Date: 6 Nov 2003 11:46:42 -0800 From: craignrobertsnopsamo.com (crobs) Subject: Oil sludge, engine shot?
Trying to sanity check my Saab service shop Brought my '96 900SE (64K miles) in w/ a rattle in the engine. Shop said it was likely the timing chain and suggested an expensive replacement. I bit. While doing that work, they noted that the engine was completely sludged up. Remedy - replace the whole engine w/ a rebuilt. They say the replacing the timing belt and cleaning out the whole engine would cost about the same thing. Admitedly, we miessed our oil changes from 48-56K miles, which could explain the sludge, though I have had it changed twice since then. And if the timing chain mechanism is that worn, there is a good chance that other parts may be worn as well. Questions: is this just the ultimate lesson in the importance of oil changes, or did I bite on work that was not really needed?