Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 13:01:16 -0500 From: "Trollhattan Auto Parts, Inc." <bobnopsamrtroll.com> Subject: Re: Blown Head Gasket question
Aaron; Aaron wrote: > HI, > > I recently found out where my Coolant was going in my 9000 Turbo. > Unfortunately, it's been seeping into a very bad spot. Today, as I > kicked in the turbo to pass someone, a puff of smoke came out of the > tailpipe, and the car wouldn't go very fast at all. > > I am assuming that I have either a blown head gasket or a cracked > head. Assuming that the situation is just a blown gasket, does anyone > know what repairs should run for the whole gamut (sending head > for pressure testing, parts, labor, etc.) for putting in a new > gasket?? You should expect to find that only the gasket has failed, however, I would always recommend having the head pressure tested, and surfaced. This does not HAVE to be done, however, it is a nice insurance policy and will make a nice job. One thing I do -not- recommend is to have a valve job done. Saab does not recommended to cut the valves, as it will remove the stelite protective coating and allow the vales to wear more rapidly. Most machine shops will disagree with this because it is not in their best interest. The correct alternative would be to either replace all of the valves - do not do- $$$, or just hand lap the valves in, which is counter productive for the machine shop, and most will not perform this operation... So you are left with several options: 1. Remove head, clean surfaces, and replace gaskets (minimal) 2. Remove head, Pressure test and surface + above 3. Remove head, pressure test, surface, disassemble, replace seals, and lap valves. 4. Remove head, P. test, surface, valve job, and hope for the best as far as accelerated valve wear. Some customers have been able to find a machine shop that will clean, pressure test, surface, and disassemble the head and return it unassembled to the customer for him, or her to lap the valves, and then will re-assemble and return the finished product. I'm sure by now you have been giving too much information and may be even more confused as to how you should proceed, don't be! All of the above have worked in the past, some better than others. Better to be an informed consumer... As far as a labor charge the billable time, which does not mean how long it takes, is between 8-10 hours bobnopsamrtroll.com, or visit us on the web directnopsamrtroll.com ONLINE ORDER FORM: http://www.cybertroll.com/saabfrm.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ > My favored mechanic says last time he did it, it ran $800, but another > guy says he can do the whole thing for about $550. If it is just the > head gasket, I will get it fixed. > > Thanks for any input in the matter. > > Aaron > still a proud owner of an '87 9000T
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