This is one of those subjects where everyone has a different opinion, so I might as well add mine.

The head gasket on my 1998 CSE did have a very slight oil leak at the front inboard corner of the engine. Not really wet, just damp. I degreased it to make sure it was not the valve cover, and sure enough, it was at the head/block joint. I had Tor's Saab in Lompoc CA change the head gasket and haven't seen any sign of reoccurrence.

There was a head bolt torque and stretching procedure, and if memory serves, the procedure is different for earlier years. And there are even different head bolts for the different years too, but I think the newer version is used if the head is removed.

As to the oil change frequency, I change mine every 5k miles, mainly because it’s easy to remember as I can see it coming up on the odometer. i.e. 35k, 40k, etc. I use Mobil 1 in the ‘98 which has the Aero engine, but I use dino oil in my 1992 9000 (purchased new). It has 130k miles and uses only about a quarter of a quart between changes. What I do change quite frequently is the air filter, because sucking in road grit will do much more harm than not changing the oil every 3k.

I know I’m not going to change the minds of all you 3k mile oil changers, but I do want to take this opportunity to thank you for doing it. Now that I'm retired from flying, I’m in the crude oil business and we need to use up this cheap oil. ;-)

posted by 64.91.20...

• Headgasket oil leak, sully, Tue, 26 Nov 2002 13:50:08
  • Going out on a limb, but....., Rick L, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 22:11:44
  • Re: Headgasket oil leak, Captain Eddie Bob, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 20:41:30 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Only because I just saw this in my car ...., Jaddy, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 01:04:12
    • Re: Only because I just saw this in my car ...., sully, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 10:39:52
  • Don't re-torque the head bolts! and..., CalAero, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 00:37:51
    • Can't really agree with you about oil changes >, Bill Davies, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 04:24:34
      • But the conventional wisdom..., CalAero, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 11:38:20
        • No, that's the conventional wisdom among..., BillJ, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 13:47:22
          • It's even worse than you say >, Bill Davies, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 14:17:39
      • Re: Can't really agree with you about oil changes >, sully, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 10:37:39
  • I second that, in fact I saw your post but was unsure+, roman, Tue, 26 Nov 2002 16:08:46
  • May not be the head gasket..., SteveB, Tue, 26 Nov 2002 14:20:37

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: Try Changing the Safety Valve, JimO, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 20:31:40
• Next by Date: Brakes, Rich, Wed, 27 Nov 2002 20:46:53
• Main 9000 Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)