for the expansion barrel hose is actually clamped. a pair of cutting pliers will do the trick

i don't know the sizes out of my head. i believe you need 1 19/28 and 2 32/44 mm clamps, i have the luxury that i work at a truck manufacturing company so i can just get the correct hoseclamps from the shelf and put them on the car with jobs like these

[Olga]

That is a solution yes, ha ha!

As for the thermo switch copper washer - I'll use the original one, but also some 'liquid gasket'... that'll work

[macplaxton]

As for the thermo switch copper washer - I'll use the original one, but also some 'liquid gasket'... that'll work

Take the original one, heat it up with a blow lamp, then let it cool. That'll make it soft again.

The switch has a M14 x 1.5 thread if that's any use to you.

[Chris_C]

The copper washer Volvo will likely have on the shelf, and charge tuppence or so for, they'll know the right size too!

I agree with Anjo (volvodspec) take the bumper off. You have to pop out the vents in your bumper, take the headlamp wipers arms off, and pop the repeaters out, then undo the 4 bolts behind the bumper vents. Slide forward, and bask in the amazing amount of room you suddenly have to do the job. I've tried both ways, and it's worth the 5 mins.

[Olga]

Thanks Chris, I'll do that - will pop into Volvo as soon as Xmas is over

[MCHUDD]

Hi Olga.
Don't foget the four bolts hiding behind the top of the rad.
Cheers Mark.