1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Thought I'd put in another update , in case someone replies.
Said a few prayers, and had to go out and start the engine up just one more time. This time, as before with the cold start, no oil light. Out of fear, I didn't rev the engine much. In the cab, at idle, engine sounds and feels almost normal. However, after watching some youtube "sludge victim" videos, and just putting my ears near the valve cover, I can hear the rumblings of what I assume to be valve or other noise from parts under that cover. Also, I'm thinking the faint knocking noise I'd been hearing, that she didn't seem to be able to hear driving the car, was in fact a classic engine knock.
As far as oil and changes, the car has been getting 10w30 full synthetic (walmart generic) for I believe the past 2-3 changes. The problem is , this past due oil change has probably gotten into a "no zone". Only about 4,000 miles, but the time elapsed has been long. Could be as long as 5 or 6 months. Since she drives short distance every day, I had let it get away from me for awhile, and my garage has been totally tied up with a new parts business I've been working on. I know there is no excuse, but just putting it out there so you guys can theorize on the chances of sludge here.
I'm wondering if I should've been using a different synthetic weight. I had gone with the 10w30 to keep any minor seal leaks slowed down, but maybe that sped along the sludge problem combined with the short stop driving.
So, based on all this, it looks like if there is a bright side, I may have a sludge problem, but damage hasn't yet hit the point of no good return. If so, I plan on trying to drop the pan myself. I've checked several instructions, and of course have been under the car many times in my life so far. I've also dropped and reattached the pan on my van several times, although it's true that I never quite got it sealed properly, but that's another horrible story that doesn't involve a SAAB. ha!
Anyway, I have ramps, etc. so I think I can do it, but if anyone is familiar with the pan drop , bearing check, screen check/clean I would much appreciate any help. The part I'm confused and a bit nervous about is using my jack to "slowly move the engine". I need more clarification on that as I don't want to damage anything, and even though I go under these vehicles I have a fear of them or the insides of them falling on me, so I want to make sure I'm SAFE on that throughout the job. I have two sets of decent jack stands (one set is very heavy duty, but kind of tall). also have heavy duty rubber wheel chocks, set of ramps, and a hyrdraulic floor jack. I try to never trust the jack to hold anything up long term while I work under.
Before any of the pan drop and screen check, is it a good idea to remove the valve cover and check for evidence of sludge there?
Thanks!
posted by 73.171.163...
, Tue, 13 Jan 2015 12:47:49
, Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:07:03, Wed, 14 Jan 2015 09:36:36, Wed, 14 Jan 2015 03:21:02
, Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:35:28, Tue, 13 Jan 2015 00:26:47
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
