Just Bought a 9000. It won't move.

[sp53]

I find the squeaky noise odd and I did not hear the rhythm of a bearing; however, the engine stayed at the one speed. On simpler designed engines we would remove the fan belt and run the engine to eliminate the turning of the water pump and generator bearings. If the noise persisted, we knew it was in the cam or crank.( But again you say the engine dies right away) I suppose somehow one could do the same to a Saab 4 cylinder. You would have the hydraulic belt tensioner to contend with, but if you can hold that together with some wirer and pull the belt off I do not see why starting it for a minute would hurt anything at this point. Some of the guys like Jim M probably have a more refined method for isolating the noise.

[JeffX]

I have no idea what that sound is, but it sounds bad. The fact that it coincides with the engine dying makes matters worse.

get that vehicle to a mechanic ASAP.

Folks are asking you what you paid. This is important. A '98 in good shape (with blown motor) is still a good deal if you have nice interior and didn't pay much.

Good luck....

[willell]

So either way this is going to require the engine out i suppose. All I can hope for is that this complaint against him gets him to pay for the repairs.

I payed $4800 for the car, which i thought was good for a nice running car with a good body and interior, but I'm thinking differently with this engine situation.

[spadar]

hi, at least two noises or perhaps 3(btw i'm deaf--just joking!!!).electrical,a light metal rubbing and possibly an external knock.big ends are a deep knock, usually. are the alternator and starter motor securely mounted? is the gearbox/transmission also scurely mounted(rubbing spacer plate) it could also be a shattered clutch pressure plate if it's a manual. it is worth persevering if the car wasn't overpriced to start with.( i couldn't access the link from your message a problem my end i would say--cut and pasted it to firefox). love that car.cheers

[willell]

Thanks for all the insight and help you guys have given. I've made plans to tow it to a good Saab shop tomorrow to get it fixed. Hopefully soon I'll be driving it.

[erix920]

For $4800 I would NOT put any money into that car. I got mine in great condition minus a motor that the previous owner didn't put any oil in for a nice 150 mile trip for $2000. Not knowing why it was failing emission I took it to a mechanic where he found a crack in the block. The mechanic knocked off the labor fee (it was probably around 20 hours) and it came out to around 3000.

I would file a complaint and maybe sue his *** for selling you a clearly broken car. IF you can find him...