Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 09:25:27 -0500 From: John Cox <nacranopsamll.net> Subject: 87 900S Engine Problems
<HTML> I recently (last weekend) purchased my first Saab, a 1987 900S. I will soon be relocating from Dallas to Kansas City, and my original intention was to use it as a winter car, and save my "good" vehicles from the wrath of the midwestern winters. Living with the car for a few days has really changed my mind about sacrificing this machine, however. <P>I am really taken by the design and build quality and, for better or worse, appear to be evolving into one of those "Saab nuts". I love the thing. The car has 87,000 miles on it (4 door) and the body is virtually perfect (Texas car). Unfortunately it exhibits some problems, most of them related to the engine. Perhaps this group can point me in the right direction toward resolving them. <P>The first problem is perhaps a Saab "design feature" that I am unfamiliar with, but the coolant overflow tank fills to the top with coolant and pressurizes after a drive of any distance. Coolant does not overflow, it just fills the tank. When the engine cools, the coolant flows from the overflow tank back into the engine. This does not seem normal (at least not for any domestic automobile). Is this a problem? If so, what is the cause? <P>The second problem is an oil leak. It appears to be coming from the crankshaft seal on the firewall end. This is really strange, but it does not leak while driving, and it does not leak when the car is parked on a grade with the nose pointing down. It leaks like a seive after the car is parked on a grade with the nose pointed up, however. How common is this? What should be done to fix it? <P>The third problem is a tendency to idle very slowly (sometimes stall) when cold. throttle response off idle also seems flat at all temperatures. The engine has good power, once underway. The engine does run smoothly and on all cylinders at all times. <P>The fourth problem (not engine related) is one where the turn signals to not work when the lights are on and the brake is depressed. They work fine at all times when the lights are off and they work fine when the lights are on, as long as your foot is not on the brake. Both turn signal indicators in the instrument panel also glow dimly when the lights are on and the brake is depressed. Perhaps this is related. Any ideas? <P>Nacranopsamll.net <BR> <BR> </HTML>
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