Because of its age, a radiator for a 1979 Volvo might be difficult to find. If it comes from a dealership, it likely will be expensive. As an alternative, you can ask a radiator shop to rebuild the radiator. The shop will replace the tanks on the side and recore the center cooling section of the radiator. You also might find a radiator from a newer Volvo -- one that is 10 years old or newer -- that would fit the 1979 Volvo. Be certain that the top and bottom hoses and any other connections are located in the same place. You can purchase a new radiator from an auto parts store or you might get lucky enough to find an undamaged radiator in a junkyard.
Tools Used: Drain pan, Set of wrenches, Set of sockets, Screwdriver, Set of line wrenches
Fix Radiator
Remove the radiator cap and the expansion tank cap. Place the drain pan under the lower radiator hose where it connects to the radiator. Loosen the clamp on the hose with a screwdriver or socket, depending on the type of clamp holding the hose. Allow the radiator to drain into the drain pan. Discard the antifreeze appropriately.
Loosen the clamp on the expansion tank hose. Pull off the hose. Unbolt the tank by using the appropriate socket. Remove the tank and drain the antifreeze. Move the drain pan under the upper radiator hose. Loosen the clamp on the upper radiator hose by using the appropriate socket or screwdriver, depending on the type of clamp used.
Disconnect the transmission fluid cooler lines from the radiator by using the appropriate line wrench (if the Volvo has an automatic transmission). Stuff a rag in the ends of the lines to keep them from leaking.
Disconnect the wiring to the fan if the Volvo uses an electric fan. Most 1979 Volvos have manual fans, but over the years, someone could have installed an electric fan. Disconnect the wiring harness plug for the temperature sensor, located at the bottom of the radiator (only for models that have electric fans). Unbolt the radiator retaining bolts and the fan shroud. Lift the radiator and fan shroud as an assembly. Remove the fans and the sensor from the radiator.
Install the fan and temperature sensor onto the new radiator. Attach the fan shroud to the new radiator. Slide the radiator and shroud assembly into place. Make sure that the entire radiator is in front of the opening and that the body covers none of it. Install the radiator and fan shroud retaining bolts and tighten them firmly.
Reconnect the cooler lines, if applicable. Reinstall the upper and lower radiator hoses and tighten the clamps. Reinstall the expansion tank and tank hose. Fill the radiator with a 50-50 mixture of antifreeze and water. Reinstall the caps.
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