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Scenario: Only 65K miles on '03 9-3 Conv. SE Sport -oil changed w/ synth blend every 3-4K. Changed oil/filter 800 miles ago, cleaned K&N air filter & added new spark plugs a month ago - Champion 7348 double platinum -rather than book recommended NGKs... and then noticed a random occasional "hickup" quick miss in the engine only at idle maybe 1-2 times if at all at stoplights. Performance remained solid -kept plugs in.
Yesterday, mid-way on trip from San Diego to San Luis Obispo I filled up w/ 89 as usual, but noticed "upto 10%" Ethanol on the Shell pump (don't think the gas I usually get at VONs in SD has Ethanol??)
50 miles from San Luis Obispo w/ Cruise control at 75, slight uphill, serious hickups, loss of power as though running on 2-3 cylinders, also seemed to feel like AT was slipping some rev w/out acceleration... slight backfire/wrong sounds. Engine symbol light blinking, no code. Temp gauge fine in middle. -Then it got better for 5-10 min. at 40-60mph, and accelerated, ran fine, light went off -shortly. Then it happened again, & got worse died & wouldn't restart... towed. (I probably shouldn't have kept trying)
Tech. at Mieneke in Santa Maria says it's jumped time, cylinders smacked plugs. "Could be" due to "Common" oil feed clogs in these 9-3s leading to crankshaft bearing failure -loose extended piston hits plugs... Sounds odd to me -since only 65K & good oil history.
Tech said it likely will need whole new short block but it'll be $190 to remove oil pan & $300+ to check crank bearings to see damage...
Questions: -What else can cause jumped timing? Could it be my potentially wrong plugs? Could it be from loose serpintine belt? (needs changing) Could Ethenol affect correct firing/heat?
So, next step -pay $500 more for more diagnosis/proof that the lower engine is dead, or put that $500 toward a replacement short block & have them swap it? Or?
Anyone know where I might find a good low-mile short block or full replacement 02'-03' 9-3 SE Conv Engine somewhere close to Santa Maria, CA.?? I'll start calling the SoCal Saab dealers & parts places Monday AM...
Any ballpark $figure for such a used (under 75K) shortblock or full engine? Any ballpark $ for labor to swap just short block?
Any Help would be greatly appreciated -I don't want to extend the visit w/ mom much past Wednesday...
Thank you,
-Erik
posted by 75.15.138...
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