Hi,

I have a 2001 93 Convertible with the B205E engine. 58000 miles
I was driving home last Sunday when the oil pressure light blinked on. I pulled in to the next garage and checked the oil level. It looked a little low so I added some 5w40 synth oil (0.3L). I started the engine and no warning light.
I continued on and everything seemed ok. no funny rattles or lights or noises. Engine appeared to be running fine.
About 20 miles later on the motorway going about 120km, (cruise control on, revs about 2.5k). Revs suddenly go up to about 4.5k, followed by the oil pressure light on, battery light on, loud 'POP', engine warning light on. All this happened in about 5-7 seconds. Engine stops, servo assist steering, brakes, etc fail. Luckily very little on the road and I was able to pull over to the side of the road and stop.
Opened the bonnet and there was oil on the inside of the hood and on top of the engine. Streak of oil back along the road... Called for assistance and guy tells me the engine is most likely seized.
A call to the garage he brought it to the following day confirms this. Locked solid. Oil pump is intact (I suspected this had failed). Mechanic suggests that the Turbo may have blown and caused oil starvation and 'pop'. He also suggested crankshaft bearing failure(?) .

Has anyone had a similar experience?
Is there any history of this type of problem with this engine (I have seen some reports of 'sludging')?
Any point in getting on to Saab?

Thanks in advance,
JohnT.

I'm sorry to hear of the failure.

the oil pickup on T7 engines disintegrates and blocks the pickup leading to loss of oil at the top end. Search PCV upgrade. This is a common fault on T7 engines and always recommended as a replacement. Your direct ignition cassette would possibly also have been covered by a recall until last December.

I do question one thing. You checked the oil when the car was hot? I was under the impression you should always check it when it's cold.

I don't know if Saab will entertain any claim, although with such low mileage it may be possible, so is worth while.

One side of the dipstick has marks for when the engine is cold, other side for engine warm.

Well there you go, I'd never really paid much attention to it since I always check mine cold

come to think of it, I do recollect seeing the different twists now...

Anyway. Are you going to speak with Saab UK?

Hi, sorry to hear of your trouble. I suffered similar problem and knackered the engine on my B205 (2001 vert) in due to oil starvation problem, which I ignored and carried on driving - big mistake!. I fit doesn't work out with saab I can recommend Leelac, who are a small independent saab specialist in a a village near Milton Keynes. They did me a fully reconditioned engine (fully rebuilt head, new timing gear, reground crank/bearings etc) for about £1500 all in. They do re-use your ancilleries, but that is fine as long as they are working. Plus their yard is a fascinating place full of part dismantled saabs strewn all over the place ;-) I had a couple of teething issues after, but it's guaranteed for 1 year and they fixed the small problems whilst I waited and were very accomodating. I've done a few thousand now on this engine and it's been perfect, like new - happy customer. Number for the main guy there is 07850 401572 if you need it.