[crystalpexi]

Hi Saab-Lovers,

I have had my 1999 Saab 9-3 for about two years now. Up until recently, like 3 months ago, it has been running fine. I did have it parked through the winter as I live in a snowy area and could just walk to work. I had it smogged in March and the tires changed. Since the tires were changed I noticed that my brake alert light comes on along with the (!) light and check engine. About three weeks later, my car seemed to be putting out more smoke from the exhaust. I live in a high elevation 6500+ and it really started billowing when I took a trip down the mountain into the city. I thought it might just be running really rich - but this was an extreme amount of smoke now - a total hazard on the road for anyone behind me. Since then I had parked it up, fearing it was a blown head gasket. There were no signs of overheating and no weird residues in either the oil or coolant resevoirs. The Turbo gauge is still reacting and I can hear it kick in, but there is a lack of power from how it use to drive. I also noticed driving it around that if I don't engage the turbo so much there isn't as much smoke. I guess my question is, anybody else have similar problems, and how much am I really looking at spending? I am a mom of three kids living off a Karaoke Host wages/tips, so I want to know is it even worth saving this car? :roll:

 

[69mgb]

Hi Crystal,

I had the head gasket blow on my 1996 Saab 900 with the 2.0 turbo. It had cracked in a location where the coolant was flowing in to the cylinders and it was blowing pure white smoke from the back. It was a LOT of smoke, like a James Bond car...

The repair wasn't that expensive (IIRC it was around $600 parts and labor) and I replaced a few other components while they were in there. Mind you this was about 6 years ago and my memory isn't all that great.

A complete head gasket set for your car sells for between $60 and $85 (depending on your engine) and the new bolts are about $20 for the full set and you need these since they can't be reused. Labor should be very straightforward.

Hope this helps!

Mark

 

[Sotwa89]

Check the section for the model car you have there will be more information to help you there.

 

[HuNtS]

sounds like it could be turbo seals. check your piping and see if you've got any oil/coolant running through (assuming you've got an intercooler on the earlier models?)

also, take it to an auto parts store and have them pull the code for the CEL (check engine light), that should get you started on the right track.