I posted About White Smoke from '83 Turbo

Nov 26, 2003 2 Replies
S

Hi Again -- It seems that the white smoke wasn't from a blown head gasket or from condensation, but the result of a failing Turbo. Now the exaust smokes continuously (though dripping conden sation onto ground), and today the turbo was smoking and dripping oil. The plugs were also fouled.



The engine (135 K original miles) and body seem to have life left, and I just bought new tires and replaced the front calipers. I could probably do the Turbo replacement myself (I think I saw $515.00 at Saabstuff for the Turbo), but wonder if it is worth doing.



Any thoughts?



Thanks again,



Jim


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G

If the bodywork is good, I'd say yes. It's an easy job, and you can get a second hand turbo for a lot less than that price if money is tight.

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M

In article , snipped-for-privacy@bellatlantic.net spouted forth into alt.autos.saab...

If the body is sound do the replacement. If you DIY you will save loads. I have been told that the turbos from Ford Thunderbirds make good bolt on performance upgrades, but I don't know whether that applies to the oil only cooled turbos of early 900's, or the later oil and water cooled ones.

When buying a used turbo make sure that it isn't in as bad condition internally as the one you are taking off, and if in doubt, budget for a rebuild.

As you have already paid out for the brakes and tyres, if the body is good, keep it and do it. Otherwise, think carefully whether you are opeing the money pit, and maybe make a clean break before you are too far in to consider stopping. OTOH, if you really love the car it may be just right for you to bring it back to life and really restore it.

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