Date: 7 Jan 2003 22:43:39 -0500 From: Kel <ottawasaabnopsamail.com> Subject: Re: '97 900 SE Coolant leak
"DaveDoney" <remove2reachdavedoneynopsamm.com> wrote in news:EKYR9.31$Z5.67039nopsam1.ptd.net: > I have the same car in the US. I had the same problem only I > complained to Saab dealer about seeing dried coolant around the head > at 47K miles (Still under warranty). At 60K the gasket was leaking > like yours. Saab dealer that refused to replace head gasket at 47K now > wanted $600 to do the job. > > Got it down and argued with dealer and Saab Customer Service. Got my > cost down to $200 > > PS Independent mechanic didn't want to do the job (Too time > consuming/complicated) Wanted to charge more than dealer. Dealer did > it fast and correct the 1st time and car has 70K now and runs fine. > > Dave > > "Kel" <ottawasaabnopsamail.com> wrote in message > news:3e1363b5$1_4nopsamews.... >> >> Car is a 1997 Saab 900 SE turbo manual transmission. Car is located >> in Eastern Canada (I can convert currency for a ballpark estimate of >> costs). >> >> For the past few weeks the coolant level has been dropping fairly >> quickly. Looking at the engine compartment I can see a wet spot on >> the engine mount near the right side of the engine block which is >> presumably coolant. I do not see any leaks relative to the radiator >> so I am assuming that is not > the >> problem. >> >> Due to the holidays I have not been able to take it into a garage yet >> (the plus side is I have not had to drive it as much as normal). When >> I topped up the coolant yesterday I also checked the oil level. The >> level was > higher >> than expected, and the oil is now a milky in colour, similar to >> coffee > with >> a bit of cream in it. My assumption is that this is due to coolant >> leaking into parts of the engine it should not be and undergoing a >> change due to mixing with the oil and heat of the engine running. Turns out the leak was due to a loose hose clamp. A compression test saved the hassle/expense of a head gasket change (Yay! Saved on $740+ CAD that the dealer estimated for head gasket replacement). A change of fluids, a bit of servicing (rear brakes) and the car is back on the road with a small list of repairs to plan for (axle leak, clutch and highbeam short) Thanks again for the advise/suggestions.