Problem Reports
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1997 Saab 900
Oil Leaks from the Valve Cover Gasket
Oil commonly leaks from the valve cover gasket requiring replacement of the gasket. Oil will be visible at the top of the engine and possibly in the center area around the spark plugs.
Oil Leaks From the Distributor O-Ring
Oil commonly leaks from the distributor o-ring requiring replacement of the o-ring. Oil will be visible on the front of the engine near the distributor.
Head Gasket Failure
The head gasket can fail causing the coolant and oil to mix in the engine, and external leaks. Symptoms can include overheating, white smoke from the tailpipe at start-up or acceleration, and the visible presence of oil in the coolant expansion tank.
Coolant Leakage from Water Pump
If coolant is leaking, it may be from the water pump. Coolant will be seen at the front of the engine in the lower left.
Excessive Exhaust Noise from Flex Pipe Failure
The exhaust flex pipe can fail causing excessive exhaust noise from the front/center area of the vehicle. The flex pipe is a flexible joint in the exhaust that allows for engine movement.
Excessive Exhaust Noise from Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Failure
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve can fail, which also causes EGR distribution valve failure. The Check Engine Light may illuminate and there will be excessive exhaust noise.
Engine Dies while Driving Or Will Crank but not Start
The direct ignition cassette can fail causing the engine to die while driving, and/or it will crank but start. Diagnosis may also discover trouble codes for random misfires.
Excessive Exhaust Noise from Center Muffler failure
The exhaust center muffler can fail causing excessive exhaust noise.
Rattling Noise from Catalytic Converter Bracket and Heat Shield
A weld for the catalytic converter mounting bracket and heat shield can fail. Rattling noise will be heard from the bottom/rear of the engine compartment.
Poor, or No Cooling from the Air Condioning due to Expansion Valve Failure
The air conditioning expansion valve can fail causing poor, or no cooling from the AC system.
Poor Cooling from the Air Conditioning and Loss of Refrigerant
The AC evaporator can leak causing poor cooling of the air conditioning. The loss of refrigerant may be hard to diagnose.
Oil Leaks from the Valve Cover Gasket
Oil commonly leaks from the valve cover gasket requiring replacement of the gasket.
Oil Leaks from the Oil Pan Gasket
Oil commonly leaks from the oil pan gasket requiring replacement of the gasket. Oil drops may be seen on the ground if the vehicle is parked over night.
Coolant Leakage between the Cylinder Heads
Coolant leakage between the cylinder heads can be caused by failure of the oil cooler cover seal. Mixing of oil and coolant is possible and would be seen in the coolant expansion tank.
Oil Leaks from the Oil Pump Cover Seal
Oil can leak from the oil pump cover seal. Oil will be visible at the bottom and left side of the engine, behind the crankshaft pulley. The seal will need to be replaced.
Noise and Overheating Due to Water Pump Failure
The water pump can fail causing noise on the left side of the engine and overheating. Other symptoms include coolant loss and leakage at the front/left area of the engine.
Lack of Boost or Over Boost Condition Due to APC Solenoid Failure
The APC Solenoid, also known as the boost pressure control solenoid, can fail creating an over-boost condition or a lack of boost from the turbocharger. This may be felt in an abrupt loss of acceleration under heavy load (climbing a hill, or quick acceleration).