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Can I drive my car a few miles with a leaking radiator before it reaches red zone?

Tiny
TEEOHDOUBLED
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 SAAB 9-3
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 132,900 MILES
Hi. My car expels coolant, apparently it needs a new radiator. While I have the part on order if I drive 4-5 miles and switch the engine off is that okay before it reaches the red zone (hot), will that cause any damage?

I see a great DIY on replacing the radiator here that I intend to follow. In the meantime I need to find a job.
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Friday, September 17th, 2021 AT 8:36 AM

22 Replies

Tiny
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Hello,

It all depends on how fast the coolant leaks out of the radiator.
One thing you have to keep in mind that if there is low/no coolant in the engine or has a large air pocket, it can create hot spots inside the engine. That can permanently damage the engine.

So it depends on your exact situation. You always run a risk of doing internal damage if the engine overheats. As the engine can overheat very fast if there is not enough coolant.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

I have attached the replacement procedure for your reference.

Please let know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Friday, September 17th, 2021 AT 9:47 AM
Tiny
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I wasn’t able to designate my specific model, a 9-E SE convertible with the B204R engine. Thanks for your help!
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Friday, September 17th, 2021 AT 10:23 AM
Tiny
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The radiator replacement process is the same for both the convertible and the sedan. So those instructions will work. Let me know of any questions. Thank you.
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Friday, September 17th, 2021 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
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I have other concerns with the same vehicle, do I start another thread or continue here? As far as this response, I'm uncomfortable with lifting a vehicle and being underneath it. Is there a workaround?
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Saturday, September 18th, 2021 AT 2:53 PM
Tiny
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Unfortunately there are just not enough room from the top to access all the components. You might be able to get some of the parts loose without lifting it but it could be tight.
If you are uncomfortable of lifting a vehicle, then you should not attempt it.

Just so you are aware here is a guide to how to safely lift a vehicle and put it on stands:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

For the other concern please open another thread. Simply go to this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Thank you.
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Saturday, September 18th, 2021 AT 3:30 PM
Tiny
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Could a faulty thermostat or bad hose cause this problem as well?
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Monday, September 20th, 2021 AT 1:00 AM
Tiny
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Just to clarify, are you having issue with overheating or coolant leaking?
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Monday, September 20th, 2021 AT 6:14 AM
Tiny
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I’m having issues with both. Because coolant won’t stay in the tank of I attempt to drive the engine will overheat.
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Monday, September 20th, 2021 AT 7:51 AM
Tiny
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Got it. Can you see where it is leaking coolant?
Coolant can leak from any of the components, like the radiator, coolant hoses, water pump or thermostat housing etc.
If the radiator is leaking then you will have to replace it.
But first step to fix the leak then see if you still have a over heating issue. If it was only overheating for being low on coolant then that issue will be fixed.
Sometimes doing a pressure test can help.
https://youtu.be/W8kra65m15c
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Monday, September 20th, 2021 AT 8:24 AM
Tiny
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Pressure test was done at local shop. It's the radiator, and I will order a replacement. We can close this thread. Thank you!
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Monday, September 20th, 2021 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
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That sounds good. Thank you.
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Monday, September 20th, 2021 AT 2:59 PM
Tiny
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Hi. Please be sure not to cut off the diagrams you provide. I have to do this all by myself and need to rely on you for clear images and instructions. Some of your attachments are skipping numbered steps or have been enlarged cutting off vital information.
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
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These were direct copy from All Data. Can you tell me which diagram you have issues with?
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
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I can't attach too many examples. This is re-work for me and it's very slow to upload.
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 7:31 AM
Tiny
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I was unable to see what was missing from the original instructions. So, I just went ahead and freshly uploaded the complete instructions for the radiator replacement procedure. Let me know if you have any questions.
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
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Thanks for that, but you really don’t see in my example how the bottom is cut off and the numbered instructions don’t match the parts illustrated? It’s not a network issue here either, I have very good signal strength/high-speed internet.
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 10:49 AM
Tiny
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Not sure why you are having this issue.
As the instructions that I have uploaded is the complete radiator replacement instructions for that Saab.
If you want, I can perhaps just upload the numbered instructions? As you say you can see the diagrams, right?
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
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You’re good though with the last upload you gave me. That set is perfect. I was referencing what came through previously. Thanks again!
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
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I thought I would throw this last question in with some pics. I’d just like any suggestions you may have on creating a safe and efficient workspace. I’m on a lot of dirt and rocks. I have to do as much of my own work as I can here. Is there anything to make a more solid foundation?
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
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Ideally you want to make sure that the surface is flat and stable.
When you jack up the vehicle you want to make sure that the jack will not sink into the ground. Keep in mind that small rocks under a jack / stand can make it unstable as those rocks can move easily.
If you can put down brick in a stable and uniform manner it can help. It's all about having a solid foundation that will not sink or move while the vehicle is lifted.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 10:31 PM

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