Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 01:07:12 GMT From: "The Grand Poobah" <eyles_jnopsamgovt.nz> Subject: 9000 won't start, 3rd update
Well, here we go again. One piece of information that I have not mentioned previously is that I have recently (last 4 or 5 tanks) changed from 96 octane fuel to 91 fuel, if that makes a difference. I intend to go back to 96 on the next fill. Yesterday, my non saab mechanic (but great guy) found nothing wrong as he couldn't reproduce the hard starting problems that were diagnosed as dodgy headgasket by the dealer. He found all four cylinders had equal compression and so is convinced the problem is elsewhere. So last night, I take the car home (starts first time). This morning (starts first time) my wife and I go for a medical appointment (no more than a 15 minute drive). We get back in the car after 20 minutes, and you guessed it, would not start for love or money! Very frustrating. So after catching the bus to work, I get a ride back to the car at lunchtime and you guessed it (starts first time). My friendly mechanic has meanwhile sourced a DI cassette from another garage so he sticks it in and I drive (starts first time) it to work. The car is now sitting in the carpark building across the road, waiting for me to start her up tonight (I can't wait). The rationale for trying a different cassette is to see if the problem is isolated in this area. A few questions and some answers to questions from Dave. 1. Are all DI cassettes the same? The part number is missing from the replacement but it looks exactly the same as the one that was in the car. Is there for example a different type of DI cassette for non turbo engines? Will I root something else if I have the wrong unit? 2. I noticed (or imagined) that the car hesitated under load with the new cassette (I'll give it another boot tonight). Otherwise the car seems to run normally with the new DI. Should I be concerned about anything here? 3. If the new DI Unit does fix the starting problem, how many $$$ are they roughly and are they worth fixing? When it's not starting, can you hear the engine cranking irregularly? No Does every fourth compression stroke sound different, for instance? No, sounds fine to me That's kind of a tricky question if you've not listened to it in that way before, but does the engine crank regularly or does it "lope"? Not that I can tell. Thanks for listening! All advice welcome. -- Grand Poobah '96 9000 CS 2.3 LPT 157km -- Grand Poobah '96 9000 CS 2.3 LPT 155km
