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Well today I got under the new car to change the oil. After a little wondering about where the oil drain plug really was (I found it) I drained the oil and replaced that dirty black mess with clean 5w30 dino. Also replaced filter with cheapo fram filter. Oil was only black - no frothy mess so I'm hoping the headgasket still retains its integrity. I was surprised by how difficult it was to access the oil filter.
Bad news comes in three parts:
(1) the driver's side CV joint boot is really torn. I have not heard the characteristic "clicking" sound on turns in either direction and plan to simply replace the boot. Is this easy? The boot is certainly cheap enough.
(2) the coolant reservoir tank was dry when I popped the hood to change the oil. I have noticed a coolant smell lately and assumed there was a small leak somewhere - I plan tomorrow to fill the reservoir up with coolant of the proper mix and look for leaks. Is this bad technique? I observed white residue on the top of the exahust pipe before the cat, after the downpipe union. I therefore assume that the leak is coming from the back of the engine somewhere. I still havn't checked the vicinity of the heater core - the carpety is not wet though. I have not noticed a spike in the tempertature gauge. Assuming the worst, ie ALL the coolant has evaporated, where is the coolant temperature measured. Is this low reading a good sign that I may have dodged a bullet? It has been very cold in Minnesota lately and my trips have been short. In addition, the heater has been working (though less so today).
(3) I also checked the transmission oil. Level was rather low - just touched the bottom of the dipstick. I plan to drain and change it tomorrow with 10W40 as per the saab manual. I assume the manual transmission case is drained via the hex/torx bolt on the bottom of the transmission (back of the engine) and is filled via the exhaust side dipstick? Is seems odd to me that the exhaust manifold touches the gearbox dipstick. Is this standard?
Also wondering what the general feeling about Saab OEM vs Aftermarket parts. In some cases (ie waterpump) the difference is as great as $50. Is there anecdotal evidence that weighs against non-OEM parts?
thanks for anll the replies thus far - they are appreciated. With a little luck the Bently manual comes tomorrow.
NT
posted by 134.84.252...
, Tue, 24 Dec 2002 12:27:53
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