Head gasket in 900SE V6

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CasualBloke - 07 Mar 2005 01:21 GMT

Hi,

I checked out a Saab 900SE for possible purchase today. Apparently it
failed its emissions test and a blown HG has been diagnosed as the
problem. It is a '95 with 54k "original" miles. Overall it is in good
shape and the motor runs smoothly - consistent with the mileage. Asking
price is $3500, as is. Current owner says he cannot afford to get the
work done, which he says he has priced at $1000-1500

Thought I would take the advice form the group on this one. I have been a
Saab owner previously so I know they can cost plenty. Does this seem like
a reasonable buy. I am willing to take some risk. Also, is this a job
that a person with reasonable mechanical aptitude and a service manual -
I have done this type of work before, but on "classic cars", i.e. no
elaborate engine management equipment. There are some questions that bug
me, such as why would a car with 54k blow a head gasket? Overheating? If
so, would that mean more serious head damage than just the gasket.

All opinions welcome!!!

Thanks.

Cheers,
Brian.

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ma_twain - 07 Mar 2005 04:27 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> Cheers,
> Brian.

The GM V6 engine in this car has earned the reputation as a engine to
avoid. At this point you know you have to replace the blown head
gasket. This engine needs the timing belt changed every 30K miles. I
would replace the timing belt when you replace the head gasket. You
would want to check and see if you need the head replaced as well. There
is a reason the owner is selling the car. I have heard the figure of
$1,200 to replace this timing belt, I hope I heard wrong. If you need
the head replaced you could be spending more on repairs than the cost of
the car - which would explain why the owner is selling the car.

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gw - 07 Mar 2005 19:53 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> Cheers,
> Brian.

Are we talking US $ here? If so, I think it's overpriced. With a known,
somewhat major engine problem, I'd probably offer about $2K. KBB shows
private party value at $4055 in "fair" condition. For $3500, I'm sure you
could find one with a less serious problem.

The 2.5 is a DOHC V6. If you plan to DIY, you will need about $300 worth of
special tools just to set the timing belt. The '94 and '95 model years had
serious problems with the timing belt tensioner assemblies. They would fail,
resulting in valve damage - it is an interference engine. If any head work
is to be done, I would replace the belt and tensioner.

We just spent about US$1500 at a Saab independent on a V6 and got the
following:
Timing belt
Water pump
Serpentine belt
Cam seals
Thermostat & housing
125K major service

Just the timing belt and tensioner kit sells for about $300. The whole front
of the engine has to come off to get to it.

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CasualBloke - 08 Mar 2005 16:39 GMT

Thanks guys. I am going to walk away from this one.

Cheers,
Brian.

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Tex - 09 Mar 2005 13:07 GMT

> Thanks guys. I am going to walk away from this one.

Good idea..I spotted a NG900 just yesterday for $3500 at a local used car
dealer's lot for $3500 USD. It was after business hours so I don't know the
story behind it, but I doubt it has a blown head gasket. And I'm sure they
could be talked down from that price as well.

- tex

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