I apologize for the length, but I need help.

I have a '02 Saab 9-3 that has had intermittent smoking exhaust and oil leakage problems. Prior to the smoking problem, I had new a PCV system installed and some sludge cleaned up (even though I changed the synth oil religiously).

Then the exhaust started occasionally blowing smoke after it had been driven a while. So, as per the repair shop, I replaced the Turbo Charger. Still the smoking exhaust happened. Shop told me that oil was leaking from the engine and it ruined the new turbo charger. They would replace the turbo charger again, but I would need a new head gasket or the oil leak would just ruin the Turbo charger again.

So I do the head gasket and they tell me the engine has good compression, but is still leaking oil and I need a new engine. My heart sinks...I do not want to put another dime into this car. I don't want to pay for a head gasket that I might not have needed.

So, after a few days, the repair shop tells me that the piston rings are bad in one chamber and I don't have good compression. (Why the turnaround?) And here's the part I need to know if it makes sense: The shop tells me I can drive the car as long as I keep oil in it and the new turbo won't be ruined. I figure I can use the car as a "local ride" for those near-home, store trips etc, and the car will have a function.

Questions: Can I really drive this car with bad piston rings? Why does the shop initially tell me leaking oil ruined the turbo charger, but now tells me the turbo charger will be okay as long as I keep oil in the car? How long will the live with bad piston rings? Should I only make short trips? Why isn't the new turbo charger just going to be ruined again? Is there a cheap non-smoking oil that is recommended for engines in this shape.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this and respond. I need some advice here.

Kind regards,
Tom


posted by 67.246.156...

• Where do I stand? Repairs on PCV, turbo and head gasket, Tom, Sun, 20 Jan 2013 07:38:51 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Run!, No Snaab, Mon, 21 Jan 2013 15:28:32
  • Find a new Shop, Sondeen , Mon, 21 Jan 2013 09:46:00
    • Re: Find a new Shop, Tom, Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:36:02
  • Re: Where do I stand? Repairs on PCV, turbo and head gasket, SWEDECAR , Sun, 20 Jan 2013 08:05:13
    • Re: Where do I stand? Repairs on PCV, turbo and head gasket, Tom, Sun, 20 Jan 2013 11:14:22
      • Re: Where do I stand? Repairs on PCV, turbo and head gasket, SWEDECAR , Sun, 20 Jan 2013 11:56:06
        • Re: Where do I stand? Repairs on PCV, turbo and head gasket, Tom, Mon, 21 Jan 2013 04:53:56
          • Re: Where do I stand? Repairs on PCV, turbo and head gasket, SWEDECAR , Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:16:51
            • Re: Where do I stand? Repairs on PCV, turbo and head gasket, Tom, Mon, 21 Jan 2013 09:13:39
        • Re: Where do I stand? Repairs on PCV, turbo and head gasket, Tom, Sun, 20 Jan 2013 14:07:57
          • Re: Where do I stand? Repairs on PCV, turbo and head gasket, Gary, Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:50:14
            • Re: Where do I stand? Repairs on PCV, turbo and head gasket, roofer1011 , Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:12:38

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