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I have a '92 900S with the same motor and the posts on this site will scare you to death if you read too many. Townsend has a point, but it isn't as though there aren't any signs of this before it happens. The headgasket is to blame, not the engine block. Saab built the 2.1L engine with a gasket that doesn't allow coolant to flow through in that area, so older, corrosive coolant will eventually eat through and Yippee! you've blown a head gasket. If gone unrepaired (or unnoticed) the coolant can eat away at the surface of the head and block forming pits in the metal (very bad). Have the service records? Depending on how many miles the car had when you bought it, it may have already been replaced (the replacement gasket does not have the same issues, Saab fixed the problem). In fact, some of the latter 2.1L NA engines may have had the corrected gasket at birth (ask a Saab genius).
Basically, just keep an eye on coolant level, the oil when you drain it (milky = bad), and white exhaust smoke. Change the coolant annually. If the headgasket is faulty, get it fixed ASAP. Also, flush and go with a better coolant G05 spec or Dexcool (see my other post from today). Townsend also has good recommendations for getting a cooler thermostat and fan switch (also fan relay modification) to maintain lower engine temps. Cooler is better.
The 2.1L has gotten a bad rap on this site and I don't believe it's deserved. Also remember that the 2.1L also have more durable trannies (larger pinion bearing) with is arguably the biggest fault C900's have. This is a great car with a great engine (more HP than 2.0 NA also) and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Best of Luck,
Brian
'92 900 S
'02 9-3 SE
posted by 68.168.28...
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