Saab 9-5 - replace engine or just the timing chain cover?
Discussion
We've been running our 2000m/y Saab 9-5 around too long with a noisy timing chain (I know, I know...) with the predictable result we've now got an even bigger problem.
The oil light came on yesterday, and as the level was fine we drove it straight to the garage. The mechanic took the sump off for a look, and says the chain has been flapping about with the result it's worn through an oil passage in the bottom of the chain cover.
He's offered to replace the chain and the cover for around £500-£600, but says we should really replace the engine - his argument being that if the oil pressure has been running low for a while (even if it wasn't low enough for the light to come on), who knows what damage has occurred elsewhere? Therefore spending £600 could be money down the drain if the engine explodes a week later.
Given we only drove about four miles with the oil light on, does this diagnosis have the ring of truth for any Saab experts out there? The advised remedy seems a bit extreme!
The oil light came on yesterday, and as the level was fine we drove it straight to the garage. The mechanic took the sump off for a look, and says the chain has been flapping about with the result it's worn through an oil passage in the bottom of the chain cover.
He's offered to replace the chain and the cover for around £500-£600, but says we should really replace the engine - his argument being that if the oil pressure has been running low for a while (even if it wasn't low enough for the light to come on), who knows what damage has occurred elsewhere? Therefore spending £600 could be money down the drain if the engine explodes a week later.
Given we only drove about four miles with the oil light on, does this diagnosis have the ring of truth for any Saab experts out there? The advised remedy seems a bit extreme!
stevieturbo said:
If he's removed the sump, its an easy job to remove the big end caps and inspect for potential damage.
those engines suffer badly from blockages on the oil pickup too.
Inspect first before jumping to a new engine.
Thanks for that, but he was implying the damage would be to the top end, I think.those engines suffer badly from blockages on the oil pickup too.
Inspect first before jumping to a new engine.
Apparently the oil pick-up is clear and unblocked, so that was one good sign.
Jesus wept. Which bit about the oil light being on DOESN'T tell you that there's now no bloody oil pressure and the engine must not be started again nevermind being driven "only" 4 miles?
If you fell off a ladder and broke your leg would you walk to the hospital or would the intense agony in your leg give you a clue that a lift in an ambulance might be a better idea? Unfortunately engines don't feel pain, they just have warning lights that tell anyone with a brain "please don't drive me again because I'm f**ked".
Note to self. Stop participating in this bloody forum unless I want to develop an aneurism.
If you fell off a ladder and broke your leg would you walk to the hospital or would the intense agony in your leg give you a clue that a lift in an ambulance might be a better idea? Unfortunately engines don't feel pain, they just have warning lights that tell anyone with a brain "please don't drive me again because I'm f**ked".
Note to self. Stop participating in this bloody forum unless I want to develop an aneurism.
Pumaracing said:
Jesus wept. Which bit about the oil light being on DOESN'T tell you that there's now no bloody oil pressure and the engine must not be started again nevermind being driven "only" 4 miles?
If you fell off a ladder and broke your leg would you walk to the hospital or would the intense agony in your leg give you a clue that a lift in an ambulance might be a better idea? Unfortunately engines don't feel pain, they just have warning lights that tell anyone with a brain "please don't drive me again because I'm f**ked".
Note to self. Stop participating in this bloody forum unless I want to develop an aneurism.
Jesus Puma, i love reading your posts as they are full of info and i agree 100% with what you're saying, especially on this one and the other one about the bent rod, but hey i would like to read more from you in the future. The way you're going today you wont last that long, take a chill pill, sit back and have a laugh, dont get so wound up.If you fell off a ladder and broke your leg would you walk to the hospital or would the intense agony in your leg give you a clue that a lift in an ambulance might be a better idea? Unfortunately engines don't feel pain, they just have warning lights that tell anyone with a brain "please don't drive me again because I'm f**ked".
Note to self. Stop participating in this bloody forum unless I want to develop an aneurism.
Pumaracing said:
Jesus wept. Which bit about the oil light being on DOESN'T tell you that there's now no bloody oil pressure and the engine must not be started again nevermind being driven "only" 4 miles?
If you fell off a ladder and broke your leg would you walk to the hospital or would the intense agony in your leg give you a clue that a lift in an ambulance might be a better idea? Unfortunately engines don't feel pain, they just have warning lights that tell anyone with a brain "please don't drive me again because I'm f**ked".
Note to self. Stop participating in this bloody forum unless I want to develop an aneurism.
I shall pass your kind words on to 'her indoors'... If you fell off a ladder and broke your leg would you walk to the hospital or would the intense agony in your leg give you a clue that a lift in an ambulance might be a better idea? Unfortunately engines don't feel pain, they just have warning lights that tell anyone with a brain "please don't drive me again because I'm f**ked".
Note to self. Stop participating in this bloody forum unless I want to develop an aneurism.
Gassing Station | Engines & Drivetrain | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff