Saab 9-3 Tid Se 2001-Y - Turbo charger

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Thu 9 Mar 2006 10:57
Saab 9-3 Tid Se 2001-Y - Turbo charger - deps
I have recently Purchased this car, and can hear a blowing sound fromthe engine area. It has just been serviced/Mot'd and before this, the exhaust was checked out by Kwik-fit. No fault has been found. this except that there is some sooty residue around the turbo area.
There is no noticable reduction in power/acceleration, only this blowing sound, especially when cold, and the fuel consumption is approximately 39mpg and should be around 45 ish.
So the question is, does the turbo require to be replaced (God I hope not !!)or might there be another reason for these symptoms that can be more easily and cheaply rectified before it becomes terminal for the turbo ??
Is there anyone out there that has/had a similar problem that can help me out here ?
thank you in anticipation.
Deps
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Thu 9 Mar 2006 18:30
Saab 9-3 Tid Se 2001-Y - Turbo charger - SaabFanatic
Does it sound like a blowing exhaust, or like "air blowing"? Sounds to me like air leaking out from the turbo, downstream of the impeller.

With the bonnet up and the engine running, can you see/hear/smell anything that would indicate what is leaking out?
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Sat 11 Mar 2006 12:55
Saab 9-3 Tid Se 2001-Y - Turbo charger - deps
Hi
Thank you for your help. I took the car into Edinburgh the yesterday to Central Saab Specialist. This owner, Martin is a real gent. He worked for Western Saab for donkeys, and now in business for himself.
He was very busy but took the time out to explain what was happening with the car - completely put my mind at rest.
The blowing noise is only when the car is cold, and it comes from (excuse my lack of mechanical language) a gizmo sited on the engine compartment bulkhead that heats the air for the engine when the temp is below about 3 degrees. The oily/sooty deposits around the turbo are completely normal and he also explained how this happens. It was an educaton to listen to the guy, and anyone who has a Saab in this area should really consider him for help. As I say, he has completely put my naturally worrying mind at rest.
James
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Fri 10 Mar 2006 14:03
Saab 9-3 Tid Se 2001-Y - Turbo charger - Mike H
Probably just a gasket somewhere, so don't panic yet!
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Sat 11 Mar 2006 12:58
Saab 9-3 Tid Se 2001-Y - Turbo charger - deps
Hi MIke
Thanks for taking the time to reply mate. Please see above for the latest on my wee problem. It seems all is now resolved satisfactorily, and without large bills involved - so we motor on . . . . . happily and thankfully.
Thanks again.
James
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Sat 11 Mar 2006 17:44
Saab 9-3 Tid Se 2001-Y - Turbo charger - SaabFanatic
If I'd known you were in Edinburgh I'd have recommended Martin to you! www.centralsaabspecialist.com

He's maintained both my 9000s and I'm very impressed with his knowledge and service (and no, I don't get kickbacks for recommending him!)

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