SAAB Aero 2.3T HOT

Two scary days at Leelac Saab

Iam hugely impressed with my 95 Aero. It is ferociously fast, extremely comfortable and as practical as a van. It has also received a huge amount of attention over the last few months. First I sorted the poor running by replacing the fuel pump, then I improved engine’s breathing with a PCV6 upgrade that helps the B235’s tendency to fill itself with soot. This was swiftly followed by a de-sludging session – which is as filthy and unpleasant as it sounds. I needed to remove the sump to do this, not an easy job when (on early 95s) it also requires the unfortunate mechanic to drill holes in virgin aluminium to access fixing bolts.

This done, the oil ran cleaner, but the engine did not run better. Lumpy starts followed by a failure to proceed one morning led me to purchase a replacement coil pack – or DIC unit in ‘Saab’. No difference, so I went down the crankshaft position sensor route and after an excruciating hour, in which

I lost all the skin from the back of my hands… I replaced the errant item and had myself a running Aero once more. All was not well though. Clattery startups and rattly running when hot pointed to the need for new timing and balancing chains, plus, intermittent hesitation on start-up and white smoke after the event pointed towards a head gasket that was leaking coolant into one of the bores. Drastic action required.

I asked the question of the hive mind in Saab forum land and was given a simple response… it’s an engine out job and it a bit of a fiddle. A lot of a fiddle actually. Up to this point all my fiddling had

BUSHES REMOVED Original trailing arm bushes were shot so Powerflexes were fitted into the casing by Danny.

New chains, guides and tensioners fitted.