Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2005 14:53:33 -0500 From: "gw" <no.spamnospam.com> Subject: Re: Head gasket in 900SE V6
"CasualBloke" <bydrumnnospamail.com> wrote in message news:8d329686ed256ecbd3d71cec929881f5nospamlhost.talkaboutautos.com... > Hi, > > I checked out a Saab 900SE for possible purchase today. Apparently it > failed its emissions test and a blown HG has been diagnosed as the > problem. It is a '95 with 54k "original" miles. Overall it is in good > shape and the motor runs smoothly - consistent with the mileage. Asking > price is $3500, as is. Current owner says he cannot afford to get the > work done, which he says he has priced at $1000-1500 > > Thought I would take the advice form the group on this one. I have been a > Saab owner previously so I know they can cost plenty. Does this seem like > a reasonable buy. I am willing to take some risk. Also, is this a job > that a person with reasonable mechanical aptitude and a service manual - > I have done this type of work before, but on "classic cars", i.e. no > elaborate engine management equipment. There are some questions that bug > me, such as why would a car with 54k blow a head gasket? Overheating? If > so, would that mean more serious head damage than just the gasket. > > All opinions welcome!!! > > Thanks. > > Cheers, > Brian. > > Are we talking US $ here? If so, I think it's overpriced. With a known, somewhat major engine problem, I'd probably offer about $2K. KBB shows private party value at $4055 in "fair" condition. For $3500, I'm sure you could find one with a less serious problem. The 2.5 is a DOHC V6. If you plan to DIY, you will need about $300 worth of special tools just to set the timing belt. The '94 and '95 model years had serious problems with the timing belt tensioner assemblies. They would fail, resulting in valve damage - it is an interference engine. If any head work is to be done, I would replace the belt and tensioner. We just spent about US$1500 at a Saab independent on a V6 and got the following: Timing belt Water pump Serpentine belt Cam seals Thermostat & housing 125K major service Just the timing belt and tensioner kit sells for about $300. The whole front of the engine has to come off to get to it.
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