Trouble & strife with the....

[MrRegieRitmo]

Wif.....Mother's cars!

 

Experiencing a bit of a problem with mum's MkIII Supra Turbo at the moment.....it's fine for local journeys but on trips to work (about 50 mile round trip) it overheats after a while & we have experienced steam emerging from under the bonnet, a whirring noise from the front & the expansion bottle shaking & hissing like a kettle. Twice we have had to fill the radiator completely of water because we have found it to be empty & once filled it's then fine again until taken on a long journey when it appears to completely evaporate all of the water! Mum has tried sticking some Rad Weld into the radiator but it seems the water is only lost after a long journey, it hadn't lost any when being used around town. It seems something happens once the engine finally becomes warm which only happens after a decent run. Any ideas? We've considered water pump, radiator, thermostat, but we can't decided for sure what's going on. It's also been into the garage a few times because of a hot oil smell which appears once the car is warm....it's very obvious & a little bit disconcerting, however we've been told it can't easily be tracked down & there's no obvious leak anywhere so we just have to put up with it. The mechanic's only suggestion is to steam clean the engine until the source is located or that it might just be a tiny leak landing on the exhaust manifold & burning off hence the horrible hot smell!

 

Now onto the next one - any GM Saab 900 owners out there? Mum bought the Saab to replace the Supra as it was doing her back in but she enjoys driving the Supra so much that she's keeping both! I've been insured on them so that we can share them, on the understanding that I should mainly drive the Supra to alleviate her back problem (otherwise it defeats the object of getting the Saab). However, due to the above problem with the Supra, I'm mainly using the Saab because I drive a lot further to work than mum does! Anyway, we've got 2 sets of keys with remote key fobs for the Saab....one of them is a lot weaker than the other though, so much so that we have both been left nearly stranded by 1 of the sets when it failed to function in order to deactivate the immobiliser. We can use the key to get into the car (with mucho fundo with the car alarm!) but can't start the thing without deactivating the immobiliser. We were informed by the previous owner not to let either of the fobs run down because we would then end up with a big bill to have the system re-programmed (or something along those lines) so we obviously don't want that to happen. However we were also reliably informed by someone else that we simply needed to change the cell type batteries in them & job done, but when mum contacted a local Saab dealer who checked the fob type on their system, apparently they don't have changeable batteries but a circuit board system which would either need replacing or re-programming at a cost of over £100. This doesn't make sense to me, because for them to begin to not work, they must have a power source which can run down, i.e. a battery. Has anybody got experience with this who can confirm or deny what's going on here?

 

Thanks all

[The Moog]

Not had a GM 900 as only had c900's but ask on here http://www.uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/viewforum. ... b69cf81258 as they are all very friendly

[eddyramrod]

Ritmo, be wary of steamcleaning the engine bay; my mate killed his 2.9 Scorpio that way, all the electronics died (his phrasing, I wasn't even there when he did it).

 

Norm, the doors don't seem to be the problem, it's the actual engine-starting once you're in that seems to be the issue.

 

Modern cars are way too sophisticated, it's all stuff to go wrong, and when it does it costs an arm and a leg to fix. Just an observation...

[Station]

My mate had an obsession with jet washing engines, and when I bought a car off him, all the electronics were haywire.

 

Deffo pressurising coolant, try taking the tank cap off and drive round for about 1/4 an hour (keep loads of water in the car). If all the water has gone, it's overheating badly enough to have something wrong with the engine.

[Station]

http://www.max-boost.co.uk/max-boost/Le ... tester.htm

[Pete-M]

Sounds like head or HG on the Supra. Pretty common on these from what I can gather, there have been too many up for sale over the years with this problem for it to be unusual. Hot smell sounds like it's either oil or coolant leaking onto the exhaust manifold. If the head or HG has popped this could be where the coolant is going to under pressure and it's hard to spot because of all the turbo gubbins. Coolant doesn't last long on the exhaust manifold as it'll be vaporised at 200°C, a tiny crack, under compression, near the exhaust manifold can get through a lot of water without necessarily being immediately visible. Especially when buried under a ton of turbo crap.

 

Does it misfire a bit when first started from cold and then clear up after a few seconds? If it does that, it tends to be the gasket between a cylinder and coolant jacket.

 

Have you done a compression check?

 

If it makes a strange poppy rattle, that can mean the HG or head has gone between two cylinders. That tends to happen very quickly though. Sounds like the bottom end is knackered but it's just HG. I replaced my mk2 Golf GTi bottom end because of that. Bought a new block and when I whipped the head off the 1.8 found the gasket popped. Hey ho.

 

As for the Saab... if it's a 99 on car then the key and immobiliser can only be programmed with diagnostic equipment. I don't know if the Snap-On / Bosch etc stuff can do it. I've never tried. I doubt there's much out there that can, but it may just be a simple "learn" setting in OBD for all I know. The earlier stuff is a mystery to me.

[The Moog]

Gm 900 is pre 99 because that is when 9 3 took over.

[nigel bickle]

Head gasket-def.

Mine did exactly the same. A complete nightmare to sort -far in excess of the cars value. Sorry.

 

Saab is pre programming -I think (borderline)

Mann & Woodland in Brighton can sort it cheap-or theres a small Saab franchise in Shoreham(cant remember their name)

 

Neo Brothers' if you want mail order. UKSaab forum if you want advice.

[Alexg]

mum's MkIII Supra Turbo

On another note - how cool is your mum

[AnthonyG]

mum's MkIII Supra Turbo

On another note - how cool is your mum

That's the second she's had - Reg's mum loves Japanese muscle cars!

[Mr Lobster]

So if you are using either the Saab or Supra, whats happening with the R9?

[Station]

I replaced my mk2 Golf GTi bottom end because of that. Bought a new block and when I whipped the head off the 1.8 found the gasket popped. Hey ho.

I'm doing the same on a K-series - but it could be one of a few things, cracked block, or a disturbed cylinder liner - expect I've checked the HG about four times.

 

I take it there's crap in the oil/water?

[myglaren]

Youngest daughter has a GM SAAB 900 that had the same problem.

Bought a new key and had it programmed by SAAB in Newcastle. IIRC it was around £90, I'll ask her when she wakes up (works some nights so flaked out).

 

It is an "R" reg and there is an identical one (Yellow Cabriolet) near where I work, almost the same registration, that is a 93, we often pass another identical 93 that lives somewhere near my wife, a couple of miles from here.

[MrRegieRitmo]

I don't do remote key diagnostics. Cannot you simply stick a key in the door and turn it? Do you have to rely on the remote function?

Well, I considered that we could just use the key, but the trouble is the immobiliser cuts in & prevents the engine from starting if you unlock the car but don't start it within about a minute, requring you to lock & unlock the car using the remote to deactivate it. So I don't think just using the key would be an option unless we can disable the immobiliser!

[MrRegieRitmo]

]I don't do remote key diagnostics. Cannot you simply stick a key in the door and turn it? Do you have to rely on the remote function?

Well, I considered that we could just use the key, but the trouble is the immobiliser cuts in & prevents the engine from starting if you unlock the car but don't start it within about a minute, requring you to lock & unlock the car using the remote to deactivate it. So I don't think just using the key would be an option unless we can disable the immobiliser!

[messerschmitt owner]

so is the HG on the SUpra knackered then? If the rubber hoses are pressurising and you're losing all coolant, then it's a given!

[MrRegieRitmo]

Sounds like head or HG on the Supra. Pretty common on these from what I can gather, there have been too many up for sale over the years with this problem for it to be unusual. Hot smell sounds like it's either oil or coolant leaking onto the exhaust manifold. If the head or HG has popped this could be where the coolant is going to under pressure and it's hard to spot because of all the turbo gubbins. Coolant doesn't last long on the exhaust manifold as it'll be vaporised at 200°C, a tiny crack, under compression, near the exhaust manifold can get through a lot of water without necessarily being immediately visible. Especially when buried under a ton of turbo crap.

 

Does it misfire a bit when first started from cold and then clear up after a few seconds? If it does that, it tends to be the gasket between a cylinder and coolant jacket.

 

Have you done a compression check?

 

If it makes a strange poppy rattle, that can mean the HG or head has gone between two cylinders. That tends to happen very quickly though. Sounds like the bottom end is knackered but it's just HG. I replaced my mk2 Golf GTi bottom end because of that. Bought a new block and when I whipped the head off the 1.8 found the gasket popped. Hey ho.

Nail head hit square on! It does indeed do everything you've said....so we must prepare for the worst then.

 

Not done any tests as such other than observing the circumstances with which the water evaporates & the car overheats. It's been fine for short journeys around town & mum continues to use it as such, we wouldn't risk taking it more than a few miles though if that.

 

As for the Saab... if it's a 99 on car then the key and immobiliser can only be programmed with diagnostic equipment. I don't know if the Snap-On / Bosch etc stuff can do it. I've never tried. I doubt there's much out there that can, but it may just be a simple "learn" setting in OBD for all I know. The earlier stuff is a mystery to me.

It's a 97 R, supposedly the final year of the 900 as I've seen a few 9-3s on R plates too. Interestingly we've since discovered the so called 'good set' can be a bit hit & miss too, especially if used from the passenger side & the dodgy set can also perform perfectly well at times so I'm at a loss as to why they sometimes stop working.....obviously there's something other than battery power going on there as they wouldn't recuperate more than once or twice if you're lucky!

 

Thanks all for your answers, it has certainly confirmed the situation for us, for better or worse! Apologies for not coming back to the thread sooner, I've not been on the board much of late!

[MrRegieRitmo]

Head gasket-def.

Mine did exactly the same. A complete nightmare to sort -far in excess of the cars value. Sorry.

My parents intend to get it sorted if possible, mum loves it too much to give up on it; true it's not her first but she only let the other one go due to excessive corrosion on most panels, wings, arches etc.

 

Saab is pre programming -I think (borderline)

Mann & Woodland in Brighton can sort it cheap-or theres a small Saab franchise in Shoreham(cant remember their name)

 

Neo Brothers' if you want mail order. UKSaab forum if you want advice.

Both keys can be fine most of the time & then experience problems at other times. I'll try the Saab forum to see what they recommend before spending out on new keys. Thanks

 

Incidentally the Saab's MOT is up on the 17th......I've booked it in for this Saturday, 6 days ahead of MOT expiry, mainly because I'm meant to be going away for the weekend on the 17th & aim to use the Saab & also because I'll have no opportunity to book it in before expiry other than this weekend.

I believe the MOT certificate mentions preserving the anniversary of your test & that you can't present your car earlier than so many days in order to keep the same expiry date. If you take your car in prior to the expiry date to have it tested, my belief was that if it failed you could still use the car until the MOT expiry date. Presumably you do this so you have a few days to prepare your car & you know what you're faced with & can get it sorted before your MOT actually expires. I don't know why I would think this if I hadn't heard it somewhere. But am I talking complete bollocks? I can see the point that somebody made to me that if your car fails then it fails & is therefore illegal to drive regardless of when you present it for testing, but if that's the case then it means I've cut my nose off to spite my face by bringing MOT day forwards (other than the fact I want it all sorted by the 17th so that I can take the car up north!).

[MrRegieRitmo]

mum's MkIII Supra Turbo

On another note - how cool is your mum

That's the second she's had - Reg's mum loves Japanese muscle cars!

Mum loves something with a bit of oomph! We're both the same in that we could never have an 'ordinary' car, something that everyone else has got! It would just be....well....wrong!

In Sept 02 she bought a white 88 E reg Supra 3 litre non turbo manual for £1400; a pristine local car with 86k on the clock. She kept it for 5yrs then reluctantly sold it on eBay as it had sadly rusted through (It went to a very enthusiastic man from Leicester who drove it all the way back sans MOT & tax - E802 FGW are you still out there somewhere??). She was quoted £1000 or more in body repairs & had to cut her losses, so she's determined not to have to do the same thing again, albeit for a different reason. In Sept 07 she bought on eBay a grey 92 K reg Supra 3 litre turbo auto for £870 whilst she still had the other one, in readiness to replace it. So for a little while we had 2 Supras on the drive, an early non turbo & a late turbo. This other one came all the way from Stroud & had 140k on the clock. The only problem it gave us until now though was one of the tailgate hinges snapping off which put the tailgate out of action for ages as our local garage told us it would be tricky & expensive to put right. When mum had faced up to the reality that the car was doing her back in she decided that it may have to be sold (she has previous for doing this - back when she had the white one she felt that it was not helping her back, so went out & bought an E34 520i, the only BMW we've ever owned. I say owned, it was in the family for about a month before she changed her mind & sold it because it drove nowhere near as well as the Supra! ) & the tailgate would need sorting for that to happen. Finally we got it sorted & they welded on a new hinge for £20

The Saab was bought in the same vein as the ill fated BMW, with the unenviable task of trying to replace a Supra. She didn't expect the Saab to behave like the Supra but she'd always wanted a Saab cabriolet, so she found this silver R reg 97 Saab 900S Cabriolet for £900 in the local rag, and loving the look but not the lack of performance we have now come full circle with her deciding not to get rid of the Supra because she enjoys driving it too much. Except this time, the Saab isn't being sold either as it seems we have the parking space & the passion to keep both cars!

[MrRegieRitmo]

So if you are using either the Saab or Supra, whats happening with the R9?

In light of the Supra not being healthy enough for trips to work & the fact that I'm supposed to be sharing use of the Saab i.e. I shouldn't expect to be able to use it everyday as mum should have first dibs on it, the R9 was recently relegated to odd trips to work here & there once or twice a week. With the MOT on the Saab ever looming & the tax expiring on the R9 at the end of August, I had to make a decision about where to direct my money. It was a toss up between £68 for 6 months tax on the Renault or £36 to book the Saab in for it's MOT & keep everything crossed that it passes or requires such little work that it can be paid for within a budget of around £70 (the threshold above which it would be more economical to tax the Renault). Seeing as I've got a lot of driving to do in the next couple of weeks, my preference was to gamble on the Saab & hope I don't get stung. So I've booked the Saab in for this Saturday & I've sorned the R9 & if this decision backfires spectacularly then I will take the Saab back, park it up & go re-tax the Renault instead. The place I'm taking the Renault ( http://www.bognorregis.justmots.eu/ ) purely do MOTs, not any other work so I'll get an unbiased test as they'll have no interest in trying to extort extra work from me & they won't try to plough on with anything that needs doing without my say so because that's not their business. It all now rests on Saturday morning as to my next move.....