Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 09:53:59 +0000 (UTC) From: "Tomnospamtech" <saabtechnospamnnect.com> Subject: Re: Head Gasket
"keith gatford" <keith.gatfordnospam wrote in message news:4136ba12$0$313$4d4eb98enospam.news.fi.uu.net... > Hi, Took my 2001 Saab 9-3se in for a scheduled 70 000km service yesterday. I > was shocked when they told me that the head gasket is leaking and would > probably need to be changed amounting to a cost over 1000 euros. They > suggested first to try tightening the head bolts and if it still leaked > after this then change the gasket. > Is it worth to try tightening the bolts? does it normally help or is it just > borrowed time? > what is the cause of a leaky head gasket? I always thought it was an old car > disease! > > thanks, keith It is definately worth a try, there is definately a problem with Saab 16 valve engines with head bolts coming loose, so much so that I have been checking the head bolts on them as they come in for a service if I know they have not been checked before. At least half of those checked have loose bolts, some so loose that they are only finger tight. 95% of the time retorqueing the bolts fixes the problem. HTH Tom. >