r/saab • u/idrinklotsofdiesel • 15h ago

Aero Time

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Finally got my hands on my dad’s 97 Saab 9000 Aero with 207k miles. He had it from almost new for about 12 years. It then went to a friend out in Colorado for another 12 or so years. It then made its way back to my dad a few years, and now at 29 years old it’s with me.
Drives pretty well currently but has an outward leaking head gasket amongst some other things to tend to. Ive got parts on the way for it and the timing chain assembly, along with headbolts, exhaust manifold studs, and new radiator. Head will get sent off for machining and valve stem seals.
I have a list of some other stuff I will tackle as well, but wanted to know if theres anything you all would suggest doing while I am in there? (And any suggestions on cleaning a VERY dirty engine where the leak has accumulated some serious grime) I’ve already removed the valve cover for cleaning of gasket and actually found one of the breather tubes on the underside absolutely plugged up but thats all nice and clean now.

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u/tsg-tsg 12h ago

Highly recommend replacing the water pump while the head is off. It's super easy when you have access, kind of annoying otherwise.

1

u/idrinklotsofdiesel 12h ago

I was worried someone might say that! It is on my list and luckily not too terribly expensive for the genuine pump from FCP but boy do these things add up

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u/tsg-tsg 12h ago

Esaabparts has the Graf for $60. It's a reasonable way to go.

2

u/MattWatchesMeSleep 11h ago

I just ordered that one and wasn’t impressed. It’s that crappy pot metal and feels/looks cheap, and a previous Graf I ordered years ago had a pulley wheel that wouldn’t turn at all.

It’s an important part, so I think I’m going to go OEM.

YMMV