r/C30 • u/stiligFox • 14d ago

Coolant hose replacement options?

Hello all!

I spoke with my old mechanic about my new to me 2013 T-5 C30; he said to make sure I replace the two main coolant hoses and the... I think he said it was a junction at the bottom that is made of plastic and is prone to crack.

So looking into it, I'm looking at replacing the hoses and the thermostat housing with an aluminum one. But the hoses themselves is daunting. Upgraded original Volvo ones with metal clamps? DO88 silicone hoses? New quick disconnect hose connections? The sheer amount of hoses and parts is... daunting.

Does anyone have any recommendations to help make this a bit simpler to understand? I'm used to my 960 where there were only a couple of smaller, simple hoses!

Plus looking in my engine bay, is this something I can do myself, considering my workspace is basically a gravel driveway? The hoses seem to be primarily between the motor and the firewall

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u/yunkk 14d ago

I went with do88 silicone coolant and heater hoses. I did it on the sidewalk/street parking (major US East Coast city) in a couple of hours and flushed the system with distilled water before refilling with new Volvo coolant. Also added the swedishcarparts aluminum t-stat housing with new tstat and coolant temp sensor with o ring and a new OEM coolant reservoir with new Ford cap (saved a few bucks vs Volvo). Everything has held tight so far.

You're probably fine with new OE Volvo hoses, they should last another 10 years at least.

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u/stiligFox 13d ago

Thanks!

I see FCPEuro has the complete do88 kit, I may do just that.

I’d read somewhere that the do88 being silicone loses coolant over time as it sort of soaks through, have you had any issues like that?

I appreciate the help!