[erron]

So I go out this morning and run tot he bank car is working fine. Get home and a couple hours later try turning the car on and its turning over like crazy but wont start. Catches for a second once in a while but not enough to start. I can smell fuel pretty good and it even backfired one time so I dont think its the fuel system. So is there any way the timing couldve jumped off or would opinions say the DI? 115kon the car. Saabs arent known to sufffer massive engine failure at all really are they? Thanks for any info on diagnosing the DI.

Erron

 

[jared_kipe]

Well there is lots of info on how to diagnose your DI cassette. Just take it out, and take out the plugs, and flip it over so its pointing up. Put the plugs in, and ground the outside of the plugs. Now turn the car over and you'll see sparks fly, especially when you turn it off. If any plug isn't sparking check the connection and try again. If it still isn't going, you probably need a new DI cassette (as long as the plugs look fine).

 

[earthworm]

I, for one, do not accept that these devices (fuel pump, DI cassette, oil quality,some others) suddenly "just go". Rather, as an example, the electrical resistance increases with age and mileage to a point where a non-function occurs.

This can be tested every time the car is started and run via the computer system - when the end of service limit is close, a advisory would appear on the dash - giving the driver ample time to make repairs, rather than the old fashioned "conking out" on the interstate at 80 mph during rush hour...
Maybe in the year 2121, if man is still alive.......

 

[ragtopcav]

Someone described a failed DI smelling like 'whores draws after a busy night' I have no idea what he means but apparently the do smell a bit when the pack up, so a diagnostic with the olfactory organ if you will.

 

[busaboy]

Earthworm - I think it's "...in the year 2525...."

 

[bkrell]

Mine never smelled like anything. One day it misfired (giving a misfire code). The next day it went going 75 mph (in the rain and in the pre-dawn dark).

 

[earthworm]

Goggled, the 2121 was a guess..I really enjoyed that song - it had something profound to say. A sequel - starting with 2121 ??

I still say its the heat that ruins these DIs and coil packs in other cars - the engine comps are too damn small - the cars too compact ! And so much of the styling has the inspiration of a bowl full of jello !

One man equates the under-hood temperature to that of a blast furnace !!
I agree - we need some clever ductwork to quickly move the exhaust manifold heat down and away...
Maybe surround the transformers with sodium ???

Interesting to note that Saab is still the only car (hope I am right about this) using DI.....
I must Google again..

 

[ragtopcav]

Interesting to note that Saab is still the only car (hope I am right about this) using DI.....
I must Google again..

I should google lots more, direct ignition is being adopted quite a bit, many GM Vauxhall Opel cars have it now on 4 cyl high output units, but importantly, the coils are independently replaceable just junk out the dud as and when.

Some people have treated the cassette as a service item and stripped it out, clean it then gave it a spray of silicone prior to re-installing a few of these cars are on the original unit after 12 years.

So because of emmision control multi coil is the way forward, so if not direct ignition how about coil packs? well a coil pack for the V6 is more expensive than a DI cassette, even though more V6's engines were made [think GM globally, saab 4cyl is chicken feed in comparison] and they're not much more reliable either.

VW? coil pack issues [not unlike the V6 saab/GM unit in apperance/function] nearly bankrupted the dub a few years ago.

 

[bkrell]

Yeah, in most cars they are seperated. And heat is definately the problem. The underhood temps of our cars are silly. I'd guess that's why every hose I have bursts fairly quickly and my battery was pretty bubbly until I shrouded it.

 

[erron]

I tested it today and there was some spark in what seemed to be 3 of the plugs...but it was weak looking to me. Not bright or strong looking. I guess I will try a DI and hope thats it....if not ill be asking for more help haha Thanks for any input

 

[jared_kipe]

That forth plug could be the problem, do the plugs look like they're in good shape?

 

[erron]

Yes plus were in good shape. I replaced the anyways to make sure it was not the plugs.

 

[abdukted1456]

how exactly does one ground the plugs, with what and to what?;oops: I want to test mine.

 

[jared_kipe]

Just a piece of wire. Take the wire and bend it around the threads for the plug, and run the other wire to either the chassis or the negative terminal of the battery.

Those threads would normally ground against the crank case where they screw in.