SAAB 900 (1993 - 1998) - 97 2.0 Cam chain noise at only 50k!

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Thu 21 Jan 2010 03:28
97 2.0 Cam chain noise at only 50k! - Marktwo
I have a 1997 2.0 s16v Saab 900

This car has been totally reliable over the last 2.5 years, its comig up to 50k. I had thought being chain cam driven this would be something that would last the life of the engine. Its had a load of oil changes in that time.

Last Sunday, I started the car and they was a distinct clatter from the engine, I opened the hood and you could here a metalic clanking, it had to be the cam chain, nothing else could make that sound, I drove to work and engine it responded as normal, I had the window down in case it got really bad. Before I drove home, I checked the oil level. The next day I took out the cam chain tensioner and the rod was quite away out over the 11mm mark which would indicate the chain is up for replacment. I took off the rocker cover and everything is ok the chain has no new scrathes on it and all the cam lobes are tidy (suspecting blocked oil feed)

I can't drive the car at the moment because the top rear idler which carries the serpentine belt disintegrated yesterday, probably an isolated problem from the cam chain. I hope I can get a bit more out this car, as the cost to fit a new chain is out of the question, the car WAS only worth a few hundred, now its worthless, why has this happend?

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 21/01/2010 at 10:14

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Thu 21 Jan 2010 14:59
97 2.0 Cam chain noise at only 50k! - 659FBE
Check that the bolts securing the chain guide on the opposite side from the tensioner are still there - and tight.

659.
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Thu 21 Jan 2010 15:18
97 2.0 Cam chain noise at only 50k! - WorkshopTech
Its a real weak spot on these engines.
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Fri 29 Jan 2010 15:11
97 2.0 Cam chain noise at only 50k! UPDATE - Marktwo

Hello again.

I have now replaced the top rear idler/pulley and refitted new o rings to the tensioner which I also reset, the oil leak has gone from the tensioner and the car is now quiet and as it was before, the cam chain has clearly been stretched, but I now feel ok to drive the car as all the nasty noises have gone. I think it was the £60 in parts - worth it if I get another year from a car taxed and MOTd until December.

Best regards.

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Fri 29 Jan 2010 16:01
97 2.0 Cam chain noise at only 50k! UPDATE - 659FBE
If the engine has no damaged components - merely a stretched chain - you can split the original and wind in a replacement chain with a spring link if you release the tensioner first.

Split chains are not ideal, but if installed carefully with the link clip fitted the right way round, they seem to work OK. I have not found sprocket wear to be a problem on this engine.

659.
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Sat 30 Jan 2010 11:40
97 2.0 Cam chain noise at only 50k! UPDATE - Marktwo

I have heard a lot about fitting a split chain, the chain may have already been stretched when bought the car two years ago, which would explain the metallic sounding top end (not tappet chatter) I will be driving around for a bit and have think, I may drop the sump in the spring and clean out any crud and then think about the chain. I have only kept the car because it is has been so reliable, its a bit soggy and slow, I do miss my 91 8v golf!

Best regards
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