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Re: Heater Core Replacement
Posted by David Prantl - http://saabnet.com/tsn/forms/e.php3 (more from David Prantl - http://saabnet.com/tsn/forms/e.php3) on Sun, 28 Dec 2003 22:35:19
In Reply to: , Kok Chen, Sat, 17 Dec 1988 12:00:00 

We have 4 9000s.  The youngest one is now 10 years old.  I replaced the
heater core and fan motor in all of them (and a '93 that we owned and then
sold), not because it's fun, but because it was necessary.  At some point
either the motor will stop turning, thus burning out your fan speed control
unit (and possibly your ACC computer as well), or the heater core will fog up
the inside of your windshield with coolant mist so much that you can't even
drive properly in the winter.

>  prices range from $100 for an aftermarket (Nissan, 'plastic') one,   to
the Saab replacement for around $300...

The choices are as follows:

Valeo (Italy).  Aluminium core, plastic end-tanks which are black or
tan-colored.  This is the cheapest option (around $70), but don't waste your
money on that.  It's the reason for your current problem.

Nissens (Denmark).  Brass core with black plastic end-tanks.  About $80.
Better quality than the Valeo, and much better value than the genuine
article.

Genuine SAAB OEM.  All-metal, similar to the old 900 heater core.  About
$260.  Probably the best replacement, but not worthwhile since Nissens makes
a good product for 1/3 the price.

If the heater core is not all-metal with soldered end tanks, it's going to
have crimped-on plastic end tanks sealed by an o-ring.  This o-ring interface
is the source of the common leaks.  Nevertheless, I would recommend the
Nissens metal/plastic unit.

>  blower motor - 'genuine Bosch'  up to the Saab replacement.

That's a much easier situation.  No matter who you buy the motor from, it's
going to be the same Bosch part.  Should cost less than $60 nowadays.  SAAB
will sell you the same motor with the plastic fan attached to it for about
$180.  With very little ingenuity you can re-use your old plastic fan on a
new motor.

>  should I get any other parts to replace?  any fasteners, nuts, etc....

You should get the two long heater hoses (about six bucks a piece).  There
are also two short ones in your car, but all of those I have seen in old cars
looked and felt nearly brand new.

You should also replace the cabin air filter, which has probably accumulated
11 years worth of crud by now.

You should augment your cooling system with a new OEM 82-degree thermostat,
low-temp radiator fan switch (Audi part number 321 959 481), new yellow
expansion tank cap (five bucks), and Yellow G-05 coolant (Mercedes Benz spec,
Zerex-brand, now available at retail auto parts stores like Pep Boys and
AutoZone).

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=10


Also check if any other hoses look tired.  If you have the special upper
radiator hose with an a/c thermoswitch fitting molded into it ($80), I
recommend the standard $10 hose and a metal pipe with thermoswitch fitting
that was present in most classic 900 cars.

If your car has an automatic transmission, consider pre-emptively replacing
your radiator.  It has an ATF cooler built into the right end tank which will
eventually lose some heat-transfer effectiveness, leak ATF into your coolant,
and possibly allow coolant into your ATF circuit (leading to a dead tranny).

http://www.eeuroparts.com is an excellent
source for all the parts discussed

above.

David Prantl
david_prantlno39sdcx6spamx782hotmail.com

'84 900S, 5M, 210kMi, RIP as of 2/98
'89 900, 3A, 116kMi, restored and SOLD on 3/24/01
'97 9000CSET, 5M, 63kMi, Speedparts Stage-I, SOLD on 10/11/02
'93 9000CSET, 5M, 84kMi, SOLD on 3/8/03

'86 9000T, 5M, 200kMi
'88 9000S, 5M, 142kMi
'90 9000S (B202I), 4A, 162kMi
'94 9000CSE (B234I), 4A, 165kMi
'68 97 Sonett V4, 4M, 76kMi, #000467
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