Twins...another project

[carrera]

Just picked up this today, another black 9-5 saloon for saving

It's apparently running rich, lot's of stuff been done, new DIC, cat, lambda sensors, running like a dog, uneven idle, stalls after a throttle blip

I think there are a couple of problems. Tech 2 shows misfires, especially on number 4. I have removed the electrics to the MAF sensor, which solved the rough running, so I suspect a blown intercooler

Not immediately obvious, but it does have a boot spoiler

[carrera]

A quick bit of work this morning

Thought I would try another DI, as new stuff can be broken. No change, and the DI is one of the newest without a SEM sticker on, new part number. I understand these are made by Hitachi now ?

There was some green paste stuff on the end of the noses, so why not whip the plugs out and have a look

What exactly are Bosch Iridium plugs 

Chucked a set of used plugs in, idles smoothly, misfires gone, apart if I blip the throttle and then one or two occur as it picks up the spark again

Reconnecting the MAF (or another good one, wiring is good, I can see a mass air flow ) causes the erratic idle, so I'm definitely suspecting the intercooler

Fuel trim pops up to -25% as well

[sgould]

I've been using NGK Iridium plugs on the 9-3 Carlsson V6 with success.  I'm pretty convinced that the fuel consumption has improved a lot.  Almost 10% I reckon. I'm considering a set for the 9-5.  Not sure why they would use Bosch ones though.  They aren't matched to the Saab ECU.

There's an NGK catalogue which lists alternative Iridium plugs for various Saabs.  For the 9-5, it's this set...

The whole document is here  https://www.ngkpartfinder.co.uk/assets/Uploads/NGK_Spk_GP_Lowres-2021.pdf

[Steve McF]

What's the plan for the car? Get it running good again then sell it on, or will it be a new toy for a bit? 

[carrera]

I'm not sure yet to be honest

Someone looked at the car today & thought it was a pretty sound car, well looked after and it does have some decent service history. It would be the newest car in the fleet, but my OH quite likes the 06 saloon so may fancy it herself

One of the rear shocks needs replacing as the base plate has rusted to nothing, so that'll be a pair. Assuming the engine gets sorted then it'll also need news discs & pads all round & then a check over for the MOT man

[carrera]

I've been using NGK Iridium plugs on the 9-3 Carlsson V6 with success.  I'm pretty convinced that the fuel consumption has improved a lot.  Almost 10% I reckon. I'm considering a set for the 9-5.  Not sure why they would use Bosch ones though.  They aren't matched to the Saab ECU.

There's an NGK catalogue which lists alternative Iridium plugs for various Saabs.  For the 9-5, it's this set...

The whole document is here  https://www.ngkpartfinder.co.uk/assets/Uploads/NGK_Spk_GP_Lowres-2021.pdf

Hmm, and I sometimes get stick for using the platinum ones 

That sort of fuel economy gain is certainly worth having

[Audax]

I've been using NGK Iridium plugs on the 9-3 Carlsson V6 with success.

None are listed for B207 or B284 engines though?

[sgould]

They don't, but I wonder if there's a different NGK book for the US.  The recommendation came from the Americans on the Facebook "Turbo X Club" Facebook page.  And the plugs are sold in the UK.

[carrera]

So, apparently Denso Iridium work in the 9-5 - Schottis is a total guru

https://www.trionictuning.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=15112&e=1&view=unread#unread

Meanwhile my diagnosis was a little off.

I poked around with the torch and spotted that it appeared that the clamp for the rubber pipe on the intercooler inlet had rusted through. Similar effect to the side of the intercooler being blown off. A replacement s/h clamp, along with a set of used plugs & she's running sweet as a nut

With that, it was time to start treating the power steering pipe and chassis with Bilt Hamber Hydrate 80

The subframe will need a bit of work to counter the effect of Scottish air, but the rest isn't too bad at all

[sgould]

That sounds like a win.

[carrera]

Indeed, in a case of amateurs vs professionals, this is like an old division 4 team beating a first division team 3-0 in the FA cup 

[sgould]

The nearest I came to that was getting a free Minivan.  Years ago my father had one that was used generally by everyone at his small company. It ran worse and worse. A garage they used told him it was terminal and that it needed a new engine.  He gave it to me to use during the university vacation while I was home.

I asked if I could keep it longer and take it back to uni.  He laughed and said it would never make it.  I had a look and found the fault.  The air cleaner was the old wire mesh and oil type, and it was blocked solid.  Once cleaned, the van ran well.  I asked again, if I could have it, but he said that, as it was OK, he would take it back to work

[carrera]

A few hours spent on the twin yesterday:

Bilt Hamber on the underside where there are signs of rust
Swapped the rear dampers out
Bilt Hamber on the rear inner wings, followed by smooth Hammerite. Plastic nuts came off so I was able to treat the weakest area too
Similar approach on the front inner wings
Power steering cooling pipe treated
New discs & pads all round. Really firm pedal 

It has a removable toolbar, which hasn't been removed for some time and despite it being left to soak for a week in penetrating oil the key still will not turn to allow it to be removed

[sgould]

Is the towbar the same as mine? 

If so, I keep getting confused when I use it after a long period of not using it.  I can't remember if the turning knob has to be pushed in before the key turns. The knob itself needs to be pushed in before it turns.

And if you have fitted the bar, the key can't be removed until the bar is fully locked in position.

[sgould]

A touch more thinking.  The key stays locked into the towbar at all times, except when it is fitted to the car and locked in place.