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Re: Head gasket failing and blowback (longish) Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Tue, 15 Mar 2005 07:45:43
In Reply to: Head gasket failing and blowback (longish), Jason Lewis, Tue, 15 Mar 2005 05:53:12 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
There is a big difference between a head gasket repair and a total engine overhaul. In general, the bottom end of Saab engines is as close to bulletproof as they come. A head gasket isn't cheap, but it is a lot less than $4K or even $2K.
Do you have a 2.3 or a 2.0l engine? '91 was the changeover. If it is a 2.3, I'd think about replacing the balance shaft sprockets and chain while I was in there. If it's a 2.0, just inspecting the timing chain for wear should be enough.
As I understand blowback, that is exaust pressure escaping through the intake. My first guess on that is a sticky valve, or an intake valve held open some by carbon build-up. I don't see a head gasket problem causing blowback.
The first thing I would do is get a compression test. That should give you an idea if a valve is sticking. If you pull the head to have the head gasket replaced, you can have the valves cleaned. There are systems to clean the valves in the engine - I've never used one, but I hear they do work.
Have your mechanic do a compression test. Ask him why the entire engine would need a rebuild - why not just a head gasket? Maybe you should try getting the head bolts torqued, and run some Techron or other injector cleaner through. Can't hurt. While the valve cover is off to torque the head bolts, make sure the oil supply tubes to the valves are OK, inspect the timing chain for wear and alignment.
Lastly, leaking valve cover gaskets are pretty common, and can cause leakage that looks like the head. Going in and re-torquing the head may clean up the problem, simply because you get a new valve cover gasket in the process. And if the Techron doesn't clean up the blow-back, investigate some in-engine carbon deposit removing systems. But a compression check should show carbon build-up on the valves - as would simply looking into the cylinder with a flashlight.
For $4K, you should be getting a near-new engine. That's pretty unnecessary.
I have to agree with Nick - you don't want to pay to train someone. He may be a nice guy and have done good work, but a head gasket leak does not require overhauling the engine. Something is up there. Since you seem to have a good rapport, ask him why.
posted by 192.249....
, Tue, 15 Mar 2005 07:45:43 <-- Viewing This Message, Tue, 15 Mar 2005 09:42:49
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