engine problem

1999 SAAB 9-5
127,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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DARYL JIBBEN
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  • 1 POST
I have a 1999 SAAB 9/5 wagon 2.3 4cylinder. A compression test shows 160 - 140 - 140 - 140. I was told the head gasket was blowed out. Where should i start to identify the problem.
Jan 28, 2011 at 11:22 PM
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MNTHNY4
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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what made u do a compression test ,what is the problem u r having .first thing first.
Feb 1, 2011 at 3:54 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If you had one or two low cylinders, that would lead me to believe a gasket problem. I will say the rule of thumb is no more than a 10% variation between cylinders. You are a little beyond that, but not by much. As far as where to start, if you are using coolant, see white smoke coming from the exhaust, coolant is mixing with the oil, then I would start by replacing the head gasket. If that isn't the case, I need to know what the engine is doing.
Apr 2, 2011 at 8:27 PM
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