As Dean says, see a dealer ASAP and get a print out of the service history.

By far the most important thing for your V6 is the timing belt. The original factory service interval was shortened due to problems with the belts, pulleys, and/or engine design. As long you get things changed according to spec, the engine should run great and be long-lasting. If you don't and a belt or a pulley or tensioner in the timing system fails, it will toast the valves, requiring major ($3000+) engine repair.

The latest specs call for the timing BELT to be changed at 35k, 65k, and 95k.

There is also a timing belt KIT (consistently of a replacement tensioner pulley assembly and idler pulleys) that is supposed to last 60,000 miles. If that has never been installed, or it is approaching 60k, it is imperative that the full system (kit and belt) be changed ASAP. An experienced mechanic should be able to tell by inspection if the pulleys in the kit were installed or not (they look a little different), but I would double check this with the dealer service records. If neither agree, I would not chance it, and I would replace the full system.

Saab covers the belt changes for FREE. Some dealers will do the belt alone for free, others require you to purchase the every-30k service interval (plugs, filters, fluid changes, etc.) to get the free belt change. Official Saab policy is that the belt change should be free regardless, but experience varies. Search "timing belt" and read the many posts in the archives for details and a few scary stories.

I am not sure, but I think that Saab also covers the "kit" with updated pulleys. If not, buy it anyway! The kit costs $380 last time I checked. It costs about $700-800 total to have the full system changed after 100,000 miles, but this is still cheaper than a new engine.

Derek / 1994 900 S V6 135,500mi

posted by 152.3.1...

• no service records, Tim, Mon, 15 Sep 2003 20:18:30
  • Most important thing for the V6 is the timing belt!, Derek in Durham, Tue, 16 Sep 2003 06:27:16 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: no service records, Dean, Tue, 16 Sep 2003 06:05:29
  • Well, you have taken the plunge......, Punjabi, Tue, 16 Sep 2003 05:56:24

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