Gavin: good to hear from you--I think everyone has had that time where work took over life for a while. And I know that I've ignored car stuff during those periods because it seemed more important to just "get there."

Problem #1--fluid leak. You have to figure out what the heck the stuff is. You can use AT fluid for your power steering fluid, and since it is bright pink, it should be a bit easier to differentiate from motor oil.

If it is power steering (which now that you've had it, is really a pain to be without), the pump is easy to change out, but I've heard that the steering rack is a PITA. Another thing to consider could be a serious leak from the hoses. These are expensive parts from SAAB, but can easily be rebuilt by a reputable hydraulic shop for under $100 to be better than OEM.

Theory on why the leak appeared after two hours: longer trip = more heat. More heat = higher temperature and higher pressure. Higher pressure = more stuff squirting out all over the place.

I want to encourage you fix the leak asap, as oil of any kind is just plain awful for all the little rubber parts in the engine compartment, such as motor mounts, ball joints, cv boots, etc.

Problem #2: bucking. If you know the car is running rich, then I would check all the usual suspects: vacuum lines, fuel filter, air filter, O2 sensor, fuel pressure regulator, spark plugs. You do have NGK plugs, yes? Good job fixing the gap on them. I'm not too keen on the fuel system, but the previous list gives you a starting place.

One other thing--your (manual tranny, yes?) may have a drain plug, and if not, it can be installed--I think Quasi's site has a how-to. My 88 doesn't have one, and from what I understand, they are sealed at the factory. Not sure when the drain plugs started. Just take a peek underneath the tranny--it should be fairly obvious under there.

Good luck. Let us know what you find out.

Urby

posted by 199.224.8...

• somebody just shoot me, i think i broke my car! (long), gavin, Wed, 30 Mar 2005 19:44:47
  • Bucking, Gene N , Thu, 31 Mar 2005 10:59:28
  • Take a deep breath ..., Urby, Thu, 31 Mar 2005 09:41:16 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Bucking?, Tarooka , Thu, 31 Mar 2005 06:57:37
    • it's not fuel cut off, gavin, Thu, 31 Mar 2005 08:39:41
      • Bucking - Same problem I had, SwingBopper, Fri, 1 Apr 2005 23:39:09
  • Okay, okay, easy., AK Colin, Thu, 31 Mar 2005 01:25:41
    • okay, okay, thanks!, gavin, Thu, 31 Mar 2005 08:19:04
      • No, not for the '90 tranny, but, AK Colin, Thu, 31 Mar 2005 10:32:15
  • Your car is not dead and Hendrix lives, TRJ, Wed, 30 Mar 2005 22:08:52
    • if the tranny needs to be replaced..., gavin, Wed, 30 Mar 2005 23:08:29
  • recheck the power steering pump for leaks, 97 aero auto, Wed, 30 Mar 2005 20:09:19
    • wishful thinking...., gavin, Wed, 30 Mar 2005 20:19:17

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