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1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Hi all,
I think I'm going to try and replace the head gasket on my '97 Aero (101,000 miles) and have a few questions. The car has never run right since I've had it. It's always had a misfire on one cylinder. I've replaced pretty much all of the fuel and ignition components that could have caused it without success, including the plugs, DI cassette, filters, and fuel injectors. The last time I drove it I drove for about an hour on the highway. When I arrived at my destination, the coolant reservoir was distended (popped out due to pressure) and it was shooting coolant from around the hose clamps on the heater and radiator hoses. My guess is that it has a bad head gasket that is allowing compression to leak into the water jacket, overpressuring the cooling system. Does this seem reasonable?
The PO claims that the car overheated at one point in its life and he had the head gasket, radiator and hoses replaced. He lied about or omitted most of the car's other issues, so it's possible that this was also a lie. My father did a compression test and all four cylinders were above 180 lbs (as I remember).
My questions are as follows: Does my diagnosis seem reasonable? Should I re-use the original head or should I use the head from one of our other 9Ks? I am going to buy the Saab head gasket kit, a new thermostat, new head bolts and a new valve cover gasket. Is there anything else I'll need? I have the requisite tools and have done plenty of other work, so I think I'll be ok.
This car has been a terrible purchase. I figure I'll give it one last chance now that all of my other 9Ks have been retired for one reason or another. I'd appreciate your advice.
Thanks,
David
posted by 129.98.43...
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