Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 04:50:32 GMT From: "andrew" <rowatnopsamglefish.org> Subject: 1985 900s Intermittant Start Problem
I purchased a second-hand 1985 Saab at the end of August, and most of its issues have been resolved, save one: the dreaded intermittant start problem. The car will generally start on the first crank in the morning (cold start), but will often not re-start if I have driven it long enough to get the temp up, and then left it for an hour or so. Additionally, it will often take 10-15 secs of cranking before the engine finally turns over and roars to life. Once running, the car drives smoothly and idles ~ 1000 RPM. Every now and then white smoke comes out of the exhaust at startup (the dealership thought it was a coolant leak into the head gasket, but the head gasket checks out fine) So far the issue has stumped two Saab mechanics: an indy specialist in Vancouver (who is scandanavian himself)and the Saab dealership in Calgary. I have had to have the car towed on two separate occasions because it simply would _not_ start. The problem does not appear to be consistent or related to the weather at all. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I will detail below what has been done (that I know of) to try and remedy the problem: -> new fuel pump (it actually did die) -> new fuel filter -> new plugs -> rotor ok -> distributer cap ok -> fuel pressure is fine -> oil and coolant flush -> new temp sensor -> harness re-wire (many of the wires were pretty pooched when he opened it up) -> head gasket is fine thanks, andrew. (this has been cross-posted to saabnet.com)