Advice needed...9-3 Timing Chain
Discussion
Hi, I'm looking for some advice regarding the timing chain on my 2001 9-3 Turbo.
Basically, I've just had the car serviced by a Saab specialist and they reported the car felt a little 'harsh' at high revs (not something I'd noticed, but this is my first Saab so I don't really have anything to compare against). They suggested it could be a sign that the timing chain was beginning to go.
Having done the obligatory google research, it doesn't sound an uncommon problem. The car's done 95k miles, and I've seen recommendations that the chain is changed at 60k. However, from what I've read, it sounds like if the chain was on its way out, there would be a noise from it when the car starts, and I haven't heard anything like that (the mechanics didn't report any such noise either).
I don't really want to be spending a grand-plus if there's not really any need yet, but obviously it'd be cheaper than sorting out the resultant damage if the chain should happen to go when driving!
Any advice on this gratefully received....
Basically, I've just had the car serviced by a Saab specialist and they reported the car felt a little 'harsh' at high revs (not something I'd noticed, but this is my first Saab so I don't really have anything to compare against). They suggested it could be a sign that the timing chain was beginning to go.
Having done the obligatory google research, it doesn't sound an uncommon problem. The car's done 95k miles, and I've seen recommendations that the chain is changed at 60k. However, from what I've read, it sounds like if the chain was on its way out, there would be a noise from it when the car starts, and I haven't heard anything like that (the mechanics didn't report any such noise either).
I don't really want to be spending a grand-plus if there's not really any need yet, but obviously it'd be cheaper than sorting out the resultant damage if the chain should happen to go when driving!
Any advice on this gratefully received....
Edited by Yiliterate on Tuesday 24th June 21:19
If I recall correctly, the garage advised against using a rivet link chain - of course, the 'better' option isn't as straightforward to fit and apparently is an engine-out job...at least a day's labour plus parts, hence the estimated grand.
It could be the garage is being opportunistic here, or maybe just erring on the side of caution; either way I'm going to speak to one or two other specialists about this, but also am grateful for any thoughts/experiences from PHers...
It could be the garage is being opportunistic here, or maybe just erring on the side of caution; either way I'm going to speak to one or two other specialists about this, but also am grateful for any thoughts/experiences from PHers...
I am a Saab Specialist - 25 years trading. The rivet link and chain are exactly the the same as the Saab supplied sealed chain. You just have to rivet the link yourself. You might have to use one of the side plates off the 'old' chain as sometimes the rivet link supplied side plate holes are a little tight without using a machine riveter.
The only reason not to use a rivet chain is if you believe the crankshaft sprocket and/or tensioner/guide blades are excessively worn, in which case engine out, you might as well use a sealed chain. I doubt either is the case. I doubt 90 odd K on a 2001 9-3 will have you needing a cam chain either, unless poor maintenance, lack of history and cheap non synthetic oil are the case.
The only reason not to use a rivet chain is if you believe the crankshaft sprocket and/or tensioner/guide blades are excessively worn, in which case engine out, you might as well use a sealed chain. I doubt either is the case. I doubt 90 odd K on a 2001 9-3 will have you needing a cam chain either, unless poor maintenance, lack of history and cheap non synthetic oil are the case.
Edited by Rocket Pepper on Wednesday 25th June 12:21
A lot of 9-3's ( mine included ) have done a lot more miles than that.
Mine has a very slight rattle on a cold start. When I asked my local garage whether I should be concerened they said they had never known one fail.
On your profile, it does not say what part of the South East you are in, but if its close enough go to Bourne Motors in Eastbourne for a second opinion.
Mine has a very slight rattle on a cold start. When I asked my local garage whether I should be concerened they said they had never known one fail.
On your profile, it does not say what part of the South East you are in, but if its close enough go to Bourne Motors in Eastbourne for a second opinion.
Thanks guys, all much appreciated.
The car appears to have been looked after pretty well - six Saab main dealer and two Saab specialist stamps in the book - and (touch wood) otherwise appears to be running fine...but the pessimist in me always prepares for the worst!
How easy is it to investigate (either for myself or a pro) if there is an issue with the crankshaft sprocket, blades, etc? I assume this be done with the engine in-situ; is this correct?
I'm in West Sussex but Eastbourne isn't that far out of the way for me (I actually have family in the town too). Thanks for the suggestion...
The car appears to have been looked after pretty well - six Saab main dealer and two Saab specialist stamps in the book - and (touch wood) otherwise appears to be running fine...but the pessimist in me always prepares for the worst!
How easy is it to investigate (either for myself or a pro) if there is an issue with the crankshaft sprocket, blades, etc? I assume this be done with the engine in-situ; is this correct?
I'm in West Sussex but Eastbourne isn't that far out of the way for me (I actually have family in the town too). Thanks for the suggestion...
www.bournemotorssussex.co.uk/
Very helpful bunch of guys, and what they don't know about Saab's really is not worth knowing.
No connection other than a satisfied customer.
When you are next in Eastbourne pop in, let them have a listen to it, and see what they say. ( may be worth phoning them first as they are both small and busy..... )
Very helpful bunch of guys, and what they don't know about Saab's really is not worth knowing.
No connection other than a satisfied customer.
When you are next in Eastbourne pop in, let them have a listen to it, and see what they say. ( may be worth phoning them first as they are both small and busy..... )
Yiliterate said:
How easy is it to investigate (either for myself or a pro) if there is an issue with the crankshaft sprocket, blades, etc? I assume this be done with the engine in-situ; is this correct?
Taking off the cam cover is straightforward enough and will give you a top view of the tensioner/guide blades, but the wear in them will be masked from view by the chain itself unless you let go of the chain tension to enable you to see behind where the chain runs. I wouldn't advise this unless you know how to do so, and time it up again. In any case, the wear will be minimal and absolutely not worth worrying about. The crankshaft camchain sprocket is slightly visible if you remove the sump. This in my opinion is a far more important aspect of maintenance as ALL GM Saab engines should have the sump and oil pick-up pipe filter mesh cleaned thoroughly anywhere after the 80 to 100k miles mark. Engine failure is common on these engines because of oil sludge and hard carbon deposits found in and around the sump and pick-up pipe. Depending on maintenance history and quality of oil, each engine is different, but this is preventive maintenance if everything else is great anyway. You could whilst in there, replace the 'big end' shells as they're only £23 a set from Saab main dealers, and takes 30 minutes extra on top of sump maintenance. Saab specialist charge between £150 - £200 for sump cleaning etc.
Yiliterate said:
The car's done 95k miles, and I've seen recommendations that the chain is changed at 60k.
There is no recommendation for the chain to be replaced at any mileage. Chains can easily last 150k+ if not more.I think you may have found a reference to the cam BELT change interval's on the Saab V6 engine....which is every 60k miles.
aeropilot said:
Yiliterate said:
The car's done 95k miles, and I've seen recommendations that the chain is changed at 60k.
There is no recommendation for the chain to be replaced at any mileage. Chains can easily last 150k+ if not more.I think you may have found a reference to the cam BELT change interval's on the Saab V6 engine....which is every 60k miles.
http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-special-report.aspx?...
That said, the comment, "That's why Saab says the chains need to be changed at 60,000 miles" wasn't what I was told when I contacted a Saab Main Dealer about this...
Edited by Yiliterate on Thursday 26th June 12:23
Yiliterate said:
aeropilot said:
Yiliterate said:
The car's done 95k miles, and I've seen recommendations that the chain is changed at 60k.
There is no recommendation for the chain to be replaced at any mileage. Chains can easily last 150k+ if not more.I think you may have found a reference to the cam BELT change interval's on the Saab V6 engine....which is every 60k miles.
http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-special-report.aspx?...
That said, the comment, "That's why Saab says the chains need to be changed at 60,000 miles" wasn't what I was told when I contacted a Saab Main Dealer about this...
Can't see anything remotely accurate in any of that.....
As mentioned above, the aux drive belts should be changed at 60k, but not the cam drive chains. And I'm not really aware that 9-3 suffer the engine problems they mention, 9-5's yes, but not 9-3's..??
Proof that you shouldn't believe anything written in motoring mags....
aeropilot said:
Proof that you shouldn't believe anything written in motoring mags....
You could well be right...hence my keenness to consult the great and good of the PH community!Anyway, as chance would have it, I've got to go to Brighton on Monday so I have given Bourne Motors a call and will be popping in to see them (armed with all the useful comments/suggestions garnered from this thread) whilst down on the coast. I'm certainly feeling more relaxed about the situation than I was a few days ago!!!
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