850 Radiator

I have a 1994 850T with 115,000 miles. So far this year I've replaced the
tires all round, shocks and struts, plugs, wires and distributer cap plus
all filters and changed over to synthetic oil at the last change. I also
just replaced both the switches on the automatic transmission. The
transmission locked in third gear on the Houston freeway at 5pm and that was
an education. The cars ability to get home off the freeway in the lower
gear was appreciated - after I was off the freeway! To cancel the 'service
engine' warning and flashing arrow, I had to replace both the switch on the
transmission under the battery tray and also the switch on the gear select
console.

When working under the hood I saw that one side of the radiator had a broken
bracket and was hanging loose. I'm told that because the radiator is of
plastic construction the only solution to this problem is to change out the
complete radiator. I was also told that there are so many intergrated
computer readings associated with the radiator that I should not consider
using a non-Volvo part - even if I could find one available in the USA.

Am I being fed a line? The local quote for a new radiator was about $250 -
is this about average or a good deal?

Any feedback would be really appreciated. TIA

Michael

 

Not true you can install any kind you desire as long as it fits shop around
for the best price I do not know makes the radiators for Volvo
Glenn

 

got metal they last and yes the temp from the radiator determines many
settings

 

Fit whatever radiator designed for the 850 you like! The auto trans one has
a cooler built into the left side (aux belt side) of the radiator, the
manual 'box one does not. Thats all you have to consider. Nissen make very
good radiators.

The cars computer doesnt know anything about, nor does it care about what
brand of rad is fitted! It only knows the coolant temp, which is sensed by
the dual element CTS under the pas pump ontop of the thermostat housing.

Any mechanic which is telling you different....change your mechanic!

Tim..

 

i;ve bought two radiators from vpi parts in houston, one for a 960 it was
200.00 or less and one for my 240, it was only 145.00 new, they also carry some
used parts,and they do ship. the toll free number is 800-303-6544 or local
713-722-0505
mark

 

A very common failure.

Check out www.fcpgroton.com. Any top quality brand aftermarket radiator
should be fine, this is not something you need to have an original Volvo
part for.

John

 

Thanks for the info, it is a big help. I will have to get it fixed before
it leaves me stranded somewhere!

Michael


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