Saab 900 classic head gasket

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Sun 19 Dec 2004 11:44
Saab 900 classic head gasket - karle
Hi

I'm new to this and know very little about cars hence the query.

My Saab has been overheating a bit. Took to garage and they confirmed my fears that it was head gasket. Its done 140K. They didnt offer any other info. They said the job was too complicated and werent interested to fix it themselves. Though didnt charge me for that info. They gave me a few nrs to try. Everyone is busy before xmas obviously.

What should I look out for/ ask/ check/ be weary of/ expect to pay? Could I drive ot to a garage or would I cause more damage.

Any good recomendations on garages. I'm in bristol.

Thanks

K
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Sun 19 Dec 2004 11:55
Saab 900 classic head gasket - MW
The question now is long are you going to keep the car. I had two, and did 2 gaskets because I did 2 decokes. These are lovely cars, fairly easy to work on and good for spares from Europarts (not SAAB).
If you want to keep the car, I would suggest laying it up for Xmas and then finding a Saab specialist (try Saab club of GB). They will not be scared of doing the job. It seems to me crazy only to renew the head gasket, when, with the head off you can easily 'do the rest' i.e. a decoke, valve grind in, new oil valve seals and all the new gaskets that come with a head gasket set. Then the valves need reshimming. A tricky but worthwhile job. The head gasket set is probably about £30, and the car will be great after. I don't now about the cost, but £300+ at a guess???
Get a full decoke, while you are at it, especially at 140k.
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Sun 19 Dec 2004 18:38
Saab 900 classic head gasket - bikemade3
Independent SAAB specialist: Perry And Prouse 2 ex SAAB technicians who set up their own independent about 3 years ago, well recommended Trouble is they are in Taunton.So not so far if you can get it trailered down.
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