Results 1 to 10 of 21
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27 August 2019 #1
- Join Date
- 27 Aug 2019
- Location
- New England
- Posts
- 12
- Saab(s)
- 2000 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible 2.0T B205
2000 Saab 9-3 Won't Start After Head Gasket Change
My Saab had a terrible coolant leak with white smoke and overheating that I concluded to be a blown head gasket. After replacing the gasket and putting the engine back together, I tried starting it only to find the engine misfiring and violently shaking. I also noticed my coolant's pressure started to increase to the point where when I took the coolant reservoir cap off, it would overflow. Shortly after I realized the timing chain was reinstalled incorrectly which would explain the excess pressure in the cooling system, so I went back in and realigned both camshafts along with the timing chain and crankshaft. I reset the tensioner and heard the clicks as well as saw the chain tighten. The timing chain was perfect so I tried starting the car again. I also changed my spark plugs to double platinums because I accidentally broke one while checking them. When I tried to start the engine all I heard was wheezing noises. It didn't sound like the engine was cranking just a wheezing noise coming from engine/distributor area. I know the battery is not dead and I'm hoping I didn't bend/brake any valves with the off timing chain and cause my cylinder compression to be off, I'm going to rent a compression test kit tomorrow to check. I'll post the audio of the engine failing to start, if anyone knows what could be wrong please help.
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27 August 2019 #2
- Join Date
- 27 Aug 2019
- Location
- New England
- Posts
- 12
- Saab(s)
- 2000 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible 2.0T B205
The file uploader seems to not work so here is a link of the video of my car trying to start
https://youtu.be/pVCggNBbxkULast edited by Miozu; 27 August 2019 at 16:25.
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27 August 2019 #3
Geoffrey Storey Saab Enthusiast
- Join Date
- 28 Oct 2013
- Location
- Stockton on tees England
- Posts
- 165
- Saab(s)
- 2000 9-3 viggen convertible
How far out was the timing? Did you reconnect the earth connections on the engine?
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27 August 2019 #4
- Join Date
- 27 Aug 2019
- Location
- New England
- Posts
- 12
- Saab(s)
- 2000 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible 2.0T B205
geoff 9-3, I couldn’t tell exactly how off the timing was because the cams weren’t all in their original starting position but I did notice when I aligned one of the cam shafts, the other had a decent amount of adjusting I had to do before it caught up. The earth connections should be good, I believe the only ground connection I removed in the process was the one connecting the wire harness to the intake manifold and I reinstalled that(10mm bolt).
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27 August 2019 #5
Geoffrey Storey Saab Enthusiast
- Join Date
- 28 Oct 2013
- Location
- Stockton on tees England
- Posts
- 165
- Saab(s)
- 2000 9-3 viggen convertible
2000 Saab 9-3 Won't Start After Head Gasket Change
Did you fit the correct spark plugs? NGK PFR 6H-10
Did you check the camshaft alignments match?
When one of my pistons broke the engine was giving out loads of back pressure from the oil filler cap.
https://youtu.be/Ft0iH-Hsy2U
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27 August 2019 #6
- Join Date
- 27 Aug 2019
- Location
- New England
- Posts
- 12
- Saab(s)
- 2000 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible 2.0T B205
geoff 9-3, I got the spark plugs from an Advanced Auto Parts store and the guy just looked up the saab's model and said these were compatible, ACDelco 41-801. Do you think that could be the issue? And the camshafts matched up perfectly. By the way thanks for taking the time to help me.
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27 August 2019 #7
- Join Date
- 27 Aug 2019
- Location
- New England
- Posts
- 12
- Saab(s)
- 2000 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible 2.0T B205
Could it have something to do with the throttle body at all? I did dismantle the wire part and put it back together. Also the spring seems loose.
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27 August 2019 #8
Geoffrey Storey Saab Enthusiast
- Join Date
- 28 Oct 2013
- Location
- Stockton on tees England
- Posts
- 165
- Saab(s)
- 2000 9-3 viggen convertible
The incorrect spark plug could effect the ignition coil pack.
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27 August 2019 #9
Geoffrey Storey Saab Enthusiast
- Join Date
- 28 Oct 2013
- Location
- Stockton on tees England
- Posts
- 165
- Saab(s)
- 2000 9-3 viggen convertible
Can you check for any error codes?
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28 August 2019 #10
- Join Date
- 27 Aug 2019
- Location
- New England
- Posts
- 12
- Saab(s)
- 2000 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible 2.0T B205
I rented a compression test kit but when I turn the key in the ignition, it makes the same noise, the spinning/wheezing noise, but no effect to the compression gauge. This means the engine isn't even cranking right? I'm going to borrow a diagnostic tool tomorrow.
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