engine problem

1999 SAAB 9-5
127,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
DARYL JIBBEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 1999 SAAB 9/5 wagon 2.3 4cylinder. A compression test shows 160 - 140 - 140 - 140. I was told the head gasket was blowed out. Where should i start to identify the problem.
Jan 28, 2011 at 11:22 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MNTHNY4
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 612 POSTS
what made u do a compression test ,what is the problem u r having .first thing first.
Feb 1, 2011 at 3:54 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
If you had one or two low cylinders, that would lead me to believe a gasket problem. I will say the rule of thumb is no more than a 10% variation between cylinders. You are a little beyond that, but not by much. As far as where to start, if you are using coolant, see white smoke coming from the exhaust, coolant is mixing with the oil, then I would start by replacing the head gasket. If that isn't the case, I need to know what the engine is doing.
Apr 2, 2011 at 8:27 PM
Advertisement