Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'93 Saab, Head Gasket

Q: The head gasket blew @ 92k in my ‘93 Saab. There were never any warning sign up until the Saab ran rough and white smoke came from the tailpipe. I had it repaired at an authorized. Saab dealer and it runs great. My concern is the electric fans do not kick on. Should they?

A: If the electric cooling fans are not working there is good reason to be concerned. You should, as soon as possible, have the operation of the electric cooling fans checked. At highway speed there is adequate air flow through the radiator that the cooling fans do not need to operate. But, in town driving is a different story. The cooling fans are needed to keep the coolant at the correct temperature (not overheating). There is no quicker way to damage a new head gasket than by operating the engine too hot. Get your Saab checked out quickly!