Hi all. Its been waaay too long since I've been on here. And just as long as my car has been on the road. I hope you're all well. I've had some family issues over the last year and a bit. Hopefully seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I won't say any more about that. Car wise, I've now gone through 2 B204 engines. Both oil pressure related (lack of) and my car has since just been sat on my drive collecting cob webs and moss etc. I'm now looking to get it going again. Whether that means engine number 3 or try and figure out why I'm having this problem and fix it. I'm going to speak to a Saab mechanic on Friday to see if he can figure it out. Oil pump? Relief valve? I just don't know. So fingers crossed he can shed some light on it. Will keep you informed on any progress. Good to be back!
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Still off the road...
- Thread starter Mattydmk3
- Start date
Sorry to hear about your family situation, glad to hear it's hopefully getting better though.
You're right it has been a long time! It's very rare to get oil pressure problems beyond a blocked oil pickup on B204's though. I think you've just been very lucky as there isn't really anything externally than could influence it.
You're right it has been a long time! It's very rare to get oil pressure problems beyond a blocked oil pickup on B204's though. I think you've just been very lucky as there isn't really anything externally than could influence it.
Thanks.
This is why I'm so miffed about it. First engine, strainer was quite bad, but second engine I have no idea! Strainer, pick up, sump all cleaned and clear prior to fitting it. Oil cooler flowing fine...
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Good to see you about seems strange 2 have gone pop
Never heard them to suffer from relief valves sticking or anything. Although I did remove mine and polish it up while it was apart. Can't really think of any other reasons why you would have issues like that though.
Really? I have never once heard of that over all the Saab and Saab conversions pages and forums haha.
From 2011 
Touché though. PAcking with washers seems like a massive bodge however!
Touché though. PAcking with washers seems like a massive bodge however!
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That's an old trick and yes- a complete and utter bodge..... totally sounds like something i'd do and then regret it lol
Update. So I went to see the "saab specialist" today. And he confirmed what I thought, but what a mate ruled out. The original engine was mint. Only lost oil pressure after I took the cam cover off to get powder coated, then put the same cam cover on the next engine which was low mileage, full service history etc. Ran great until it got to temp, then oil pressure gone again. So put 2 n 2 together. Basically, prior to powder coat is shot blast (obviously) what he's saying is that the shot blast can get into EVERYWHERE, regardless of how much you clean it, it only takes one lil grain to get into the relief valve, pick up and all in the engine, so I can risk changing out parts and cleaning stuff but will never be 100% sure it's all cleared. Basically to be absolutely sure, it's time for engine number 3! Whoop whoop! Plus side is, he has his old personal car that he was going to weigh in. Well looked after due to him being a saab mechanic and he has many more. 150 quid for the the whole thing! Winner. Now I need to find a hole to put it in until I can get round to the 3rd and final swap. Fingers crossed.
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I'm sure this has been the death of other mk3 Saabs too, I'd never have a rocker shot blasted unless glass..... maybe soda blast but as you say bead blasting gets everywhere.
Haha, yeah. That'll do it. That's killed dozens of B204's! The rocker cover has a breather box which is riveted shut. I've not seen inside one but would not be surprised if it was packed with some kind of mesh to help with separating the oil.
Live and learn mate
oh well. Plus side, problem identified. Fix in place. Fingers crossed by August I'll be on the road again. Hopefully...