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The Geek Group SAAB Guy · 10-31-2016, 12:46 PM

Any ideas why my engine sounds like this?

I have the engine out and I'm about to do the timing and balance chains. I think.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vpaxjicfrj..._5328.MOV?dl=0

Trionic3000 · 10-31-2016, 05:49 PM

The clatter is because the hydraulic lifters aren't pumped up yet, sometimes that can take 5 minutes or so for the oil to get warm enough and it'll go away. It might be off a tooth on timing too, can't really tell.

jpgroth · 11-03-2016, 07:34 PM

Agreed. Let it run for a bit. Mine was pretty chattery for a solid 10 minutes on first start up. Also double check your timing

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Geek Group SAAB Guy · 11-13-2016, 12:20 PM

Understood. I get it now. I just wish, before I ripped the engine out, someone had explained it in these terms in a cylinder head overhaul guide. Then, I would have KNOWN:

"I must warn you that when the time comes to start the engine, even though you will have taken out the spark plugs and cranked the engine (DI cartridge disconnected and allowing the starter a rest every so often) for a good 5+ minutes to fill the oil cooler, filter etc the engine WILL sound absolutely dreadful! What is more, the engine will need to be run for at least 25 minutes and possibly as much as 40 minutes for hydraulic lifters to run silently. Even a decade's expereience of rebuilding the engines scarcely prepares you for the unholy heart-stopping clattering cacophony that assails the ears but all will be well, so long as the oil light is out."

From serioussaab.co.uk.

I mean, to me, it sounded too damn bad to allow it to continue running. Grrrrr.

Of course, that's why this information was listed under "What nobody else tells you."

Anyway. Engine is out. Head and turbo are rebuilt. Changed every oil system component and seal except the pump gears themselves. What should I do now? Order timing and balance chain kit and start disassembling and measuring everything on the bottom end to decide a direction?

I need super special tools to pull the balance shafts, right? Can I skip that if everything else looks ok?

Will I hate myself if I drop the pistons out the bottom? Will I be able to reinstall easily if they measure ok?

10-31-2016, 12:46 PM	#1
The Geek Group SAAB Guy SAABeginner Join Date: Oct 2016 Posts: 7	Rough running after cylinder head overhaul Any ideas why my engine sounds like this? I have the engine out and I'm about to do the timing and balance chains. I think. https://www.dropbox.com/s/vpaxjicfrj..._5328.MOV?dl=0

10-31-2016, 05:49 PM	#2
Trionic3000 Drew In Houston Elder Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,864	The clatter is because the hydraulic lifters aren't pumped up yet, sometimes that can take 5 minutes or so for the oil to get warm enough and it'll go away. It might be off a tooth on timing too, can't really tell. __________________ Co-Founder: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. First T7 19T turbo setup. First T7 Deka 80lb. injector setup.

11-03-2016, 07:34 PM	#3
jpgroth Avid TSL User Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 163	Agreed. Let it run for a bit. Mine was pretty chattery for a solid 10 minutes on first start up. Also double check your timing Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11-13-2016, 12:20 PM	#4
The Geek Group SAAB Guy SAABeginner Join Date: Oct 2016 Posts: 7	Understood. I get it now. I just wish, before I ripped the engine out, someone had explained it in these terms in a cylinder head overhaul guide. Then, I would have KNOWN: "I must warn you that when the time comes to start the engine, even though you will have taken out the spark plugs and cranked the engine (DI cartridge disconnected and allowing the starter a rest every so often) for a good 5+ minutes to fill the oil cooler, filter etc the engine WILL sound absolutely dreadful! What is more, the engine will need to be run for at least 25 minutes and possibly as much as 40 minutes for hydraulic lifters to run silently. Even a decade's expereience of rebuilding the engines scarcely prepares you for the unholy heart-stopping clattering cacophony that assails the ears but all will be well, so long as the oil light is out." From serioussaab.co.uk. I mean, to me, it sounded too damn bad to allow it to continue running. Grrrrr. Of course, that's why this information was listed under "What nobody else tells you." Anyway. Engine is out. Head and turbo are rebuilt. Changed every oil system component and seal except the pump gears themselves. What should I do now? Order timing and balance chain kit and start disassembling and measuring everything on the bottom end to decide a direction? I need super special tools to pull the balance shafts, right? Can I skip that if everything else looks ok? Will I hate myself if I drop the pistons out the bottom? Will I be able to reinstall easily if they measure ok?

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