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I have a 96 900s with the 2.3L it has 106k on her. I bought the car new and have changed the oil between 3K & 5K religiously. But of course I can’t prove this easily because I have had the oil changed at many different oil change places and the dealer and a couple private mechanics along the way. I had the idler pulleys and Belt replaced early this month at the dealer. He told me my Balance Chain needed to be replaced at a cost of $ 1870.00. Since I do not trust this dealer because of past issues I did not have him do it. Since then I changed the oil and have driven the car 2800K and did another oil change. I opened the oil filter and did see small metal shavings so now I believe the dealer is probably correct. The dealer told me what happens is a chunk of metal gets into the oil pump, it dies, the oil pressure drops and the engine seizes. Is this true?
I friend who does transmission work at a Dodge dealer. (So I don’t trust his opinion 100% to). Told me its not the chain that breaks but the gear sprockets grind down. He said its rare for a large piece of a sprocket to break off and go into the oil pump. He said if I change the oil and filter every 2K or so I could get away with driving it another 20K and trade it in the fall . I will be in a position then for a new car. I want the new 93 model coming out but want to wait until after the “I want to have it first people” pay sticker and Saab has a few on the lot to be sold. Of course I will not go to my last dealer since any trade he would offer would be based on the balance chain issue.
Is my friend nuts?? Should I trade the car now or fix it. I am confused.
Also after searching this board it looks like this is a common problem. I love the car but I am upset because this kind of major engine work should not happen at 106K. I this car was not neglected, I under stand Saabs are high maintenance but this appears a design issue with the 2.3L
Albert
posted by 24.92.226...
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