OldnDecrepit I was sourcing parts for my Volvo 960 (Olga) service and that included sourcing some radiator hoses. My mechanic had identified the top hose for replacement so I decided to get both top and bottom ones. Off to Hinterland Volvo - sorry don't stock them and don't know where you can get them, try overseas. Tried Supercheap autos - sorry nothing in our listings Tried Repco - sorry nothing in our listings. Good God, the car's not that rare. Go online to FCP Groton and there they are listed and in stock and only $15US. So along with a timing kit and a few other bits and pieces I placed an order (two of each) and the goods arrive in 5 days time. Following discussions with one of my IT clients who works for a big auto parts mob, he tried to check some prices for these "hard to get" hoses. He rings me up to check the parts nos and I have a close look at the hoses. The hoses are labelled with OEM part nos together with a manufacturer's part no. I look at the brand and it's Mackay Automotive with an AU website? Sure enough the damn things are made here. I went online to check the Mackay website and couldn't find a listing for the 960. I can find the part no listed but no vehicle associated with it. So SupercheapAutos have Mackay hoses just not ones for a 960 and their parts listing don't show any for the 960. I must go back to Hinterland, Repco and SupercheapAutos and give them the parts nos for future reference.
Vee_Que I never use supercheap for parts. Repco if I'm desperate but I go to bursons normally. That's if I need the parts now. Otherwise I get them online. Please be aware that the hoses on fcp are for lhd cars and the heater pipes are different as well as the heater core. It's been an issue for 740s as well but James found a source in the uk. It could be why its not listed. Is it on the online catalog for Australia? They really didn't sell that many facelifted 760s and 960 and s90s here. I remember reading they sold about 300 a year.
OldnDecrepit Vee_Que, the heater ones might be different but the top and bottom radiator hoses are the same (just double checked). Hose to the expansion tank is the same too. Will check out Bursons in future, thanks.
Vee_Que Sorry, yeah radiator hoses are the same, just pointing something out that can catch people out! I use the internet and buy from online Australian shops more and more if I'm not in a mega rush or can plan a few days ahead. Did you buy tensioners as well as the belt? Any pics of the car?
OldnDecrepit Rob, the answers are yes and yes. Olga has way more grunt than Inga but I haven't pushed the car hard as the timing belt hasn't been replaced and the transmission serviced. Both will be done this Wednesday. I did drive it up to the Sunshine coast to visit Australia Zoo and the car performed very well. Smooth, quiet and effortless at highway speeds. Suspension is much softer than Inga's and so I won't be driving it as hard anyway. You and others will get to see Olga 'in the flesh" at Parkes. I think I'll be supercharging Inga before Olga as she is the one that need more grunt.