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Question

I recently purchased a SAAB 9-5 Linear SW on eBay. It runs very smoothly, but I have noticed a problem the last two mornings when I start it up. A big cloud of smoke comes out of the exhaust when I first start it. The smoking continues until I have exited my driveway and driven several hundred feet. Then it appears to stop and I don't notice the problem after that. I fear this could be indicative of a serious problem. Could you give me your opinion? I realize you aren't a SAAB specialist, but since I don't see SAAB listed, I believe Volvo specialty might be the next best.

Submitted: 187 days and 6 hours ago.
Category: Volvo
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

2003 Saab 9-5 Linear SW 2.3 turbo

Already Tried:
I haven't.

Posted by ase_master327 187 days and 3 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi, thanks for asking your question on Just Answer!

I need to know something before going too far into the problem with your Saab.

- How many miles are on it?

Thanks.

187 days and 3 hours ago.

Reply

99,000 miles.

Posted by ase_master327 187 days and 2 hours ago.

Answer

There is always normal condensation.. it takes a few secnonds (to minutes) to clear out of the exhaust. Then there is coolant entering the cylinders.. and then there is oil entering the cylinders.
Coolant smells sweet, oil smells burnt.. and condensation.. just smells like exhaust.

So a good way to go about it is... How does it smell?

Smell Oily?

OK.. rule a few things out..
So look in the throttle and see if oil might be coming into the engine from there. This would indicate a problem with a turbo, or a crankcase ventilation system problem. These things will usually cause other problems though, and the engine would use oil.. which you mention there is nothing like that... does it use oil?

Another thing, look at the oil.. if it is dark and nasty, then this is evidence that the car was used for a bunch of short trips, and there will be sludge in the engine oil galleries. This can eventually damage valve stem seals and guides from overheating them.... as well as damage bearings, which will cause fluctuations in the oil pressure, or just a generally lower than normal pressure condition...

So, if it turns out to be valve seals.. expect it to be on an intake valve. I can show you a video about ..why, but won't really go into the pressure differences and such.
Either way the head will need to be removed, if you cannot get an overhead spring compressor on the springs. The camshafts would have to be removed if you can get the overhead spring compressor on it, though.

Smell like Coolant?
Another thing that would cause this situation is of course engine overheating. Of course you got the car from ebay.. and have no way of knowing if it ever overheated in the past. Overheating is bad because the different metals expand at different rates. At this point a cooling system pressure test is in order... OR ou can always open the cooling system and fill it completely up.. pull out the spark plugs, and bring the cylinder to top dead center on compression stroke (very important), and then spray compressed air in the cylinder and pressurize it that way... all while looking at the coolant fill for bubbles.. which would be cause enough to pull the head off th engine for further inspection.

------------------
Anyways, if the exhaust doesn't smell right, then move on to looking at the spark plugs. See if there are any fouled with oil or coolant.
Once you find out what is wrong.. I can most likely provide instructions (or a price range) for the repair... if one is needed.

Hope it helps!

186 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you for your comprehensive response. Since my husband and I know little about auto mechanics, it sounds like I better take it to my local SAAB service center.
Sylvia

Accepted Answer

OK!
Thanks for asking!
Please click accept, so I can get credit for helping you... Then if you need anything else, you can still reply to this question.

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Expert: ase_master327
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 5/20/2009

Shop owner

+15 years experience with Volvos. Bumper to bumper diagnosis & repair.

186 days and 8 hours ago.

Reply

Thank You for your help. I received an e-mail that a transfer of $15.00 was made yesterday to your account. Please verify that that is correct.

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