Date: Sat, 01 Jul 2006 00:16:14 +0100 From: "Charles C." <c.k.christacopoulos.removeme.nospamee.ac.uk> Subject: Re: [Saab_c900] 8V turbo engine problem - might be head gasket
Craig's Saab C900 Site wrote: > > Hi, > > two things are evident with the engine in the turbo car. it's really hard > to start and the first time it's cranked and fires it tends to die shortly > after letting the key go almost like it's fuel-starved but I know the fuel > pump is ok and I put a new fuel filter in some weeks back. A second crank > usually gets it going if I push the throttle a bit at the same time. No compression (probably). On second attempt there is a bit of oil in the cylinders and compression improves a bit. > > Second thing is when the engine is running. It sounds like it's running on > 3 cylinders only, Gasket or a valve that does not close or electrical or ... > and blows white smoke for around 10 to 15 minutes after > starting. Steam? There isn't any evidence that I've seen so far of water in the > oil, but from my limited understanding it's pointing to the head gasket > being suspect. I know all the spark leads are good and the distributor cap > is ok. I changed the spark plugs for a new set of BP7ES's a few months > ago. > > Another issue with the engine is that until it warms up and even sometimes > after it's warm, there is a metallic tapping sound in time with the engine > rotations that I haven't quite tracked down. First thought was something > wrong with the valves. I haven't work on 8V heads to that degree yet but > if I decide to take off the head to check out the gasket (I do have a set > of new head bolts), getting the head reconditioned might be worthwhile, or > just getting a new or recon'd one. > > Can a new or recon'd head be put on the engine as a drop-in replacement > for the one on it now with just a head gasket and a timing check (and > maybe a new timing chain) installed as well? I guess the timing chain > would be a problem unless it's a version with master link. > > Craig. > Do a compression test. Is this an 8v or 16 valve head? The 8 (don't know about the 16) had a habit of cracking in line with ??? inlet valve No 3 ???. Not repairable if it has cracked. Gasket or crack can explain some of the problems. The metallic sound it likely to be from valves or camshaft (sticky valve, worn camshaft bearings ...) ... uhmmm does this head have hydraulic tappets? (too new for me then) in which case until the oil starts flowing they are noisy because they are worn out. If it helps at all. Charles -- Please remove _removeme_ to reply.