| Author |  Topic  |
Betsy67
V4 Fanatic
United Kingdom
409 Posts |  Posted - 17 Nov 2019 : 16:56:55  
| Early start to Normous Newark resulted in an AA collection from the side of the A1. Luckily I was close enough to a slip road and got off the dual carriageway to a safe spot.
Suspicion confirmed upon opening the bonnet - stripped timing gear.
I last had to change a previously stripped gear just over 3 years ago, so not pleased.
I have a new 95% complete 1700 engine awaiting figment. Installation has probably jumped forward a few months on that. However I am wondering whether it’s worth swapping to Aluminium gears prior to fitting? Certainly don’t fancy having to pull the motor out every 3 years or so. New balance shaft bearings were fitted in the 1.7.
What’s the opinion on Aluminium gears ?
PS
AA app is very good . |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | |
Betsy67
V4 Fanatic
United Kingdom
409 Posts | Posted - 17 Nov 2019 : 18:55:36
| I didn’t pull the balance shaft out, but could feel no play.
It was a second hand item.
Thanks for the link Melle. Burton appear to do both Essex and Cologne year. |
Edited by - Betsy67 on 17 Nov 2019 19:00:02 |  |
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TTruckie
V4 Fanatic
United Kingdom
320 Posts | Posted - 17 Nov 2019 : 20:08:24
| | got mine from Malbrad and very happy with them | |
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andydeans3
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2016 Posts | Posted - 18 Nov 2019 : 12:39:56
| Definitely a bummer Steven.
Can I ask, how often do you change the oil and filter?
An old sage told me half a life time ago, (when I first drove 96s), "change the oil and filter at half the recommended interval, for long engine life".
I have done so ever since with all my classics, Every 3000 miles or so.
Andy
1978 LHD SAAB 96
1978 MGB Roadster
2008 LHD "Classic" Renault Twingo
1991 Nissan Figaro | |
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Betsy67
V4 Fanatic
United Kingdom
409 Posts | Posted - 18 Nov 2019 : 12:58:31
| I probably don't change the oil too regular. With Betsy being a second/third car (VWT4 and I cycle in to work 3-4 days a week) I don't really keep track of the mileage covered!.
Also I tightened the fan belt a couple of week ago (always run it quite slack ) as something was squealing form there. Coincidence that it's now stripped the teeth ?
I intend to get an uprated set from Malbrads for the 1.7 and fit the removed fibre one to the 1.5 along with some new balance shaft bearings. Just not the time of year to be pulling engines out ! All being well I could probably do it in a day, but my body doesn't tollerate the cold like it used to - the joys of getting on in years ! And once you start, there's always something else that 'might as well be done whilst you're in there'
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andydeans3
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2016 Posts | Posted - 18 Nov 2019 : 18:56:00
| Steven
Ha ha, you're right, once you start pulling things out, there's always something else that you should do, while you're "in there".
Unless you've got a nice big garage that you can heat, it's certainly not the time of year for pulling engines out of cars.
Andy
1978 LHD SAAB 96
1978 MGB Roadster
2008 LHD "Classic" Renault Twingo
1991 Nissan Figaro | |
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Zagato
V4 Mad
United Kingdom
811 Posts | Posted - 19 Nov 2019 : 10:49:53
| Topical question for me as I hear of many changing the balance shaft bearings but not the balance shaft itself. I am sure it was more common practice to change both bearings and shaft with tolerances so tight. I.e. Best practice. Under recent advise from two SAAB 96 mechanics I will be replacing both soon. Hopefully you can still get them... mine did have bits of bearing in the sump which may have influenced the advise!
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 19 Nov 2019 : 12:06:55
| In my opinion it would be a complete waste to replace a balance shaft that has clean journals and is within spec. They're simple enough to measure if you have a micrometer and know how to use it, dimensions and tolerances are in the workshop manual. If the journals are corroded, glazed, scratched or worn under size/ out of round it makes sense to replace a balance shaft. If you don't have the gear or you're not sure, ask a machine shop or specialist for advice. Pretty sure Skandix no new ones, but I think it usually makes more sense to spend money on a new or reground cam.
www.saabv4.com | |
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Betsy67
V4 Fanatic
United Kingdom
409 Posts | Posted - 24 Nov 2019 : 18:43:18
| Engine stripped back and almost ready to remove. Just the rear mount and drive shaft rubber clips remain. Took the front cover off quite early in the process and yes, it is the balance shaft gear that’s stripped. Reckon that with a few chocks you could change the gear with the engine in- would be difficult but achievable. However I won’t be doing that.
Can’t feel any play but, something must be amiss and new bearings will be fitted.
Any advice on clutch release bearing lubrication ? I have some WD motorcycle oil that I’m thinking of trying as it’s in a spray. Bit worried about it being ‘spun’ out when engaged though. Bearing not that old ! | |
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pchristy
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
1790 Posts | Posted - 07 Dec 2019 : 11:44:10
| Balance shaft bearing failure is often down to over-tightening the fan-belt. I always run mine as slack as I can get it, without it screeching. I also always add a shot of Molyslip to the engine oil, as this has a coating action on the bearings and will provide a degree of protection from oil starvation - something the balance shaft bearings are prone to (they are right at the end of the lubrication chain!).
--
Pete
"Duct tape is like the Force: It has a light side and a dark side, and it binds the Universe together!" | |
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Betsy67
V4 Fanatic
United Kingdom
409 Posts | Posted - 07 Dec 2019 : 18:25:20
| Busy day today and as usual things take longer than expected.
To cut it short - engine out, new balance shaft bearings fitted. Oh, how simple that sounds!! Engine sat back where it should, but ancillaries still to connect which can be done whenever I feel like it.
More frequent oil changes may be required as there was some thick stuff in the pan - along with a good sprinkling of balance gear teeth. Rear bearing appeared ok, front was just starting to break up- I replaced both.
Think I may ache a wee bit tomorrow. | |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 07 Dec 2019 : 18:51:08
| quote:
Originally posted by Betsy67
Any advice on clutch release bearing lubrication ?
It should come lubricated for life, so no need to oil/ grease it. If it's very noisy I would take it apart (there is a standard ball bearing inside) and re-grease it sparsely with regular cv-joint grease.
www.saabv4.com | |
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Betsy67
V4 Fanatic
United Kingdom
409 Posts | Posted - 08 Dec 2019 : 15:59:43
| | Release bearing appeared fine. No noise or grating at any point. | |
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Betsy67
V4 Fanatic
United Kingdom
409 Posts | Posted - 05 Jan 2020 : 18:05:29
| Went away to sunnier and much warmer shores over Christmas - which was nice.
Finally managed to get Betsy back together and running today. I bought a 34ICH off everybody’s favourite auction site and as par for the course - change one thing and it creates another five jobs/changes ! Probably took 4hrs to make a new throttle linkage and get the ball joint rods the correct length in order to get idle and full throttle opening. Also had to make a couple of levers on the Weber as it came without any, but was rather cheap.
All going great until pressing the clutch pedal to check gears etc. Looks (and sounded) like one of the springs holding the centre plate in place has caught and been chewed up and spat out into the engine bay floor !!
I have a very very vague hope that I can somehow manage to replace the spring via the inspection hole. A little p****d off at the mo to say the least. | |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 05 Jan 2020 : 18:38:48
| It happened to me too years ago. I think taking the engine out will save you a lot of time and faff to be honest. You can strap the rad to the block (sheet of cardboard in between) to speed things up.
www.saabv4.com | |
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| Topic | |
Timing gear. Fibre vs aluminium.
