2003+ Saab 9-3 2.0T Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

[@donaldshortreed3011]

Well done and easy to follow. By the way, these type of videos are very useful to us Saab owners.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thank you 😁 that’s the goal! The more people I can help, the better

[@kannonshane8748]

dont know if you guys gives a damn but if you guys are stoned like me atm you can watch pretty much all of the new series on InstaFlixxer. Have been binge watching with my brother during the lockdown :)

[@harryantonio3156]

@Kannon Shane Definitely, I have been watching on instaflixxer for months myself :)

[@bowentommy2587]

@Kannon Shane yea, I've been using instaflixxer for since december myself :D

[@orgazmatron3080]

To all my fellow Saab owners I feel your pain stay strong

[@diddy865]

I literally completed in 60 to 90 minutes if you're alone Great job instructing couldn't have done it without you!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Glad I could help!

[@albionstation9788]

"omg, it's beautiful under here". In the eye of the beholder; only a car guy. That was my favorite part too (the view!). Thx again for getting me through another project.

[@AutoAutopsy]

happy to help! lol

[@ataririder1980]

Man i just did 2 of your tutorials (valve cover and vacuum pump) and my oil cooler all at once. Took about 2hrs. Thanks for making my life easier! Come to Jersey, I owe you a beer 😉

[@AutoAutopsy]

lol, thank you! Happy to help. If you'll be at SOC this summer in Albany, you can get me one then haha

[@laurat1129]

The VCG is easy enough to do, thanks to vids like yours, but after my mechanic replaced it on my OG 9-3, there was still an oil leak coming from around the engine block and underneath, an early sign of the HG needing replacement. So he did that, had the block machined, found turbo wastegate stuck, but 93 nitro keeping things clean; all-in-all expensive work, but now the lil' b204 is super-responsive, better than new, and primed for tuning.

[@AutoAutopsy]

awesome! sounds like it was well worth the effort

[@bristolharris4118]

This was by far the BEST video....EVER!!!! I had an oil leak and oil around a spark plug and it caused a mis-fire, after 90 min...ALL DONE! THANK YOU !!! My 2006 9-3 Convertible at 168k will last another 168k...... You have a fan for life!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks Bristol! Glad I can help you out 😄🙌🏼

[@rome288]

Thank you for your videos. I have been maintaining my daughters 2005 Saab 9-3 linear that she bought for $1600. Its a great car. However, it would have been totaled if i had to pay someone to do the water pump and/or the oil leaks. Working on the oil leaks now. Your videos are very helpful. Also, i enjoy your non-maintenance content... Saabs are interesting cars.

[@AutoAutopsy]

thanks for your kind words! im happy to help. good luck with the repairs and future ownership :)

[@1steppinrazor]

Good video. I did the vacuum pump this week and seem to still have some oil coming from that area on my 2010 9-3. Assuming it will look a lot like yours when I get the rocker cover off with the leak at the back (I hope it looks that clean inside!). Thanks for your videos. The vacuum pump video prevented me from opening the case upside down and having to re-assemble the inner moving parts. Thanks for that!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Happy to help! Glad you’re getting things sorted out :)

[@gltwn]

I just did this job on my 2004 9-3 linear. It was much easier for me to fit the valve cover once I disconnected the fuel lines at the fuel rail. WIS does not note this step, but the Haynes manual does. By disconnecting the fuel lines, I created much more space on the timing side of the engine and eliminated the risk of the gasket falling out of place by forcing the valve cover into a tight fit. I think this is a 1 hour job if everything goes right and if you have all of the required tools immediately at hand.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Not too bad 👍🏼

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

Great video of how to. Not a hard job. Mine was dried, brittle and leaking out the back onto the exhaust. Another car had an oil filled spark plug hole due the same issue. Really do not miss the old GM days with the stamped sheetmetal covers and cork gaskets that leaked 5yrs later. Nice to see zero sludge when the cover comes off. Payback for all those timely oil changes!

[@AutoAutopsy]

exactly! :))

[@gltwn]

yeah mine was leaking at the rear onto the exhaust too and on a long trip recently it was smoking quite bad. I also had oil in a spark plug hole.

[@RealAxe8ion]

Attempting this this week, will follow your steps, thanks

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@redsafi1984]

I have misfires and oil on the spark plugs after changing them and the coils. Time to replace the intake gaskets. Thanks for the video!

[@captkirk4507]

Thanks for the video, have the gasket, just haven't dived into it till now. Will do this weekend. Thanks

[@AutoAutopsy]

You're welcome, I hope it helps!

[@anthonyrude]

How did you clean it? The video skipped that part. What did you use? Did you put something on a cloth? Did you use steel wool? If so how do you keep stuff out of the compartment?

[@staceyreeves9523]

scotchbrite pad

[@rylord2749]

Thank you so much! Just got the head gasket replaced on my 9-3. Thought that stopped the oil leak but I think the mechanic didn’t check the valve cover gasket 🤔

[@AutoAutopsy]

i'd assume they would replace that too considering you have to remove it in order to take off the head. weird

[@chilidogcats]

I may have to do this on the rear VCG on my Aero.😬 My PCV valve failed. => Oil level sensor seal and crankshaft gasket are oozing oil and need to be fixed.😢 I learned that if you want to prevent gaskets from failing you have to change the PCV valve every 50,000 miles. When the valve fails it causes the blow by gasses from the pistons to increase pressure in the crankcase. Pressure that is no longer routed into the intake manifold. PCV valves are easier to check on the 4 cylinder than on the V6. Pull it off and shake it. If it doesn't rattle, replace it. Spend a little now and save money, time and labor later.

[@AutoAutopsy]

thanks for the advice!

[@staceyreeves9523]

Pretty sure that is what started my leaks; the "hidden" pcv valve.

[@thomlep]

Really great! I hope this solves the smell of burning oil I'm getting ('07 2.0t). I figure oil is leaking from top-end and dripping onto exhaust. Thanks mate!

[@AutoAutopsy]

😁🙌🏼

[@kydprodigy]

You just gave me the confidence to do this myself... thank you so much !

[@AutoAutopsy]

You can do it!

[@abdomination]

This was done to my car before I bought it. Has the leak again. Think they weren't torqued right..so I'll be doing this myself now too haha. Leaning the exact same corner.

[@filip1997andersson]

Did this on my saab a year ago, fitting the gasket and making it stay in place was a pain

[@AutoAutopsy]

It wasn’t too bad on this one tbh. Just did one on my 9-5 and that was a bit more difficult to get on haha

[@davidwaller5698]

Dab of rtv in a couple spots will do ya!

[@jamesbryant5623]

Nothing like doing this, going home and finding out the right side of the gasket didn’t seat properly 😭 Thank you tho, the vid was perfect, now off to do it again lol

[@AutoAutopsy]

😫😫 I know the feeling

[@shykaliguy33]

Very good video. Only suggestion? No music during these types of videos unless it's during an extended period of time (such ad when you reassembled the vlsve cover back on). The music otherwise was distracting and because you moved around, there were times you were far away from the mic and as a result, it was difficult hearing you / understanding you. I replaced the valve cover gasket a week ago but I overtorqued the bolts when putting the valve cover back on. I need to get that fixed.

[@AutoAutopsy]

I try to quiet it down when I'm talking, but I'll look into that for future videos. thanks for your suggestion

[@joeybrand9432]

you should add a bolt counter for ech mod or repair. Great vids love the 9-3 stuff

[@gnVasilev]

Wow looks surprisingly easy. Is the process identical for 2.0Ts from 2008 and up?

[@AutoAutopsy]

yep

[@vtk5]

Is it normal to have a bit of smoke when you first start it up after doing this? I did for a while, it’s gone now, but the back of the valve cover is dirty again and I’m not sure if it was just the grease I used to lube the seals or some kind of mess or residue burning off or if I pinched something and have a problem …

[@fjordking]

Thanks a ton, I will be doing this on Sunday,

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@staceyreeves9523]

Ah, "bolts taken out": Some (3) of mine were tough, with the rubber seals holding in place. Had to pry them out with plyers. No biggy. Thx for all the input. BTW, no bolt pattern suggested in WIS.

[@staceyreeves9523]

PS The gaskets were quite hard and cracked upon removal (15years and 360,000km) so definitely due. Explains the oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold. Thx again for your content. PSS I got blocked going to your merch page ->apparel : Cloudflare Ray ID: 8374930479522da7

[@AutoAutopsy]

👍🏼👊🏼

[@AutoAutopsy]

Hmm. Odd. Sorry about that. :( try my new link here: my-store-3c68d2.creator-spring.com/listing/saab-900-build-it-better-black?product=369

[@adamjameel7108]

Great video, thank you very much I think I have to do that to my 9-3 2011 2.0t, but I just wanna make sure what was the issues that makes you replace the valve cover gasket?

[@AutoAutopsy]

It was leaking

[@alexandredionisio9280]

Perfect job.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thank you!

[@andrewwillott]

Did you use the old valve cover bolts when reinstalling

[@DM-zk5wu]

Hi, great videos thank you. Is it beneficial or harmful to leave the engine cover and coil pack cover off all the time? Wouldn’t it be better so heat could escape better?

[@AutoAutopsy]

id think nothing bad could happen, especially if you leave the plastic cover off!

[@konradkiebowicz5800]

I know that some Saab owners drill holes in coil pack cover:)

[@brendanforcucci8750]

Thank you very much. This was incredibly helpful to me. I appreciate you

[@monstermask3212011]

When putting the cover on, I broke the Upper Timing Chain Guide. I assume that some small piece of plastic fell inside.

[@esiasonR77]

Replaced my gasket about a week ago , thanks for the video. I followed as you did and didn’t use any extra gasket grease or anything like that to help seal , have you had any issues ? Would using silicone or I saw on a Forum something about floss?? I feel that the gasket alone should be fine

[@AutoAutopsy]

No issues on mine

[@borrorf4899]

Hey man, doing the same thing on my 9-3,but now I can’t all the bolts to line up,it seems like somethings in the way but I can’t find it. Any ideas?

[@AceEquality]

Few questions... Did you use any type a glue for the gasket? I'm looking to buy the valve cover gasket but it's sold with 2 gaskets. Any idea? And... What company gasket did you use? B/c I'm looking at Ultra Power, if it makes a difference. Thanks in advance!

[@AutoAutopsy]

OEM would be best for the gasket. I used some gasket maker, as mentioned, in certain spots to help make it stick when i flipped it over

[@gltwn]

I found that the gasket stays in place quite nicely during installation, more securely than many other gaskets of this type. I used the Ultra Power gasket from Rock Auto. I think it was a rebranded Fel-Pro, same part number.

[@EFACE402]

Doesn’t look hard at all, think i’ll give it a shot myself this time instead of getting severely overcharged by my Saab mechanic! 😂😭

[@brettfrantzen7425]

Checking out your old video here , I am doing mine next week . Any pointers to get it off ? Looks like you gently pried it up with a long screwdriver? The C900 gasket install is a bit tricky when you flip it over . It doesn’t want to stay in place ! I’ve read petroleum jelly helps ! Or gob on RTV sealer ..🤭

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yeah I believe there’s a specific spot on the 900’s and 9-5’s to gently pry. Or I’d lightly tap the valve cover with a mallet

[@gltwn]

I pried on the front left corner (POV standing before the engine working on the car) and lifted up at the breather port at the rear left corner.

[@caesar170988]

You should start from the middle and work your way to the edges when tightening the bolts on that rocker cover .

[@AutoAutopsy]

Interesting. The B2x5 motors have a specific bolt pattern, with the inside ones being last. That’s why I did them last. Made more sense that way tbh

[@caesar170988]

Check the loosening and thigtening pattern for head bolts , its the same deal . You did not say anything about the damn rubber grommets on the screws . I cant seem to find them in europe . Only the complete bolt at about 8 bucks a piece . Mine are holding up but i would like to change them .

[@shykaliguy33]

@@caesar170988 depending on the manufacturer, some will sell only the valve cover gasket but most include the rubber grommets as well. I have seen them on the US Amazon site along with local auto parts stores here. Take a look at them and the. Search for the model number for that kit in Europe.

[@staceyreeves9523]

@@shykaliguy33 My kit from eSaab did not have the bolt grommets. Sold separate.

[@shykaliguy33]

@@staceyreeves9523 that's surprising. Good to know.I've previously just ordered an aftermarket one on Amazon.All grommets were in there.

[@anthonyrude]

Where'd you get the gasket?

[@jjceel]

Love THE video, Will do this to my Saab soon

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks!

[@esiasonR77]

What did you do to clean the inside ? And what were the areas we need not get dirty in the cover ?

[@AutoAutopsy]

just gently used a scotchbrite and a paper towel; i would avoid getting any of it dirty; particularly the mating surfaces

[@kameronharris6077]

can you make a detailed video on how you got your tech 2 to work? i genuinely can’t figure out how to run the right version of windows in order to get security access

[@AutoAutopsy]

mine worked out of the box. a windows 10 laptop would be capable of running GlobalTIS for security access

[@ayrtontv6025]

How often do you change the oil on that car for it to look like that?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Every 3-5k miles

[@dom9865]

Aye man my cars blowing a bunch of white smoke is the head gasket need replaced or it is this the valve cover gasket that needs replaced or both?

[@AutoAutopsy]

could be a bad turbo or a number of other things; it's hard to tell without a proper diagnosis

[@troyvsc]

Surprised how much easier it is to do a 9-5 valve cover gasket versus all the stuff you had to remove for the 9-3. Basically it’s just the 4 DIC screws/wire connectors and then the 16? screws holding the valve cover on.

[@AutoAutopsy]

yep! i actually just did that job on my 9-5. less stuff to remove, but fitting the gasket was a PITA lol

[@tarakad569]

hi auto autopsy love your videos man i was wonder if you could make a video about replacing the centre console and how to remove the handle of the shifter pls

[@AutoAutopsy]

Saab WIS would have instructions on how to do that

[@Jun-dz1qp]

what did you end up using to clean up the edges?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Working it carefully with a razor blade/paper towel to clean up debris is the best method

[@SergeantZaf03]

Would you recommend doing this right before or right after an oil change?

[@AutoAutopsy]

it wouldn't make a difference either way

[@1steppinrazor]

I would recommend right before an oil change, in case you drop any small particles into the top of the head when cleaning the mating surface.

[@bauhaus32]

Great job 👍 where do you find all the spare parts you use?online store? Thanks...

[@AutoAutopsy]

See here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4O5k6CXhpx3pJo

[@cubedmilk1052]

I've got a question for tuning. When using the maptun's should I go up one tune at a time or can I go straight to my desired tune?

[@AutoAutopsy]

you can go straight to the desired tune, assuming you have the proper modifications

[@GrockleTD]

Question; 04' 9-3 linear, inexplicably usage of the key fob to lock/unlock the doors seems to trigger the hazard lights to go off randomly, doesn't seem to fix itself until i lock and unlock it through the door buttons/start the car. thoughts on that?

[@AutoAutopsy]

maybe just start by disconnecitng and reconnecting the battery to reset everything

[@GrockleTD]

@@AutoAutopsy appreciate it! NGL I'm actually out of the house atm, but I'll try that when I get home! I might bother you via IG if it doesn't work out.

[@futuregam3z647]

where can i find a vid of head gasket replacement for my 03 9-3? any help appreciated thanks

[@AutoAutopsy]

I don’t have one. Saab WIS probably has instructions on how to do it though

[@ignerevhak]

hi i`m thinking about buying 9-3 2009 ,i saw 1 error code p0122 ,do u know this problem ? and is that easy to fix? thanks

[@AutoAutopsy]

Search the code in google. You’ll find most likely find forums saab related forums with answers.

[@flamrow1117]

Whats the time lapse music?

[@staceyreeves9523]

ReDid the valve cover and vacuum pump seals. Gas mileage improved about 10%. (10.8 to 9.8L/100). Anyone else observe similar?

[@Ang.0910]

Hey can you link the write up? How long did it take you? I need this done.

[@AutoAutopsy]

this should provide a pretty good idea of how to do it, but the technical writeup is on www.saabwisonline.com. 2 hour job max

[@xavierhale5578]

what is the secondary air intake? How could i get that setup on my 04 9-3.

[@AutoAutopsy]

you don't want it. only came on 2003's and is a problem. i had mine tuned out

[@nathanielramirez8997]

Any idea what could cause oil pushing up through top left screw on valve cover box?

[@AutoAutopsy]

A bad valve cover gasket lol

[@nathanielramirez8997]

@@AutoAutopsy I asked because the last mechanic just did the valve cover gasket D:

[@nathanielramirez8997]

You right. Replaced it. Ty for the video always the perfect length ;)

[@captaindedo]

Awesome job thank you so much!

[@saabable-bj3ew]

Anyone have issues with one of the valve cover bolts not coming out? One that is next to the spark plug …It feels like it’s completely loose or maybe a thread or two not loose. Just spins. It will tighten back up.. trying not to force it…?

[@AutoAutopsy]

hmm - are you sure it's not caught on something else? can you see under it? how do the threads look?

[@do.u.groove5112]

what if my valve cover gasket bolts will not unscrew all the way

[@staceyreeves9523]

The rubber bolt grommet holds them in a small groove. Just pull out with a pair of plyers. Mine was same; 3 next to coils would not pop out while unscrewing.

[@f296877]

Nice job! Thanks!

[@AutoAutopsy]

😁👍🏼

[@rosstiks]

Thank you for your video

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks for watching!

[@rgerrit4917]

Thanks!

[@AutoAutopsy]

No problem!

[@AntePaananen]

Very helpful

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thank you! 😁🙌🏼

[@DavidMartin-no7hs]

Sorry! I know this has nothing to do with this videos subject matter.. But..... My V6 Aero's alarm keeps going off for no reason. Have you come across this before? (p.s got my 2.0t Wagon Stage 1 done yesterday... Great fun!) 😂 Keep up the good work!

[@AutoAutopsy]

thanks. I would try to by just disconnecting and reconnecting the battery to reset everything

[@DavidMartin-no7hs]

@@AutoAutopsy Thank you sir, I shall give it a try :-)

[@rao-foto]

I would be careful hammering a screwdriver in-between the valve cover and head like it looks like you did. They're both aluminium and will be damaged making a leaky spot for the future. Numbers on the cam bearing caps are to put them in the right place since they're machined to the head for a perfect fit with the cams and must not be put in the wrong place.

[@AutoAutopsy]

that's why i carefully did it right where the old gasket was! i was hammering the gasket, not the actually cover!

[@staceyreeves9523]

I was able to use the suggested ledge by the chain to lightly pry with a screwdriver; worked well to pop the seal (after 360.000km)

[@isoconfused8744]

seems a lot of coolant in your reservoir

[@browserrr1]

Now I understand why that big plastic cover is installed, what is hiding underneath looks like an absolute trainwreck.

[@AutoAutopsy]

train wreck? you should see a 2.8

[@browserrr1]

@@AutoAutopsy By what you showed on several occasions I couldn't agree more. When you had that guy with a Volvo in an episode, that was a tidy engine room.

[@pedropadilla122]

Ypu talk to much just do that job and not so much talking

[@AutoAutopsy]

I’ll make sure to talk more in the next video.