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how much coolant does the engine take

23K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  99HOT93 
#1 ·
I have to replace my lower radiator hose tomorrow. How much coolant does the system need to be full? I figure while im changing the hose it should get fresh coolant so how much do I need to buy? Thanks very much.
 
#2 ·
cchanner83 said:
I have to replace my lower radiator hose tomorrow. How much coolant does the system need to be full? I figure while im changing the hose it should get fresh coolant so how much do I need to buy? Thanks very much.
About 8-9 liters. (2,5 gallons?)
It depends on how much there's left in other hoses, radiator, head gasket, and so on.
Have at least 2 gallons avalible, and put it in idle. Just fill up as it goes warm.
 
#4 ·
cchanner83 said:
I have to replace my lower radiator hose tomorrow. How much coolant does the system need to be full? I figure while im changing the hose it should get fresh coolant so how much do I need to buy? Thanks very much.
In what condition are the rest of the coolant hoses ? They are good for 100K, many last to 160K; IMO, after ten years one is riding the risky route..

And the t-stat ?

I am noted for changing a minor task into a major undertaking:nono; ; but I think this is the best route if you are planning on keeping the vehicle for 3 or more years...
 
#5 ·
earthworm said:
In what condition are the rest of the coolant hoses ? They are good for 100K, many last to 160K; IMO, after ten years one is riding the risky route.
Glad I found this post. Going to do a little preventative maintenance this weekend with a coolant flush, tstat change and replace some hoses. Was wondering what all hoses would be a good idea to change, though. Car has 123k on it and the hoses are all original to the best of my knowledge. Eeuro and thesaabsite all list a number of hoses for the coolant system and the heating system. Which to replace?

Upper:
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Main/PartDetail.aspx?id=4964789

Lower:
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Main/PartDetail.aspx?id=4963872

and expansion tank:
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Main/PartDetail.aspx?id=4961363

^ all for sure, but what about these?

water pump outlet:
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Main/PartDetail.aspx?id=9178849M

Heater core inlet/outlet:
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Main/PartDetail.aspx?id=4961074

Coolant bypass:
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Main/PartDetail.aspx?id=55558930

Was also wondering if it's necessary to drain the engine block as well as the radiator, or can a flush with a garden hose get everything without having to drain the block?

Thanks :D
 
#7 ·
my car has almost 101,000 miles on it and burst a heater hose the other day. I am going to replace all the hoses, but I was thinking of the t-stat and waterpump too...

any opinions on the pump?
 
#8 ·
99HOT93 said:
I am interested to know this as well. My upper radiator hose burst a good 5 inch seam in its side today :x . How important is it to change the thermostat and which one is recommended 88deg or another one?
I just changed the t-stat last week...I purchased the 89 degree C (I am quite sure that was the recommended one) from eeuroparts and a bottle of blue coolant. I am very impressed with the new t-stat - it warms up much quicker than it used to and the temp won't drop at highway speeds in cold weather.

Also, it is pretty cheap and easy to do....I would definitely do it seeing as you are already going to be draining coolant.
 
#9 ·
how quick did it come in the mail? it says the 89 deg thermostat is 5-7 day shipping... I could be cutting it close with that (I will need my car for a road trip soon).

the 88 deg one is cheaper and there's no backorder. Is it important enough to get the 89 to spend the extra 10 bucks and wait longer? Thanks!
 
#10 ·
It did not take that long for mine to come in, but who knows if it will be the same for you. I honestly wouldn't think a 1 degree difference would make a big deal at all...so I would say go for the 88 degree one then. I just went with the 89 because the website says that one is Saab recommended.
 
#11 ·
thanks for the quick response! I just placed the order for the 88deg thermostat, and as many cooling system hoses as I can afford to buy right now. I'll be sure to report back on how it works for future buyers.
 
#12 ·
Use the same T-Stat as FiveIron, otherwise I do not know for certain which is the better.

Safer to go with the more expensive one, but this is but one of many considerations..
The order of coolant hose failure seems to be
1 the heater hoses
2 upper radiator hose
3 lower radiator hose
The n/a (naturally aspirated) run cooler and have a bit better hose life.


 
#16 ·
earthworm said:
Use the same T-Stat as FiveIron, otherwise I do not know for certain which is the better.

Safer to go with the more expensive one, but this is but one of many considerations..
The order of coolant hose failure seems to be
1 the heater hoses
2 upper radiator hose
3 lower radiator hose
The n/a (naturally aspirated) run cooler and have a bit better hose life.
Add also the by-pass hose.
I gave my spare to a Saab pilot from Delaware last Saturday downed on I-95.
 
#17 ·
whew! What a day! Just finished replacing all coolant hoses and thermostat. I did end up using the 88 deg one that's 14 bucks on eeuroparts. So far it works fine, no more freeway needle dropping in cold weather. Thanks for the help guys!
 
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