Date: Tue, 07 Dec 2004 21:33:33 -0500 From: ma_twain <ma_twainnospamo.com> Subject: Re: steam at radiator (c900)
Paul Halliday wrote: > in article slrncrbhn4.3d4.rotten_NOSPAM_nospamam.example.com, John B at > rotten_NOSPAM_nospam.org wrote on 07/12/2004 15:06: > > >>Hello, >> > > Hi there! > > >>I've been noticing some steam rising from the grille of my 1992 900 S (NA). >>This happens exactly once per drive, lasts roughly 30 seconds, and coincides >>with the engine approaching operating temperature (and thus presumably the >>thermostat opening). It is most pronounced when it is raining (probably due to >>rainwater on the radiator evaporating), but occurs in dry conditions also, >>leading me to suspect coolant involvement. Any loss of coolant, however, is >>too subtle to notice at the expansion tank. >> > > You've answered your own question here. It's normal ... All classic 900s do > this. Don't worry about it. It's quite unnerving when you first see it, not > to mention embarrassing. Since you only notice it if you're stationary and, > as you say, only for a few second I usually pull up quite close behind the > car infront and pretend it's their exhaust :) > > >>I have a pressure tester, but I doubt it would be helpful due to the brief >>window during which the steam is released. >> > > Nah! It's normal. Wait another 50,000 miles or so and replace the radiator. > It's a hunded odd quid part and actually kind of fun to replace on a nice > winter weekend. > > Nothing to worry about ... Like the clunk when engaging reverse :) > > Paul > > 1989 900 Turbo S > http://saab.go.dyndns.org/ > > > That clunk when engaging reverse is something to worry about. The local Saab shop has a gear with rounded teeth on display - rounded from clunking into reverse. Put in third gear, then reverse - you have no no more clunk :-)