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>Whenever I'm idling in traffic my 89 Saab 900 has smoke/steam coming out of it from the fron where the radiator is. The temp gauge also climbs insanely fast. Do I need to replace the radiator or is there another problem?
What does the steam/smoke smell like?
If you can't pull over and get out to take a whiff, even rolling down the window and sniffing the breeze can give you an idea.
If it smells... well... wet, it's just water. You can get incidental condensation or collected rainwater gathering on the grille or frame, a sharp stop can slosh it ont the hot radiator.
If it smells sweet, that's coolant, and you should get it looked at IMMEDIATELY.
It could be something as easy a loose clamp on a hose.
As far as the temp gauge climbing rapidly at a stop at idle, that's an indication of the fan thermostat switch not doing its job and turning on the electric fans when the engine temp gets to a certain point. If it's the thermostat switch, it's a ~US$35 (don't quote me) item (plus labor).
Have you checked the coolant level in the overflow tank? If you are losing coolant, the level should be low (or the tank could be empty), that would indicate a leak somewhere.
One thing to note:
You have an '89 900. If it hasn't been replaced, the radiator is undoubtedly SHOT.
I just had the radiator on my '86 900S replaced, after 315K miles. The fins on the radiator had been eaten away by the years to the point hat they were literally GONE. The radiator didnt even have sufficient cooling capacity left to keep the engine cool here in New Hampshire >in the winter<.
You might open the hood and run your thumb across the fins on the radiator core. If they rub off and turn to dust.... well, it's time :-(.
-----
Bob Sypek
'78 99Turbo, sold at 149K for a ....
'86 900S, 316K+, and running cool as a cucumber (although wet right now)
posted by 64.12.11...
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