Last Friday the upper heater hose blew, right.

Tiny
ROADGOLFER
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 SAAB 900
  • 150 MILES
Last Friday the upper heater hose blew, right where it comes out of the block. I cut the hose and put it back on while I wait for a replacement to come. I've had no problem for the last couple days. But, today I started it as normal and went to the bank. When I came out from the bank it won't start. It is turning over, but not firing up.
Has something electrical gotten wet? And is now causing it not to fire?
Any thoughts / suggestions would be appreciated.
The break in the hose was right on the top and steam and fluids went all over the place under the hood when it burst.
Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 AT 9:34 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
I would think that if something got wet, it would have caused a problem the day it happened. Have you checked to see if you are getting spark to the engine? Are you getting fuel to the engine?
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 AT 3:49 AM
Tiny
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I am definitely getting fuel.
But don't think that it is getting spark.
The tear in the hose was on the top and it soaked everything with either liquid or steam and the hood heat shield pad was soaked.
I've had this car since 12k miles and have had over a dozen Saabs. It would be some strange coincidence if it is not related to the hose bursting.
So, if it is a 'something got wet' problem that's causing it not to fire up, what would you think that it could be? Is it possible / likely that it could be a relay / fuse? The box is right there. Or something in wiring?
I went back to it last night and tried it again with the same result. It seems to be turning over fine and I could smell the unburned fuel after several attempts at starting it.
Thanks
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 AT 2:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
I agree, it sounds like there is no spark or weak spark. Have you checked the coil?
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
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No, I haven't checked the coil. I think that would be an unlikely culprit. The wire/connector plug in for the coil assembly is right there above where the hose leaked. It definitely could be wet. But, the coil itself is pretty well protected in a long plastic cover that fits directly onto all four plugs across the top of the engine.
How familiar are you with this exact car?
At this point, I am now trying to decide whether to have it towed home or to a garage for the repair. I don't want to have to tow it twice. Lol
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 AT 11:26 PM
Tiny
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Here's a photo. The coil assembly is the red piece across the top. And under it four boots drop down onto the plugs.
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 AT 11:36 PM

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