Plea for wisdom and experience...
I need to change the timing chain on a Saab 9000 ('88, non-turbo). The split link chain option seems to make things a great deal easier, but is it a good idea?
Should I be changing anything else, like the tensioner, while I'm there?
Cheers,
Rob F
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I recall motorbikes use or used split links with no problems.
Always fit the split link retaining clip so that the closed end is towards the direction of rotation. (Like a fish swimming........ish)
New tensioner is always a good idea.
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Rob,
I have a 1987 model 9000 (non-turbo), 195,000 miles on the original timing gear. I thought about about changing just the chain as it is getting noisy, but the technical guru on the Saab Owners Club website (saabclub.co.uk) suggested it was a waste of time as the bottom sprocket will be in poor condition and bits can break off the teeth causing oil pump failure and subsequent engine failure. This was only a couple of weeks ago so it is current advice. He suggested leaving it until the whole thing failed, then look at getting a second-hand engines as they are relatively cheap. Basically, if the car's done loads of miles you really need to change the lot (somewhere between £750-£1500).
He used to be the service manager at a Saab dealership so I trust he is talking from knowledge!
Hope this helps.
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If it's a 4 cyl you should contact Trend SAAB - see the breakdown database for 9000CS 86-98.
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It's actually Trent Saab (as they are based in Nottingham) - HJ must have been having a bad hair day at the time, as I gave him the info courtesy of Saab Owners Club!
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Just get the chain done by a independent specialist they don't charge as much and much easier than before. Just had our 93L 900SE lpt done and much quieter now, well worth the money at 195,000 your engine is just run in!
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there was a recent article by one of the Saab Owners Club members in the club magazine, & the cheapest he found for a timing rebuild on the 9000 was £750 - this was at an independent specialist. As my car is only worth £300 or so, it hardly seems worth it (I started a complete thread on this a few weeks ago -"When does a good car die"). I don't know how much you paid for your 900 to be fixed up, but remember that it is worth significantly more than my 9000 hence the economics are different.
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Thanks gentlemen, a DIY split link replacement is about to be attempted!
Rob F
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Let me know how you get on!
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