Why is my '84 Saab 900 Turbo leaking antifreeze on the driver's side?

Question

A while back I took off the dashboard on my saab to fix a problem with the radio. And while I was taking things apart I realized that whenever I turned the heater k**b, the valve that it opens leaks antifreeze over the side, just a little (the heater k**b turns a metal stick which in turn opens a valve on a tube which has antifreeze in it). I thought it was normal.

But several weeks later (now), I was cleaning my carpet on the driver's side, and there was thick wetness soaked into the carpet. I then looked and saw antifreeze dripping on and off and soaking into my floor. And when I tried to drive the car, it felt like hot wax was dripping on my shoe and my brake pedal!

Why is my antifreeze leaking? I hear this could be some kind of heating unit or just a gasket or a hose.

1984 Saab 900 Turbo

Thanks!

Answer 1

most likely a bad heater core ,not sure about where its located on a saab ,but its pretty common for heater cores to spring a leak ,I had a leak on mine bought a new core took my dash apart only to discover it was a leaky gasket on my heater core ,i just put some rtv sealent on it and was good to go ,Bad news i was stuck with a heater core i bought off ebay and didn`t need.

Answer 2

a hole in the heater core, or a loose hose clamp going to or from the heater core.

Answer 3

A few things.  The valve leaks....it shouldn't.  It is wearing away from being opened and closed alot over the years(the rubber seals have shrunk allowing fluid past).  That will need replacing with a new one.

    From that valve the hose goes into the car into a mini radiator (called a heater core).  The hose is clamped on at one end and the return line is clamped on at the outlet(in / out) as the heated coolant flows thru it.  Makes sense, right?       The hose is rotted or the clamp that holds the hose is loose and fluid is getting past.(or if you are really unlucky, there is a crack in the heater core in that area)

      The only fix is that the dashboard comes apart so you can get at the heater core and inspect it to find out where the leak is coming from.     This core is under the same pressure as the radiator when it is hot.   Luckily you found the problem in the summer time....but you still have to fix it.      You might be able to pick up a reasonable priced one at an auto salvage yard (if you are mechanically inclined to do the work yourself).  It is just time consuming.   Use new hoses and clamps.

    If you can, go to the library and get a book on your car so as to find all the stupid clips that hold things together

Answer 4

yeah your heater core is cracked...you can bypass it by popping the hood and and locating where the coolant hoses enter and exit the firewall (one should be bigger than the other), going to canadian tire and buy 2 little hose clamps and a little brass tube to connect the 2 together as a temporary fix. If you drive your car with a cracked heater core you run the risk of overheating the engine due to lack of coolant. That can cause some serious damage, i would get that taken care of quick....good luck!