1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Same thing happened to me about a week ago... My 1990 900S always ran at the 50% temp gauge position (except in city traffic, where the gauge would climb to about 60%, fans (both, even with A/C off) would kick in and temp would return to 50% - I've excepted this is as normal operation.
Anyway, after getting my car back from the SAAB dealer for replacement of all the drive belts, I drove home (about 30 miles) everything was probably working OK. Several days (and short trips) later, I'm on the interstate 20miles out and the gauge is at approximately 2/3, I stop, check under the hood, and this is what transpired....
1. No hose (or other leaks) were evident, some water/antifreeze mix was bubbling at the bottom of the expansion tank.
2. Some fluid/steam mixture was "spewing" from underneath the expansion cap. Based on previous comments, I believe this to be normal as this cap has a relief valve, i.e. it was doing it's job to try to relieve what it senses to be excess pressure.
3. I say a few choice ^*&^&^ words under my breath concerning the dealer inducing this problem (he's just been around the water pump replacing the belts, remember), then calm down and limp slowly home in several mile "trips".
Problem turned out to be the thermostat, I replaced it (with the recommended 82C unit) and the Sabb SEEMS to be back in action. I've replaced the engine oil (inspected the old - no water or foaming evident) and placed a homemade gauge on the expansion tank (a piece of masking tape with a line marked "cold" on it) which I'll watch for signs of fluid leakage/usage.
For what it's worth to the other posters: My SAAB dealer/service manager (small family dealership that sells only SAAB's) told me that the 16V engines are not as prone to head warp as the 8V - as always applied physics dictates that "your situation will vary".
This "type" of overheating problem, wherein the engine is never totally voided of collant, is less likely to warp a head or to create other "collateral" damage.
I hope this helps you'all with your problems - good luck to you.
Final note, there are some fine posts,regarding this problem,on this C900 forum. Suggest searching under OVERHEAING. Especially helpful was a post from RYAN (thank's RYAN)that describes the normal warmup behavior of a C900. I even learned that mine switches on BOTH fans, when called for, even with the AC switched off.
Original owner
C900S
127,000 miles
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