[2natw]

Hi, question related to the sludge issue in the B205/B235 engines. I realize there has been a lot of discussion about this already, but unfortunately I'm not very knowledgeable about car repair...doing my best to understand this particular issue...

I bought a 2001 9-3 1 yr ago. Recently the oil light came on (was flickering at idle, this occurred maybe 3 times in one trip after 30 mins of driving). I stopped driving it and took it to the mechanic. They took off the oil pan, found some sludge, and cleaned out the pan along with the pick up screen. They put in PCV update #6.

I now have the car back and it's driving fine. However, I'd like to go on a trip at the end of Oct and I'm not sure if it's a good idea to take this car. I realize that I was likely driving around with very low oil pressure for some time before the light came on. For people who have dealt with the sludge issue - what advice would you have?

Some context...I change the oil every 3000 miles. The oil level was normal at the time the light came on, and there were never any unusual engine sounds. The mechanic I take it to has limited experience with Saabs, but I picked up the parts for the PCV update from a Saab specialist and talked to them about the car. They seemed to think the car will likely be fine if I caught the issue before I noticed anything unusual in how it sounded/drove

Thanks in advance

 

[jvanabra]

Anecdotally, you'll probably be fine.

The problem with relying on the light is that it illuminates when things are already very wrong. Seeing the light only at idle bodes well; if it comes on while driving you're probably already done for. But, just because it goes back off while driving doesn't mean things are healthy. 7psi (or whatever the light is, near there) at idle isn't great but not catastrophic. 8psi at 2000rpm is enough to turn the light out, but would be catastrophic soon. The only way to really know is to put an oil pressure gauge on it and find out.

Without actual diagnostics, it's just hopes and guesses. I would consider taking it back to the shop, asking them to get it nice and hot, then take oil pressure readings at 2000 and 3000rpm. Then with a high degree of accuracy you'll know. It's not difficult or time consuming to run this test.

 

[2natw]

Anecdotally, you'll probably be fine.

The problem with relying on the light is that it illuminates when things are already very wrong. Seeing the light only at idle bodes well; if it comes on while driving you're probably already done for. But, just because it goes back off while driving doesn't mean things are healthy. 7psi (or whatever the light is, near there) at idle isn't great but not catastrophic. 8psi at 2000rpm is enough to turn the light out, but would be catastrophic soon. The only way to really know is to put an oil pressure gauge on it and find out.

Without actual diagnostics, it's just hopes and guesses. I would consider taking it back to the shop, asking them to get it nice and hot, then take oil pressure readings at 2000 and 3000rpm. Then with a high degree of accuracy you'll know. It's not difficult or time consuming to run this test.

Great, thanks. I'll definitely try to get an actual pressure reading

 

[jvanabra]

If you are somewhat handy you could install an electric gauge with a minimum of fuss and just watch it yourself. You can get a plenty adequate gauge for under $100 and probably have it installed in two to three hours. It's another reasonable option with longer term benefits.

 

[ChattySaaby]

What weight of oil did you use? I've had the oil light go on at idle if I run too thin of an oil. Some 5w-30 oils will trigger my oil light. On the other hand, I've never gotten the light with 0w-40 or 5w-40 weights.

 

[kendalsmith]

If you've cleaned the screen and change the oil as recommended - you'll be fine for @ 40-50K miles. Just check your oil level often and make sure it doesn't get too low. Dropping the pan and cleaning the screen are the most critical things to do to "stop the sludge".