Overheating problem

[Matthaios93]

I own an 89 Saab 900 turbo. And am having trouble with it over heating. The hoses, water pump and thermostat are all good. I've flushed out the system multiple times, and it was clear each time. Water is not getting from the reservoir to the radiator and I can't find why. There is water flow in the hoses on the rear side of the engine but not the front end when the engine is running. Again there are no blockages in the hoses. When it is empty it will only take one gallon of fluid, not the usual 2+. When I fill it up, turn on the engine, and loosen the blender nipple a little water will spurt out then just air and at times steam.

[jskrebs]

Check the thermostat?

[Matthaios93]

Did that.

[peva]

Flushing will not clear a clogged radiator and it sounds like that's what it is. Probably new rad time. Not unusual on 900.
The rad must be passing a small volume of water otherwise you would get no flow at all. Does any part of the rad get hot?

[Matthaios93]

Honestly I'm not sure, with how sectioned off it is I haven't checked it much

[peva]

Honestly I'm not sure, with how sectioned off it is I haven't checked it much

The hot water flows in across the top and is cooled as it flows down to the bottom. Put your hand on it to check the temperature. You may find cooler spots were it is clogged.

[stevelewissaab]

Paul is correct ... take the radiator out and flush it directly - chances are the flow will be rubbish.
You will have checked the fan is kicking is?

Best wishes Steve Lewis

[gdoyle]

im having a similar problem with my 2001 saab 9-5 it smells like its overheating but the gauge displays normal temperature,any suggestions very welcome.

gdoyle

[peva]

im having a similar problem with my 2001 saab 9-5 it smells like its overheating but the gauge displays normal temperature,any suggestions very welcome.

gdoyle

Provided the gauge is working and reading correctly it's not overheating. What does overheating smell like? It may be an oil leak onto the exhaust.

[gdoyle]

its difficult to describe the overheating smell but I've come across it before more than once and its a very distinctive smell not at all like hot engine oil