Head Gasket

It is definately worth a try, there is definately a problem with Saab 16 valve engines with head bolts coming loose, so much so that I have been checking the head bolts on them as they come in for a service if I know they have not been checked before. At least half of those checked have loose bolts, some so loose that they are only finger tight. 95% of the time retorqueing the bolts fixes the problem. HTH Tom.

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I'm all worried now. I might have to check mine...

They're stretch-bolts aren't they? How do you know if they've worked a bit loose - or can you only spot really loose ones?

Can you re-use the cam-cover gasket?

Cheers,

Colin.

What years does this apply to? Seems like something worthy of a recall if it's happening in so many cars.

You can't tell by looking. You can tell with a wrench but you need a torque wrench to redo them. You also need a very large torx bit - I forget which size. Since it is not a new gasket and you are not using new bolts, you have to improvise on the specs a little. Use the pattern in the book, bring them up so they are all at 50lbs, then up to the spec, then a bit tighter. I say a "bit" tighter because the book will say (when new) to pull them to 72lbs (or so, AFAIR) then turn another 45 degrees. That was really not comfortable for me so I picked a reasonable setting and torqued them up a bit more.

This is advanced DIY. You're on your own here.

Yeah, but since it only costs a few bucks, take advantage of the opportunity to replace it.

Thanks Bob,

Yep, it's the improvising on the spec thing I'm a bit worried about. The spec for my 9-3 says 30lbs then 44lbs then 90 degrees. 44lbs sounds quite loose, but the extra 90 degrees sounds like it should only be done once per bolt. I suppose I'll cross that bridge when I come to it...

Cheers,

Colin.

Yeah, I hear you. I made a WAG that the torque was very high, since the difference in the two settings they give in the book does not require much of a turn - so that 90 degrees is a major pull up in torque. I thought they would be "on use" bolts but despite a lot of reading I could not find anyplace that it actually said they had to be replaced if you pulled the head. Anyway, torque them to

30, them 44, then pull one about 45 degrees and see what torque you get. I was not comfortable pulling them more than that.

FYI - I checked on the torx tool. It's actually a "reverse" torque. That is, the head bolt has a "torx bit" on top, you buy a torx socket to fit. Mine says size "E16". Most autoparts stores should have individual sockets you can buy.

Bob

Sounds sensible. If I find any loose ones, that's what I'll do. At least they won't be loose anymore ;o)

Yep. It certainly won't be the first extra socket I've had to buy. I can hardly get the lid shut on my "best" socket set.

Cheers,

Colin.

I believe the loosest will be the front right corner as you face the engine. Let me know :-)

Will do. It might be a couple of weeks before I get round to it though

- For now I'm trying to make it an accelerometer, which is, of course, far more important than keeping the head gasket in one piece ;o)

Cheers,

Colin.