Volvo: Heater core in V70 XC 98, grip pliers, pipe flange

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I am loosing coolant and both (driver and passenger) floor mats are soaked with coolant.  Does this car have one or two heater cores, and if only one, which side?  Also if one, why are both sides soaked?  What needs to be replaced - heater core, O-rings, connection pipes?
Thanks
Ananda


ANSWER: Ananda,
One heater core located above the center hump center dash area. Most times just the heater core. The core is $200.00.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Ray,
Thanks for the prompt response.  Where do I  find instructions to remove and replace this heater core.  I have seen clear instructions for removing from either side, but not for a center-mounted heater core.  Can I get to it if I remove the insulation and padding from both sides?  Or does the dash have to come off?  I hope not!
Thanks again.
Ananda


Answer
Ananda,

      

Replacing the heat exchanger

Special tools:
115 8957

Before starting work on heat exchanger
NOTE!    When replacing a heat exchanger, always replace the O-rings in the pipes.


Replacing heat exchanger

Removing

Work in the engine compartment

Clamp the heating hoses. Use lock grip pliers 115 8957

Operations in passenger compartment


Remove soundproofing panels right and left-hand sides
Remove left and right-hand side carpet mountings.
Remove RTI bracket or amplifier bracket if applicable.
Remove knee bolster if applicable.
Detach drain hose and push it to one side.
Remove the screws on the left and right-hand side of the cover for the heat exchanger.
Remove the screw for the pipe flange for the heat exchangerNOTE!    Put plenty of absorbent paper under and around the pipe flange.

Remove the heat exchanger and its cover.
Remove the heat exchanger from cover.

Installing

Operations in passenger compartment
First read Before starting work on heat exchanger
Install the heat exchanger in the cover.NOTE!    Check the seal when installing.

Install the heat exchanger with cover. Align the pipes in the flange
Install the screw in the pipe flange on the heat exchanger
Install drain hose.

Operations in engine compartment
Remove the grip locl pliers 115 8957 from hoses.
Top up coolant.
Test for leaks.

Operations in passenger compartment
Install bracket for RTI or amplifier if installed.
Install knee bolster, if any.
Install carpet support on the left and right-hand sides.
Install soundproofing panels right and left-hand sides.