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Re: Getting a Classic 900 for my 97 900 Posted by CMyles [Email]  (#1126) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from CMyles) on Sun, 4 Feb 2007 15:53:36
In Reply to: Re: Getting a Classic 900 for my 97 900, magi115, Sun, 4 Feb 2007 14:41:19 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Sarah,
The top things which kill classic Saab 900s are; major rust, wrecked transaxles and on rare occasion wrecked engines. The expense of repairing or replacing these items exceeds what most people are willing to spend. These engines are very durable and routinely go hundreds of thousands of miles without major problems. Never let it overheat, that can wreck the cylinder head (make sure the fans run properly), and change the engine oil and filter religiously. I like conventional Castrol motor oils (as Saab recommends), some folks prefer synthetics. The key is to change it before it's worn out.
Be extra cautious about the transmission fluids. Both the automatic transaxle and the 5 speed manual transaxle are quickly destroyed if run without adequit fluids and The fluids do leak out. If you have the 5 speed manual the entire unit runs in a single lubricant, either 10w30 motor oil or better yet something like Redline MTL. The dipstick for the manual transaxle is on the passenger side in the form of a threaded plug which you unscrew to examine. (Earlier versions had an actual handled dipstick that you just pulled out). To drain, you unscrew the drain plug on bottom (early units) or remove the rear cover. Be aware that the drain plug near the front of the unit is for the engine oil, not the transaxle oil.
If you have the automatic transaxle then you must check the ATF (automatic transmission fluid) while it's fully warmed up and idling in park, the dipstick is pretty obvious. Use only type "F" ATF in this unit (not Dexron). The sore point that is frequently overlooked is that the differential section of the automatic transaxle is walled off internally from the transmission section and runs in gear oil, or alternatively motor oil but not ATF, and must also be checked periodically. If the gear oil leaks out and the differential runs dry then the entire transaxle will be destroyed while the whole time the ATF level is just right.
There are numerous sites from which these transaxles eventually leak and a small leak sometimes becomes a big one overnight. On a transaxle with low miles, like yours, getting the transaxle seals and gaskets replaced as needed is money well spent.
The best advice for any new (non-mechanic) C900 owner is to link up with a reliable local Saab independant mechanic for a thorough check up. Don't expect real support from a typical dealership (though exceptions exist) and try not to entrust your C900 to a non-Saab shop. Cheers.
posted by 206.123.221...
, Tue, 6 Feb 2007 19:54:56
, Mon, 5 Feb 2007 19:15:22, Sun, 4 Feb 2007 15:53:36 <-- Viewing This Message
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