Date: 28 Apr 98 20:32:15 GMT From: "nils.hedenstierna" <nils.hedenstiernanopsamborg.mail.telia.com> Subject: Timing chain
Recently the timing chain on my brother’s SAAB 9000CD 2.3 broke. The car is a 1991 model with 88150 miles (141830 km). All the valves were bent, with the possible exception of a few of the intake valves. In addition, the chain had knocked a hole in the valve cover. There was no rattle or any other noise indicating that he chain was worn. Also, one would think that a chain should last more than 88000 miles. Most manufacturers recommend a change of timing *belts* at 60000 miles, which means that most belts will actually last considerably longer (I once forgot to replace the timing belt in my old Nissan Sentra, and it broke after almost exactly 90000 miles). The repairs, done at a shop in Gothenburg, Sweden, totaled 3150 U.S. Dollars (24390 Swedish Kronor) including tax. The labor was 840 USD and parts an impressive 2310 USD, although this includes a few inexpensive part such as belts that were not damaged as a direct consequence of the breakage of the chain. When I called around for estimates I spoke to a mechanic in a shop with a lot of experience in SAAB repairs, and he said that this problem was common. He also said that SAAB had improved the chain in April 1993. My question to the group is if anyone has experienced or has heard of the same problem? If this problem is as common as the mechanic indicated, I think SAAB should try to help its customers to deal with SAAB’s mistakes by prizing the parts reasonably. Klas O. F. Hedenstierna khedenstiernanopsamail.com
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