9-5 with cracked head gasket

[cacf0821]

I have a 2003 9-5. Problem,problem and more problems. Grateful that GM replaced the transmission and engine over the years. Trottle body replaced last fall. My present problem started with a broken serpintine belt. Paid quite a bit for that repair. A few days later the check engine light came on. The mechanic shop said I had a cracked head gasket. The coolant reservoir is full. Didn't check the oil. Are there other things I should look for before I spend more money on expensive repairs.

[nordwulf]

Is this the V6 or I4 engine? How did the mechanic determine the head gasket is a problem? What's the code for the engine light?

[T4hir]

You need to change your mechanic, get a second opinion!

[saab95er]

I second that opinion.

[saab95er]

From what I understand if the head gasket was cracked that even though it MIGHT be cracked the fluids will not mix quite yet. You will see white smoke from exhaust I believe way before the fluids had a chance to mix. Drop the down pipe and see if the exhaust looks oily damp...if so maybe head gasket is cracked.

[cacf0821]

I have a 2003 (purchased in 2004) 9-5 that I'm not ready to part with. It has 120k miles. I believe it was a lemon to begin with, but throughout the years GM gave me a new transmission in 2005 and a new engine in 2009.

In 2013, the timing chain broke. Two weeks after the repair check engine light came on. I was told I needed a head gasket repair. The repairs and dx was from the same Foreign Car repair shop. I let the car sit in my garage for 2 years, starting it occasionally and driving it around the block.

A mechanic (somewhat reliable) who had done work on my other cars said he could fix the problem. He disassembled the engine, said he needed a special tool, left, and never returned. The car has been sitting in my garage since May 2015, disassembled.

I would still like to have the car repaired. I called the closest dealership 2 weeks ago regarding a used motor. No word or call back.

The body and interior look really good. All work done by Saab Service prior to timing chain braking.

Any thoughts? Please. Thank you.

[nordwulf]

Two weeks after the repair check engine light came on. I was told I needed a head gasket repair.

That seems unusual, there must have been different symptoms for a faulty head gasket. Especially because it got a new engine in 2009.

How much of the engine was disassembled? I think your best bet is trying the dealership again.

[cacf0821]

thank you. Glad this forum is available.

[cacf0821]

In response to your questions, this is what under the hood looks like.

[nordwulf]

I merged the thread with the existing one from a few years ago.

The pictures show the mechanic started with removing the water pump, power steering pump and timing gear and other parts to get to the head.

There was an issue with loose headbolts but it probably doesn't apply to the one in your car. Especially because it is a newer engine. But still may be worth it to have it checked out before the head is removed. http://saabworld.net/showthread.php?t=27258

Where is the car located? Perhaps there is a Saab specialist you may be close to.