Date: 11 Jun 2000 13:57:04 -0500 From: TSG <solis1nopsam.com> Subject: 1987 Saab 9000S
Hello, all: Yesterday I was accelerating up a highway hill at about 70MPH when I got an odd 'thump' from the engine compartment. Now, the area of the engine closest to the outside has always had an unusual amount of 'chatter'. I thought it was a noisy valve spring. The sound is not constant, but pseudo-regular when you do hear it. I also notice that the tone of the exhaust is different -- much lower. I've only owned this car for about six months, and fell in love with it. The car starts fine, and idles rock solid. All of the gages show normal activity. It still seems to run fine (that odd noise does kick-in at random), but lacks as much power as it had.... So, any ideas anyone? Could I tell externally if there was a broken valve spring by sound alone? Can I just open-up the valve cover gasket and take a look? Exactly what am I looking for, anyway? Any tips will be appreciated. RS