Just a few quick tips for anyone that may run across this very common problem.
Symptom:
Did not have any visible coolant leaks (drips, puddles, stains).
Reservoir level stayed fairly steady, requiring only minor top up annually (this or any change is actually room for concern)
On rare occassions there was a very faint hint of coolant smell.
During a unrelated job, the smell was a bit stronger but mixed with denatured alcohol vapors I was using, to clean. Accidentally bumped the small turbo coolant line coonected to upper radiator tee, and it fell off. The nipple inside, was completely dissolved, into a muddy sludge with bits of plastic.
This upper tee is not available by itself or through typical auto parts channels. Junkyarding should only be considered last resort, as installing used unknown FAILURE PRONE parts is generally bad policy.
The part is available in an upgraded metal aftermarket version or as a stock complete assembly with clamps and both pieces of radiator hose. Both parts are typically mail order, as the stock Saab parts tend to come from Saab ORIO in PA. Expect ~1 week for either stock or aftermarket.
Meanwhile, you may still need the car to get home or to work in the morning. There is an emergency repair using a large brass NPT tee, but the hose ends/clamps barely engage over the ends. I elected to use a barb.
3/8NPT threaded end, 1/2 barb hose end . Do not use 1/2 npt threaded size. This is not the most common size, so don't waste time at typical home improvement store. I chose Ace, but hardware stores in general, are more likely to have it than big box home improvement stores. This requires drilling a hole slightly larger than 9/16 where the broken nipple was. 1/2" drill bit and copious "wallowing", filing, or dremeling, will work. This size will actually bore through part of the tee, but is required to thread the nipple into the tee. If done properly, the nipple will thread and seal fairly well but there will be exposed threads on the side where the plastic was bored through.
Regular (not marine or qwik) JB weld, clean surfaces, and 6-24hr dry time will suffice.
This repair held, but did leak very slightly. Not from the repair, but from crooked hose clamp.
![Image]()
I elected to use the jagsthatrun aluminum tee for $24, as the permanent replacement. As a common problem, this can be ordered by simply entering "saab 9-3" in the size box. Or by specifying "1-1/4x1-1/4x1/2". This part is not an exact replica, but it is a fit and functional replacement.
http://jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_TPI-TBI_Brass-Tees.html
![Image]()
Forum member "JustinHiFi" http://www.strictlysaab.com/ also sells an upgraded piece.
I will replace the hose with an oe piece later. The stock one has served well for 14yrs. Same for the oetiker crimped turbo hose. P/N 12787608 and 12787815. If you chose to use a non-oe hose, most are actually a 1pc hose designed for a 90s gm fwd van or chevy tracker, and require you to cut it in half. This is the common locally available parts. Üro will not get any mention.
Tip:
Place white paper/paper towel on alternator bracket after cleaning area and running engine to full operational temperature. This helps to show minor hot soak seeps that you may otherwise not see. If you own a radiator pressure tester, it is ALWAYS better to pressure test any repair.
Symptom:
Did not have any visible coolant leaks (drips, puddles, stains).
Reservoir level stayed fairly steady, requiring only minor top up annually (this or any change is actually room for concern)
On rare occassions there was a very faint hint of coolant smell.
During a unrelated job, the smell was a bit stronger but mixed with denatured alcohol vapors I was using, to clean. Accidentally bumped the small turbo coolant line coonected to upper radiator tee, and it fell off. The nipple inside, was completely dissolved, into a muddy sludge with bits of plastic.
This upper tee is not available by itself or through typical auto parts channels. Junkyarding should only be considered last resort, as installing used unknown FAILURE PRONE parts is generally bad policy.
The part is available in an upgraded metal aftermarket version or as a stock complete assembly with clamps and both pieces of radiator hose. Both parts are typically mail order, as the stock Saab parts tend to come from Saab ORIO in PA. Expect ~1 week for either stock or aftermarket.
Meanwhile, you may still need the car to get home or to work in the morning. There is an emergency repair using a large brass NPT tee, but the hose ends/clamps barely engage over the ends. I elected to use a barb.
3/8NPT threaded end, 1/2 barb hose end . Do not use 1/2 npt threaded size. This is not the most common size, so don't waste time at typical home improvement store. I chose Ace, but hardware stores in general, are more likely to have it than big box home improvement stores. This requires drilling a hole slightly larger than 9/16 where the broken nipple was. 1/2" drill bit and copious "wallowing", filing, or dremeling, will work. This size will actually bore through part of the tee, but is required to thread the nipple into the tee. If done properly, the nipple will thread and seal fairly well but there will be exposed threads on the side where the plastic was bored through.
Regular (not marine or qwik) JB weld, clean surfaces, and 6-24hr dry time will suffice.
This repair held, but did leak very slightly. Not from the repair, but from crooked hose clamp.
I elected to use the jagsthatrun aluminum tee for $24, as the permanent replacement. As a common problem, this can be ordered by simply entering "saab 9-3" in the size box. Or by specifying "1-1/4x1-1/4x1/2". This part is not an exact replica, but it is a fit and functional replacement.
http://jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_TPI-TBI_Brass-Tees.html
Forum member "JustinHiFi" http://www.strictlysaab.com/ also sells an upgraded piece.
I will replace the hose with an oe piece later. The stock one has served well for 14yrs. Same for the oetiker crimped turbo hose. P/N 12787608 and 12787815. If you chose to use a non-oe hose, most are actually a 1pc hose designed for a 90s gm fwd van or chevy tracker, and require you to cut it in half. This is the common locally available parts. Üro will not get any mention.
Tip:
Place white paper/paper towel on alternator bracket after cleaning area and running engine to full operational temperature. This helps to show minor hot soak seeps that you may otherwise not see. If you own a radiator pressure tester, it is ALWAYS better to pressure test any repair.
