Question about Oil pump on a 1993 9000 CS (2.3L non-turbo)

[jechambe]

Hi Everyone.

I am new to this forum. I just bought a 1993 9000 CS, non-turbo, and when I went to go pick it up, the engine was making a VERY nasty rapping noise, like a hammer on the cylinder head. Well, needless to say, it was the oil pump that died. It seemed to work intermittently, until it finally died. The engine still turns over and starts, so at least I know the engine is not seased (Yes, I immediatly turn it off as to not damage it any more!)

My question is, is it common for the oil pumps in these cars to die, and how often do these die? The engine has about 125K miles on it. What would be the worse that would happen with an engine that was not getting enough oil? I guess I just dont know what kind of damage could of been done to the engine with out any oil pressure. I dont belive it was driven at all with the pump no working, but I cant be 100% sure.

I am new to these engines, so I am not very familar with the design of them.

Thanks for all of your help!!

Jesse Chamberlain
--1993 Saab 9000 CS
--1999 Bmw M3

[boxman]

it is unlikly to be the pump if it works some times, it is probably the pressure release valve sticking, you can find this on the pump housing

[jimbob]

Hi Jesse

Has the car been stood idle for a length of time or has the engine been started for short periods and stopped again before the engine warmed up properly? If so, then the hydraulic valve lifters may have been emptied of oil which can cause awful rattling valve train noises. This is quite well known on these engines and my own 88 9000i will do it if several short journeys of about 1 mile or less are taken over a few days. The only cure for mine is to drive the car for at least 20 minutes ( but not revving it above 3000 rpm) until the oil gets hot and thin enough to fill the tappets,
Does the oil pressure light work and if so, does it go out and stay out when the engine is running? If so, then your oil pressure should be ok eliminating problems with your oil pump.
If the oil pressure appears to be ok and there is enough oil on the dipstick, it might be worth running the engine until it warms up fully to see if the noisey tappets refill with oil and go quiet.
If it sounds more serious than noisey tappets, then don't try this!

Hope this gives you a few pointers
Jimbob