Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 22:28:59 +0200 From: "W Schouten" <WSCHOUTENnopsamEVISION.NL> Subject: Need HELP
Saab Friends, I have been a happy Saab driver for most of the last 12 years now driving an 87 classic 900S for 300.000 Km, a 86 9000i for 220.000 and 2 months ago bought a 92 9000CD 2.3 turbo (200HP) with 221.000 happy Kms. Took it on holiday to Spain and added another 9000Kms and loved driving it every inch of the way. Today however I visually checked the level of the cooling liquide in the expansion tank and I got the fright of my life as I found the liquide contaminated with what first seemed like oil but on closer examination now more looks like exhaust gas contaminants like carbon particles and the like! First thing that came to mind was a failing head gasket and I checked the dipstick for anti freeze signs. I had changed the oil only a day before (Synthetic oil) but did not find any evidence of cooland in the oil nor was there any significant change of oil level since the day before. I did however notice today twice, when accelerating to the level where the turbo really kicks-in, a whisteling noise as the pressure build past halfway the turbo gauge. Before I had the characteristic whine of the turbo that is such a joy to hear . . . There was no loss of performance or attainable turbo pressure as far as I can tell but I did not really push it hard. I did notice however this morning that the engine temp. stayed a bit lower than usual but nothing drastic. Now, how do I go about from here? I checked the sparkplugs for any discoloration but they all have a healthy color and there is no noticable rough idle. Did NOT yet check the compression of the cylinders. As far as I remember there was no trailing blue or white smoke as I made my way home today but I do have a sneaky suspicion that maybe my turbo's seals may have quit on me after 230.000Km. I can only think of 2 places where exhaust gas could get into the cooling system, either at the turbo (seals?) or head gasket has given way . . Does anyone have a similar experience to share or have any further pointers that may help me determine the root cause/culprit and how to tackle it best? Any and all suggestions are highly appreciated as is the moral support that I have seen among this NG over the past months. . . Thanks. Wil in Holland (worried silly)
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