Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 09:13:36 -0400 From: "KeithG" <noonenopsamhlink.net> Subject: Re: Head Gasket - 1991 Saab 900
Sounds like classic head gasket failure to me. I did not use the alignment pin but wish I did. One can be fashioned from a bolt of appropriate length by cutting off the head and slotting it to be removed with a screwdriver. I just did this in January. Make sure that you use Mercedes Benz coolant (from a dealer) when you go back together. Look at the water pump for weeping or a loose bearing 'while you are there'. Look at this link. the site is down, but should be back up shortly. He has a head R&R and it is good to use in addition to the Bentley. www.townsendimports.com www.twinsaabs.com also has a DIY head gasket with pictures for a C900. good luck, KeithG "Brian Dean" <bjdinncnopsamsouth.net> wrote in message news:Fmzw8.157114$gA5.11337207nopsam0-atl2.usenetserver.com... > 1991 Saab 900 > 2.1 liter (2118 cc) > NON-Turbo > 105,000 miles > 5 spd standard w/air conditioning > > I noticed a bit of water missing from the radiator, a week later noticed a > bit more water missing, some gray smoke in the exhaust, and have confirmed > water in the oil. > > I assume this is a failed cylinder head gasket. Any advise on the job in > front of me would be helpful. > > I have done a few head gaskets and the fun parts always include removal of > the exhaust and intake manifolds, getting the crank and cam timing marks > aligned coming off and going back on, and getting the head back on in a > straight down fashion as to not damage the gasket and position everything > correctly...etc... > > I noticed in the Saab Bentley service manual that they have a guide pin to > help with the removal and installation process. It seems to allow for a > smooth up-off and down-on alignment of the cylinder head... anyone familiar > with this special guide tool and its utility? If I'm careful... do I really > need it? > > Any other comments or procedures that you folks might know that could > assist? > Any specific head gasket I should be buying ... I assume a factory Saab > gasket ? > > thanks again > Brian > > >