Saab 9-5 Valve Cover Gasket Replacement + Diagnosing All of the Leaks!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Hey all! Hoping that it’s not ACTUALLY leaking oil from all of the spots, but considering it was mostly cheap parts, I went ahead and ordered it all anyways! The next video on this car will feature some more repairs of me trying to get it more roadworthy to be my summer daily driver. Make sure to follow me on Instagram (@Auto.Autopsy) or become a patron on my Patreon to see what’s going on before it gets posted here! 😁

[@darrenrussell3214]

A tip : watch movies on flixzone. I've been using it for watching a lot of movies lately.

[@trevorjoel2150]

@Darren Russell Yea, I have been watching on Flixzone for months myself :D

[@allenrussell1947]

That head looks great. The first time I took the valve cover of my OG 93 it looked like someone had painted the insides with asphalt..

[@AutoAutopsy]

jeez...

[@laurat1129]

Yikes! Just had new VCG, HG, and machining done for my OG 9-3, and I was relieved to see (perhaps due in part to 93 Nitro?) it's pretty clean.

[@mikaelnilsson2478]

Another very explaning video from you. Greatings from Sweden👍🏻👍🏻

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks! 😃

[@ScienceStuff15]

Thanks for your video. I was fighting with 3 oil leaks: one from oil pressure sensor: other from CPS ; someone install it biting the o ring and leaking a LOT of oil. And the other maybe not so common, the brake vacuum pump. All fixed in my 2004 9-5 aero b235r and still have some burnt oil smell into the cabin. Maybe it’s time for valve cover gasket that show signs of oil around it. a crankshaft seal replacement video will be great! Many thanks again for do things in 9-5. I learned a lot.

[@screwit8408]

check out this channel: Saab Ross. He made a perfect vid on changing the crankshaft seal and o-ring

[@ScienceStuff15]

@@screwit8408 thanks a lot mate!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Could also be some residual oil!

[@이름이아미타바]

Really helpful vid. I appreciate that you're sharing time, experience, and sweat. finished this job on my 2005 9-5 2.3 AERO a week ago Thanks a lot.😄😊 From Republic of Korea

[@AutoAutopsy]

thank you! :)

[@ralphradyk6970]

I love you man. I have 9-5 like yours and need to do a few things leeks... just keep filming its so straight forward and instructed.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Will do, thanks for the support!

[@farnugen7685]

Nice work. It would be interesting to see a video on changing the oil pressure switch. Some say it can be changed from the top without removing the starter, would love to see that! Love your channel.

[@AutoAutopsy]

we did it from below by removing the starter. thanks for your support!

[@laurat1129]

Never knew how important hood struts are until mine were shot. (This vid reminds me I gotta get one for the driver's side as well.) In my 1st 10 yrs w/the '99 9-3, I thought the DIC at $300-400 a-pop was my biggest expense/problem. (The advice then was to keep an extra in the trunk just in case.) That's testament to me now how good the car is or has been.

[@AutoAutopsy]

yep! I have a spare DIC in this car already just in case lol

[@laurat1129]

@@AutoAutopsy Hey, I wonder if you (& other Saab YTers?) might consider a video on parts to buy/keep. The supplier market's pretty good for a brand that ended ~10 yrs ago, but I wonder how we Saabists might prepare for...the next 10?

[@KylePancis]

nice work

[@laurat1129]

You did a similar video awhile back as I recall, both very helpful to see.

[@ScienceStuff15]

Nice to see you Kyle writing comments on other Saab DIYers. You’re a big player on this Saab leagues 😎 I saw your tranny nightmare video on your 9-5. I have the same car (2004 9-5 aero) and reading a post from SaabCentral (unclemiltie user) forums I just have replaced the linear solenoids on the valve body. Not so hard to do. You and @AutoAutopsy both are VERY capable to do it and it would last the tranny for many miles more. And also installed a auxiliary trans oil cooler with an electric cooler fan. I learned a LOT from both of you Greetings from Chile 🇨🇱

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks bro!

[@AutoAutopsy]

@donmono80 - were both happy to help

[@screwit8408]

If you want to address all the leak spots, don't forget about the tensioner seal and o-ring!

[@ballparkappollo5141]

I think that's where mines leaking, how hard to do is it?

[@screwit8408]

@@ballparkappollo5141 Easy, you need a couple of basic tools. Check out the Saab Ross channel on YT

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks for the tip

[@HansSkovridder]

Exactly my first Saab 9-5 experience many years ago. A seasoned Saab mechanic said it is NOT a head gasket, most likely 'the tensioner seal and o-ring' , and so it was, and I bought the car. Still love it.

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

Dude seeing how clean it is inside there is a huge bit of good news. Previous owner was good about oil changes and coolant system maintenance. She's never run hot enough to coke oil like they can do. Expect a bit of stuff in the oil pan, but don't freak about the hard bits of stuff, which is most likely excess oil pan gasket sealant that hardens up and falls into the pan eventually. Filter and sump screen catch it, so you are just gonna see what the screen caught over the years.

[@AutoAutopsy]

thanks!

[@Mangotrond]

Painting the turbo intake, engine mount and valve cover arbor green would look awesome! Love that color

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks :)

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

Great to see! Finished watching this morning, to see what to expect. The Viggen is gonna get this shortly. It is starting to seep at the cam spot near the battery. One reason they leak a lot is the PCV system, so as long as you have updated that, you should be golden for a long time.

[@AutoAutopsy]

this car thankfully has the updated PCV system; hopefully your old gasket isn't in a million pieces like mine was, lol!

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

@@AutoAutopsy Awesome. More proof of good previous care. Thanks! About to find out. :-)

[@nethacker91]

Funny how they have a drain on the right side of the cover for the oil buildup to get evacuated. But it doesn't save you from getting your spark plugs soaked with oil first.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yeah it’s odd

[@mcdonald2037]

That's awesome nice to hear you enjoy putting the hood thingies on you Saabaru .. good job you left it clean...once you get the oil pressure sensor some leaks stop... Your gonna emissions I wonder how are the regulations in Arizona .. here is no check engine light you need to passed all the drive cycles pass a visual inspection everything has to be stock on the engine . Any part that will give horsepower to the vehicle is illegal unless that part is the stock part... Here is illegal to modify your vehicle...

[@AutoAutopsy]

This isn't a Saabaru!! That's the 9-2x, not 9-5 ;)

[@carstart69]

Hi I have the same sort of leaks on my 04 9-5 Aero thanks a lot for posting!

[@AutoAutopsy]

No problem 👍

[@airmaxfrank9175]

You done save my a lot of money 👍 I always learn something watching ya videos. Keep Posting more. Thanks for ya videos

[@AutoAutopsy]

Happy to help!

[@airmaxfrank9175]

@@AutoAutopsy I have a 2007 Saab 9-5 n I like working on it my because sometimes I don’t trust mechanics. It can be something little n easy but they tell ya it something else so you can spend more money 🤦‍♂️ I needa do the gasket change on transmission n lightbulbs on it too. When I change spark plugs do I use in a grease?!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yeah you should also put a tiny bit of anti seize on the threads for the spark plugs!

[@airmaxfrank9175]

@@AutoAutopsy ok thanks a lot

[@airmaxfrank9175]

I change the lightbulbs and still one light didn’t work so what now

[@donaldshortreed3011]

Good video and good instructions. Great for the DIYer.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks 👍

[@TheWiseTent]

Awesome work!! Don't forget to get a heat-resistant paint for the valve cover as it experiences a bunch of heat! That is if you're going to paint it (which I think you totally should) :P

[@AutoAutopsy]

I don't plan on painting it but thanks for the reminder lol

[@Jonjs99]

Just any paint will do

[@richardgolonka7585]

How do you know what is TOO much sludge? What tool are you using to take off the cover? What are the torque setting for the bolts? Are following a saab repair manual?

[@cg5562]

You should only use anaerobic sealant Loctite 518. The regular RTV can damage the motor, turbo and etc.... I have a 9-5 Aero etc..

[@AutoAutopsy]

I've never heard of people having issues but thanks for the heads up

[@jaatelomiess]

@@AutoAutopsy The problem arises if there's too much RTV used. The excess bits of dried up RTV get into the oil pan, clog up the oil-pickup screen, and worst case scenario is oil starvation and major engine damage from the pickup tube being clogged.

[@tommyborovac1343]

Nice video, thanks! Helps me a lot

[@AutoAutopsy]

Glad it helped! :)

[@HappyPing8]

very good video. I am planning to do my Saab 95 valve cover gasket replacement soon. One question is why is the new gasket has to go on the cover ? What is the reason not putting on the engine so it wouldn't fall off when flipping the cover ?

[@AutoAutopsy]

because there's grooves in the valve cover, not on the cylinder head

[@andrewhopper9852]

Good stuff - bravo

[@AutoAutopsy]

thanks!

[@Krickut]

Looking Goood! Really good instructions, thanx!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Glad you like them!

[@alexfranken8468]

I love youre saab detailed videos, i am planning to buy an 9-3 automatic but i see when start up an yellow letter I in the middle of dashboard. You know were this warning is for?

[@AutoAutopsy]

You'll need to be more specific. Could be a million different things. I would take it to a mechanic you trust for a pre purchase inspection

[@pulseight8038]

Want to help me decide the next upgrade for my 2010 Saab 9-3 2.0T?! Only thing is it’s a 4 cyl automatic/manual hybrid deal if that matters. Thinking either a stage 1 tune from BCB, start on the exhaust, or thoughts on a bsr cold air intake (I just ordered the drop in k&n filter for turbo noiseee). Thanks for the videos man always a good morning to see them pop up first thing on my tv 😂 calming to say the least lmao

[@AutoAutopsy]

If you're going to do physical mods (exhaust, intercooler, etc.) I would do those first before a tune. I'd recommend maptun for tuning when you do get around to that

[@pulseight8038]

Thanks for the advice. Now that you mention it, the intercooler you put in yours looks so nice. I believe I saw the kit on esaabparts? Or did you just order straight from do88? Keep up the great work sir! I wouldn’t be a Saab owner had I not seen your channel.

[@wee7os]

Hi thanks for informative video! Could I ask what is this part at the end of the exhaust cam, under the boost pipe sticking out to the side from the head? Looks like it could Be variable valve timing related but idk. It seems, in my 2006 2.0t biopower is has been either deleted or doesnt exist. Lot of RTV sticking from there so I'm wondering it, but no engine codes lighted. Thanks for the help if possible

[@AutoAutopsy]

im honestly not sure, sorry

[@dalemerrifield1356]

My 2003 9 5 areo has leaks but underneath there is no oil on driver's side,but the oil pan is covered w/oil and the passenger side has oil everywhere, but not the wheel well doesn't that eliminate some of the possible causes of the leak

[@AutoAutopsy]

It could be from a number of spots. You’d really have to get in there with a flashlight and try to find the highest point oil is coming from

[@toem87]

I'm about to do this on my 9-5, but the thing I was wondering is, what the name of the song when you put everything back?😅

[@AutoAutopsy]

Paradox by Kozah!

[@caffina5882]

Hey man!! What's it like working on a 2.8? I've had a 2.0 for 3 years and have been watching you since and I kinda want to dwell into the aeros and get some good power going. Engine bay just looks super crammed.

[@AutoAutopsy]

I have a lot of videos doing work on my Turbo X on the channel (there's a playlist with videos); i'd recommend checking those out for some perspective. They're not as bad as many people make them out to be imo, but some jobs can be a PITA

[@andber]

9:32 Important time Valve cover torque 11 ft. Pound (14.91 Nm)

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yep!

[@jimmyandersson4599]

A saab that doesn't leak oil? Does that actually exists? 😄😄😄 Mine is leaking alot everywhere. Worst was the crankshaft sensor. It was dripping right on the catalyzer and smelled really bad. Used a pipe-sealer from Loctite and it worked great.

[@AutoAutopsy]

i'd just replace the CPS instead of doing that lol

[@jimmyandersson4599]

@@AutoAutopsy CPS? I'm swede, so I don't now all shortnames of everything. Or to be correct, we don't use shortnames on parts here.

[@nickwiste3200]

do you know if the maptun 2.5 catback exhaust will give any sound improvements?

[@AutoAutopsy]

yes, that's the whole point of it lol

[@nickwiste3200]

@@AutoAutopsy got me there, i honestly thought it was just for tuning purposes

[@krabrangoonies1071]

my gasket went bad and spit oil all over my brand new alternator and burned it all up, luckily they warrantied it B)

[@AutoAutopsy]

damn :(

[@carloloturco1659]

That 95 Engine Compartment Looks Different To My 2001

[@AutoAutopsy]

They made some changes over the years

[@nicholascerez2911]

Having trouble with lines not connected that are next to catalytic converter

[@AutoAutopsy]

what?

[@andber]

The last 4 bolts on the ignition casette, what torque?

[@AutoAutopsy]

It’s really not that important lmao

[@juaquincura1079]

Have you ever by chance repaired an exhaust manifold leak on your 95?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Nope. It could just need a new gasket, have a broken stud, etc

[@dalemerrifield1356]

If the manifold is cracked, Up by the motor does that mean the.motor is bad

[@AutoAutopsy]

Not necessarily lol

[@EA40]

Can you include links of the stuff you bought?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Valve cover gasket; its on esaabparts

[@xzaviorsantos6092]

What is the thing called I’m the back of the valve cover

[@AutoAutopsy]

PCV system 👍🏼

[@Pete-hy4mq]

Cheak valve might not be working aswell.

[@alanfunt4013]

Tick that one off the list.

[@AutoAutopsy]

*checks list* “20 more things to go!” 🥲

[@sonyhk3824]

👍

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@rafaelgrande523]

Lo podrias tradusir al español Me gustan tus videos los prollectos q haces pero si los traduses estaria jenial Saludos des de Mexico

[@AutoAutopsy]

I'm not sure how to translate them, sorry :/

[@LisaBrownEl]

I use needle-nose plyers…….lol

[@Jo-uh1mw]

no need for paint