Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:03:49 -0500 From: Malt_Hound <Malt_Houndnospamm*yahoo.com> Subject: Re: 9-5 Timing Belt
Grunff wrote: > john.bain4 wrote: > >> Hi >> I have a UK Saab 1998 9-5 SE 2.3ltr in excellent condition which has >> given me excellent service until earlier this year (Jan) when it >> decided at 66,000 miles to blow a cylinder head gasket. To repair this >> with all the palaver involved cost me over £1000. Fortunately I had >> managed to get the turbocharger replaced under warranty before Xmas as >> it was leaking oil. >> When the car was in the garage I asked them to replace the timing belt >> whilst the main job was being done. After a bit of research, the >> service manager told me it doesn't have a timing belt - it's a chain >> and doesn't need replaced. I am sure I read in the manual that the >> belt needs changed circa 60,000 miles. >> Could anyone with this model tell me the correct answer please? > > > It's a chain, with no replacement interval. > > However, when in the midst of a head gasket, it would be prudent to check the extension of the chain tensioner, (which has to be removed anyway) as an indication of how worn the chain is. There is even a spec on this (ISTR it being ~ 10mm). Unless you never changed the oil, I seriously doubt the chain would be worn in only 60k miles. -Fred W