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Re: A few questions from a new member Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Mon, 20 Sep 2004 06:15:17
In Reply to: A few questions from a new member, stupidtime, Sun, 19 Sep 2004 20:39:41 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The timing chain issue is really a balance shaft chain issue. There is a second chain that drives the balance shafts, and the sprockets were weak on '91-'93. The balance chain would break, and foul up the timing chain.
With regular, frequent oil changes, (like every 3K), the timing chain should last forever. Replacing it is not simple. Mostly because if the chain is worn, chances are good that the chain guides are also worn. This requires siginificant dissasembly (engine stays in car). But for all that, given the year and maintence, on this car you should be OK. The valve cover at idle may be a little rattly, but avoid a car that sounds like a tin can full of silverware rolling down stairs.
The main pulley and the idler pulleys are common failure points. I've gotten into the habit of replacing the idler pulley every 60K miles or so. The main pulley can be inspected for condition.
SRS light - when you turn the steering wheel side to side, do you hear a click from the steering column? If so, the 'clock' spring in the column is broken. It supplies contact to the airbag. If broken, it's about a $150-$200 repair, best done by the dealer.
Yes, there was a SRS recall, but I don't think it applies to a '94. If the heater core leaked, it would drip on the SRS module behind the center console. Saab's fix was to put a rain hat on the SRS module. If the heater core was leaking, they would replace it.
If the car hasn't had the SRS recall done, the dealer will still honor it. You can contact a dealer with the VIN and he'll tell you. However, there are a bunch of things that can just plain break and cause the SRS light (such as the clock spring) that (1) means the airbag is non-functional and (2) you'll need to pay for to fix. So assume you need to pay for the SRS repair.
Very likely the leak is from the valve cover. Remove the DI cassette - the thing covering the spark plugs - four bolts. The valve cover gasket likes to leak, especially if it's original. Quite often it leaks into the spark plug well, and that can drain out by the tranny. Or it weeps at the tranny side. The valve cover is the part high on the engine. If it's leaking from there, no big deal - $20 for a new gasket and a hour one afternoon. If it's leaking within an inch or so of where the autobox joins it, that's the head, and that may not be so good. But oil flows down, so wipe the area and look carefully.
The autobox is a weak spot on the 9000. If the autobox is original, be very careful, as it may need replacement. Shifts should be very smooth. Back the car up, bring it to a stop, and shift into Drive. There should be no delay, no thump. Find a steep hill, and accelerate up to about 45-50 mph, then back off on the gas so it shifts into 4th. Now press hard on the gas so the car downshifts. It should be smooth - no pause between 4th and 3rd, no engine over-rev in between gears, no thump or bang. Tranny fluid should look pinkish and not smell burned. The owner should have had the tranny fluid and filter replaced at the 65 and 95K services.
Turn the heat to HI and the vents to Defrost with the car warm. Not only should you get hot air from the dash vents, they should NOT smell like coolant. If they do, the heater core is bad. Not a cheap replacement. Make sure it runs both heat and blows cold (when told to). Make sure the blower fan speed can be varied - not just off and full on.
I disagree with Leon on the seat heaters - the fix is pretty simple if they don't work. Takes me about 20 minutes - see Quasi's site if necessary to fix.
Check out Quasi's site for comments on buying a used 9000 (http://www.quasimotors.com/) He gives the autobox a big hit. I'll agree - if you prefer a manual tranny, look for a car with a manual tranny - better performance, gas mileage, and reliablity. But if you prefer an automatic, go for it - just make sure it's a good one.
posted by 192.249....
, Mon, 20 Sep 2004 06:15:17 <-- Viewing This Message
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