Had my balance shaft chain and guides replaced, after hearing strange noises on initial startup, after a few minutes they would disappear. We suspected a chain guide was broken causing the chain to have excessive slack, which on startup took a few seconds to retension itself. On removal, left hand guide was missing a 2 inch piece, which we found in the bottom of the cover. Very lucky escape. Thats a massive job you have undertaken, And I'm very impressed, Well done buddy.
May you explain the noise? Its not like a ticking right? Like a tick tick tick tick tick. Starting a few seconds after starting and worse the colder it is
Honestly I wouldn’t say “inevitably”, they don’t tend to go out very often t. about 5 years of looking at Ecotec Facebook forums and owning 4 of the cars
I’m a fanatic as well in keeping everything clean , great pod cast ! I love Saabs as well . Now I have to get this kit and do it myself . Thanks for these videos not only helps but inspiring!.
I've done about 3-4 of these jobs at home. One upgrade I did do on all of them was replace the stock cam gears with keyed cam gears from a Cobalt SS. One engine it had slipped on. They're like $25 for a pair and bolt on. Once those are installed you don't need the cam lock tools. Just line up the chain with the marks and bam done. Didn't know there was an upgraded guide tho. Sold all my 4 cylinder saabs and now own a V6.
Great video dude, I now own 2 more Vauxhalls in the UK with the same engine (Z20NET) as well as my B284 (Z28NET), surprised at how good that 4 pot engine is!
On another video, they used a special tool to only get the pump out. But in the comments a saab tech mentioned they stopped using those as it created problems with timing, recommended doing it this way instead.
I can’t speak to that, unfortunately. To my knowledge, you *do* need a special tool to do just the water pump. It wasn’t needed here since everything was getting replaced
The special tool is too hold the pump sprocket in place so the chain doesn't jump timing. But in this case he doesn't need it because everything was replaced anyway.
Thanks for that. With WIS and your vid support I can try to change it by my own if needed. Right now my 9 3 08' B207 has 311k kilometers, so chains are kinda old, but still running quite smooth. 😅
It seems like the timing or balance chain guide on the left, the one the tensioner directly interacts with, is the one that fails more often than that vertical one
Don’t know if anyone is going to see this but will it work for an 08 9-5 too? Your videos have been so helpful and I really want to know as I want to keep mine running as long as possible
My guides are getting replaced right now. It all started when I was putting in a new clutch. The oil level switch was leaking. So I figured I would take the oil pan off while I have the subframe out. Well, when I got the oil pan down the balance chain guide was lying in there along with the back of the balance chain tensioner...
I admittedly should have replaced it, but will be soon. Two of my heater core hoses are beginning to “seap,” so I’ll replace that housing gasket when I go to do that job. No leaks so far, about 150 miles in 🤞🏼
Awesome video! I did a Timing chain kit change last spring on my B207E because of rattling. At the time I didn't change my balance chain nor the balance chain tensioner either, but I'm beginning to get rattling when the engine is cold and sometimes out when idling. My problem now is that I'm not sure rather to go with the balance chain tensioner itself and that will fix it or I'm forced to change the balance chain also? The engine has around 230.000 miles on the clock... What is your suggestions?
Thanks! Do it all - chain, tensioners, guides (balance, and any timing components you didn’t previously do). It’s so easy to replace that stuff once you spend the trouble to get in there
Amazing video, man. btw...at 14:57 that one bolt looks loose there, I hope you noticed that it needed to be tightened (I'm sure you did but figured I would point it out).
Great video and clear directions which few do. I have a 2007 9-3 2.0t runs like a Ferrari except at low rpm’s it runs really rich! Tried everything spark plugs, fuel pressure regulator, fuel injectors + rail, checked fuel pump pressure, mass air flow sensor and a few other sensors to no avail. 😢 Looked for vacuum leaks , none that I saw. The only thing I didn’t do is o2 sensors and pcv valve. Any ideas ? Thanks
@@AutoAutopsy error codes stored for p0122 throttle/pedal position sensor/switch A circuit low and p0223 throttle peddle position sensor switch B circuit high. The ECU was tested and fine also I forgot to say throttle body was also tested and fine. Thanks
@@greek5752 I would start by testing both sensors. Not sure if there is a test specified in WIS. If not I would pull both sensors from a junkyard car and swap them and clear the codes and see if the codes come back.
Very good job and cool video! 👍🏻 I need to do this too. Thank you for the video. But I want to replace the stock bolt with a Melling 5499GMB engine timing chain guide bolt
Did u just put the car in gear to torque the crank pulley bolt or did u lock the flywheel somehow? Nice job im just waiting on my cam locks to start this job. Nice job!
About how much time did it take to complete the timing and waterpump replacement? About to undertake the same project on my 2008 9-3 2.0t . Thank you for the great videos on these cars
Do you have to reset the new timing chain tensioner? Because the stick is easily moving forward and backward. Is that normal? Thanks from Germany! Great job!
Did you have to drain the oil for this procedure? I always thought the timing chain bathed in a pool of oil but I can't actually find that it does anywhere.
So i currently just did oil pan gasket and I found that timing chain plastic rail guide idk if some replaced it left the broken one but would I be able to tell if it was broken?
Other than pulling the timing cover off, there isn’t a way to tell unless it’s making noise. I’d venture to guess you currently have a broken guide though
After completing everything and starting the car, did you hear a reoccurring noise that grew in loudness and then faded away that sounded like it was from around the camchain? Every 30 seconds I get a weird noise, like from a chain slapping a plastic guide or something.
@AutoAutopsy I found the "issue"! It was from the special wheel driven by the drive belt that was rattling. When I turned the AC off the noise stopped also. Big thanks to you for this video. Without it I probably wouldn't have attempted this operation :)
Hello, i have a problem with my 2003 93 linear . I purchased the timing adjustment tool (blue) but it does not fit to both camshaft. I do not which tool should be the correct one. Really need help on this.
According to this site, blue appears to be correct for Linears. Are you sure the cams are aligned properly? ferrumtools.net/products/saab-camshaft-alignment-master-timing-tool-set?variant=41067578261547&country=US¤cy=USD&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-Oi7BhA1EiwA2rIu29TPqJIAkPcvQwxhpu1B3EBKLFoaBmPrTDDn0oa3XaWNluhJCZ7LQxoCpYkQAvD_BwE
What kind of air filter were you using here? A ‘normal’ one or a sport filter? I’ve recently bought another Saab with a BSR open air intake kit (much flutter sounds, very nice). Unfortunately it’s not my cup of tea
Did the chains on my 9-3 a little over 2 years ago. It is a pain in the A** when you don't have the locking tools. Jacob have you ever thought of deleting the SAI system?
@@AutoAutopsy Aah i see. Got confused when you said the ZZP chain guide cost more than both chain kits together. Both kits costs ~$500 as cheapest with Saab club discount in Sweden 😅
How long did this take you? I am thinking of changing all these parts as well, maybe over a weekend and by myself. Because I am starting to hear some rattle from the very top of my timing chain.
is it similar to 2.3? I have to do the same things in my 95 2.3T and don't know where to start. Some people says that I need to take the engine out to change my timing chain?
Infinity VQ’s have the same problem with the times chain guides. All these manufacturers love using plastic. Bmws been doing for over 25 years. Ridiculous. I sold my g35 to Avoid doing this job + replacing the oil gallery gasket which is behind the rear timing cover. It blows and you start losing oil pressure. This is so much work. Wouldn’t mind it if I had garage and all those fancy tools. Doing everything by hand sucks and kinda makes me not wanna do anything. lol.
I recommend putting a new Crankgear in, put in the upper chainguide before tightening the camgears and very precisley put the crankshaft at tdc… the t8 engines are very senible… cold/warmstart/long crank problems. The plastic from the crankgear can sepperate. (Don‘t attempt this job without the correct camtool!)
My Z20NET(B207L) has 223 T.Mies(360Tkm) on and the chain seems to be still in a good shape. I’ll have to change the valve stem seals and clean the pistons and rings too(eventually replace the rings if I could still find some) Thanks for the video, very helpful. Regards from Germany
goddamn legend, there arent many videos this high quality doing this service
Thank you mark 🫡🙌🏼
Had my balance shaft chain and guides replaced, after hearing strange noises on initial startup, after a few minutes they would disappear.
We suspected a chain guide was broken causing the chain to have excessive slack, which on startup took a few seconds to retension itself.
On removal, left hand guide was missing a 2 inch piece, which we found in the bottom of the cover.
Very lucky escape.
Thats a massive job you have undertaken,
And I'm very impressed,
Well done buddy.
Wow! Nicely done and a good save. Thank you!
May you explain the noise? Its not like a ticking right? Like a tick tick tick tick tick. Starting a few seconds after starting and worse the colder it is
This is perfect. Bought an Aero three years ago with the intention of doing the same. I have no excuse not to do it now. Thank you for sharing this!
Good luck. Happy to help!
You're already a legend but the waterpump takes it to another level!!!
Thank you sir! Tough job, for sure…
This really dials down my paranoia about inevitably doing a water pump, thanks :)
😬🤣 sorry!
Honestly I wouldn’t say “inevitably”, they don’t tend to go out very often
t. about 5 years of looking at Ecotec Facebook forums and owning 4 of the cars
I’m a fanatic as well in keeping everything clean , great pod cast ! I love Saabs as well . Now I have to get this kit and do it myself . Thanks for these videos not only helps but inspiring!.
awesome - best of luck. glad I can help
Until now I would have never considered doing this at home, it's a big and complex job. But the video looks inspiring, good job!
Thanks! It is definitely a pretty involved job, but doable if you have the determination!
I've done about 3-4 of these jobs at home. One upgrade I did do on all of them was replace the stock cam gears with keyed cam gears from a Cobalt SS. One engine it had slipped on. They're like $25 for a pair and bolt on. Once those are installed you don't need the cam lock tools. Just line up the chain with the marks and bam done. Didn't know there was an upgraded guide tho. Sold all my 4 cylinder saabs and now own a V6.
Oh man! Great tip. Wish I had known that beforehand! 🤣 Thanks for sharing 🙌🏼🙌🏼
Do you have a link too the parts makes it easier too find
Any idea on the part number?
Great video dude, I now own 2 more Vauxhalls in the UK with the same engine (Z20NET) as well as my B284 (Z28NET), surprised at how good that 4 pot engine is!
It’s truly such an underrated engine! 😁
That was a great job installing the timing chain,the video is great learning tool.
Thank you, Jose 🙌🏼
On another video, they used a special tool to only get the pump out. But in the comments a saab tech mentioned they stopped using those as it created problems with timing, recommended doing it this way instead.
I can’t speak to that, unfortunately. To my knowledge, you *do* need a special tool to do just the water pump. It wasn’t needed here since everything was getting replaced
The special tool is too hold the pump sprocket in place so the chain doesn't jump timing. But in this case he doesn't need it because everything was replaced anyway.
Thanks for that. With WIS and your vid support I can try to change it by my own if needed. Right now my 9 3 08' B207 has 311k kilometers, so chains are kinda old, but still running quite smooth. 😅
fantastic! WIS is a great guide (I used it for this!). best of luck if you end up needing to do the job
Well done man! Thanks for the great coverage and specs on this job!
Thanks! I really appreciate that!
That valve cover does look great. Great job!
Thanks thackery! Pretty hyped with the result
Def this dude is the legend. What a useful video.
Glad it helped!
It seems like the timing or balance chain guide on the left, the one the tensioner directly interacts with, is the one that fails more often than that vertical one
I have definitely noticed the same! Good point
Great job! Not an easy job to do and glad you had some help.
Me too, Jon is a lifesaver! 🤣
Don’t know if anyone is going to see this but will it work for an 08 9-5 too? Your videos have been so helpful and I really want to know as I want to keep mine running as long as possible
I’m happy I can help. This is a completely different engine setup than the 9-5, so it wouldn’t apply
My guides are getting replaced right now. It all started when I was putting in a new clutch. The oil level switch was leaking. So I figured I would take the oil pan off while I have the subframe out. Well, when I got the oil pan down the balance chain guide was lying in there along with the back of the balance chain tensioner...
😬😬😬
Great video! Doing mine at the moment. Where did you get the upgraded timing chain guide? The heavier duty one.
Thanks! Good luck. 1:36 mark in the video - ZZP
Have all the parts ready to do the job , just waited on the thermostat housing gasket . See you didnt bother . Hope for no leaks
I admittedly should have replaced it, but will be soon. Two of my heater core hoses are beginning to “seap,” so I’ll replace that housing gasket when I go to do that job. No leaks so far, about 150 miles in 🤞🏼
Awesome video!
I did a Timing chain kit change last spring on my B207E because of rattling. At the time I didn't change my balance chain nor the balance chain tensioner either, but I'm beginning to get rattling when the engine is cold and sometimes out when idling.
My problem now is that I'm not sure rather to go with the balance chain tensioner itself and that will fix it or I'm forced to change the balance chain also? The engine has around 230.000 miles on the clock...
What is your suggestions?
Thanks! Do it all - chain, tensioners, guides (balance, and any timing components you didn’t previously do). It’s so easy to replace that stuff once you spend the trouble to get in there
Amazing video, man. btw...at 14:57 that one bolt looks loose there, I hope you noticed that it needed to be tightened (I'm sure you did but figured I would point it out).
Thank you! Yep they all got tightened! I was just showing where I was at in the process 😁
Great video and clear directions which few do.
I have a 2007 9-3 2.0t runs like a Ferrari except at low rpm’s it runs really rich! Tried everything spark plugs, fuel pressure regulator, fuel injectors + rail, checked fuel pump pressure, mass air flow sensor and a few other sensors to no avail. 😢 Looked for vacuum leaks , none that I saw. The only thing I didn’t do is o2 sensors and pcv valve. Any ideas ? Thanks
Is it throwing any codes? Perhaps it’s an ecu issue
@@AutoAutopsy error codes stored for p0122 throttle/pedal position sensor/switch A circuit low and p0223 throttle peddle position sensor switch B circuit high. The ECU was tested and fine also I forgot to say throttle body was also tested and fine. Thanks
@@greek5752 I would start by testing both sensors. Not sure if there is a test specified in WIS. If not I would pull both sensors from a junkyard car and swap them and clear the codes and see if the codes come back.
Did you ever clean the oil pickup filter on the oil pan?
I have not done that before, nope. From my understanding, that’s only really an issue on early B235’s
@@AutoAutopsy B207? Not an issue? might as well do it at least once, say, 10 years.
Very good job and cool video! 👍🏻 I need to do this too. Thank you for the video. But I want to replace the stock bolt with a Melling 5499GMB engine timing chain guide bolt
Thanks! I have heard that there’s a good upgraded bolt option too!
What timing, I need to do these jobs on my 9-3 soon too! Thanks for the walkthrough!
Happy to help 🙌🏼
Did u just put the car in gear to torque the crank pulley bolt or did u lock the flywheel somehow? Nice job im just waiting on my cam locks to start this job. Nice job!
Thanks! I didn’t lock the flywheel (it’s automatic) but IIRC, I did put the car in gear
About how much time did it take to complete the timing and waterpump replacement? About to undertake the same project on my 2008 9-3 2.0t . Thank you for the great videos on these cars
I'd safely set aside a weekend for it. It took me about a week, on and off
Do you have to reset the new timing chain tensioner? Because the stick is easily moving forward and backward. Is that normal?
Thanks from Germany! Great job!
Thanks. Other ecotec videos showed a way to do it, but the tensioner I bought seemed to have automatically engaged
@@AutoAutopsyengaged with oil pressure or mechanicaly?
Did you have to drain the oil for this procedure? I always thought the timing chain bathed in a pool of oil but I can't actually find that it does anywhere.
Nope! I didn’t drain mine and didn’t really lose much, if any, during the job
Great job!
What’s the torque for the guides and tensioner?
It depends. The WIS guides linked in the description show torque specs!
That's really impressive... If you ever get to San Diego I could use a hand doing this on my 07 😊
It’s definitely involved, but possible with the couple of right tools and patience!
So i currently just did oil pan gasket and I found that timing chain plastic rail guide idk if some replaced it left the broken one but would I be able to tell if it was broken?
Other than pulling the timing cover off, there isn’t a way to tell unless it’s making noise. I’d venture to guess you currently have a broken guide though
After completing everything and starting the car, did you hear a reoccurring noise that grew in loudness and then faded away that sounded like it was from around the camchain? Every 30 seconds I get a weird noise, like from a chain slapping a plastic guide or something.
No. It sounds like you might need to pull it back apart and see if something is loose 😬
@AutoAutopsy I found the "issue"! It was from the special wheel driven by the drive belt that was rattling. When I turned the AC off the noise stopped also.
Big thanks to you for this video. Without it I probably wouldn't have attempted this operation :)
Hello, i have a problem with my 2003 93 linear . I purchased the timing adjustment tool (blue) but it does not fit to both camshaft. I do not which tool should be the correct one. Really need help on this.
According to this site, blue appears to be correct for Linears. Are you sure the cams are aligned properly? ferrumtools.net/products/saab-camshaft-alignment-master-timing-tool-set?variant=41067578261547&country=US¤cy=USD&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-Oi7BhA1EiwA2rIu29TPqJIAkPcvQwxhpu1B3EBKLFoaBmPrTDDn0oa3XaWNluhJCZ7LQxoCpYkQAvD_BwE
What kind of air filter were you using here? A ‘normal’ one or a sport filter? I’ve recently bought another Saab with a BSR open air intake kit (much flutter sounds, very nice). Unfortunately it’s not my cup of tea
I just have a K&N drop in filter in the stock box
great video man keep it up
Thanks Robert!
Thought the correct cam locks for the b207r where the silver ones the en48368. Going to be attempting this in a couple weeks 😅
It seems like it depends on year. If yours is later (maybe 07+?) I believe silver is what you want!
@@AutoAutopsy where did you get your cam locks? Have a 2008 9-3 b207r
Did the chains on my 9-3 a little over 2 years ago. It is a pain in the A** when you don't have the locking tools.
Jacob have you ever thought of deleting the SAI system?
Oh man, yeah that’s gonna make it tougher for sure. I’ve got my SAI tuned out, but it’s not physically deleted
Hey! nice video! where did you buy both kits? :D
Thanks! It’s all in the video, but rock auto for most stuff, ZZP for the upgraded guide, and Maptun for other OEM parts/gaskets/water pump
@@AutoAutopsy Aah i see. Got confused when you said the ZZP chain guide cost more than both chain kits together. Both kits costs ~$500 as cheapest with Saab club discount in Sweden 😅
Do these guides fail on all model 9-3 saabs? I have a 2010 Saab 9-3 sportcombi wagon with 6 speed manual.
It can be an issue on all B207’s, so yep
Great video. Still have my Viggen, but not 06 & 09 93s.
Thanks! The viggen is awesome. I hope to own one someday…
How long did this take you? I am thinking of changing all these parts as well, maybe over a weekend and by myself. Because I am starting to hear some rattle from the very top of my timing chain.
For it being my first time, it took about an entire weekend. I’d budget about that. More familiar DIYers/mechanics could probably do it in a day
@@AutoAutopsy On what website can I get that upgraded green camshaft guide? ZZP guide or whatever you called it.
Good job 👏🏻
Thanks 😁
do you have a link to the better chainbar i have here tre car some need love.
zzperformance.com/products/zzp-ecotec-timing-chain-guide?currency=USD&variant=39862242967614&Google%20Shopping&stkn=9cd2382ca760&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw57exBhAsEiwAaIxaZjp-ctt_flajCq1Yl33VVC1rx2PqB9RwcmtwIgkRFgNMT3hd_ETgUxoCLz0QAvD_BwE
@@AutoAutopsy thank you very much 👍👍👍🇸🇪
is it similar to 2.3? I have to do the same things in my 95 2.3T and don't know where to start. Some people says that I need to take the engine out to change my timing chain?
It’s a completely different engine. I would recommend checking www.saabwisonline.com for instructions
Hello everyone. How do I find a separate green placemark? Does she have a manufacturer's number or company name?
Are you referring to the green timing chain guide? If so, information is in the video. ZZP.
Hi. Can you provide the number of the camshaft locks? I need it for Saab 93 2003. B207R.
I don’t have any exact PN, but it should be the orange ones like you see in this video (since you’re the same year as me and also a R)
Infinity VQ’s have the same problem with the times chain guides. All these manufacturers love using plastic. Bmws been doing for over 25 years. Ridiculous. I sold my g35 to
Avoid doing this job + replacing the oil gallery gasket which is behind the rear timing cover. It blows and you start losing oil pressure. This is so much work. Wouldn’t mind it if I had garage and all those fancy tools. Doing everything by hand sucks and kinda makes me not wanna do anything. lol.
it's a time intensive job, but doable.
I need to tackle this soon...
Good luck! 👍🏼 😁
Cheers Jacob...
🙌🏼🙌🏼
What rims do you have on your Saab 9-3 2.0T?
Sport edition p3
Yo soy de México pero aqui no encuentro la herramienta para bloquear los arboles de levas.
eBay will be the best place to look probably. Or Saab Facebook groups
Real nice
🙌🏼
I found my balancechain guide in 3 pieces that big one in sweden we call it banana guide . Pices where in the sump .
Jeez! 🤯
YES.
🙌🏼
The Great York and love car perfect 👌
😁🙌🏼
Hi need body parts for saab93
Best bet would be posting in your local Saab facebook group
I need to do this to my 1993 9000 2.3t
Hopefully those are pretty simple!
Gentlemen, I think we are all due for this soon lol my pump started leaking
Noooo
meanwhile me casually ignoring the very obvious startup rattle 🗿
Rip :/
@@AutoAutopsy hey, it still runs great... For now
63 ft LBs? Isn’t it 63NM?
Nope - 63ft/lbs. the Wis instructions are in the description if you’d like to confirm
I recommend putting a new Crankgear in, put in the upper chainguide before tightening the camgears and very precisley put the crankshaft at tdc… the t8 engines are very senible… cold/warmstart/long crank problems. The plastic from the crankgear can sepperate. (Don‘t attempt this job without the correct camtool!)
cam tool is 100% needed for sure! My crank looked to be in good shape so I didn't bother with replacing it
OBVIOUSLY replaced. its stamped coyles not saab or GM from factory it should have been timing was done within the last 100k miles
I wouldn’t be shocked if they’ve been done before given how little wear there was
@@AutoAutopsy looking back at this I came off like a jerk lol keep up the awesome saab content!
whew
😅🤣
It's easier to remove the motor and do all that work
I don’t think so! you still need to do a ton of work once it’s out of the car! 😬
@AutoAutopsy the 1st garage I had do a pump suggested ot next time, so did LaBarre, thats actually how he does them
📽📽📽🏁👍
🙌🏼
I thought the timing chain was supposed to last the life of the car
they very well can, but they can also stretch over time; this was preventative maintenance.
So you do know the manufacturer deems the life time of a vehicle as around 140k miles right
My Z20NET(B207L) has 223 T.Mies(360Tkm) on and the chain seems to be still in a good shape.
I’ll have to change the valve stem seals and clean the pistons and rings too(eventually replace the rings if I could still find some)
Thanks for the video, very helpful.
Regards from Germany
🫡👍🇸🇪❤️
Whish i hade seen this before I did it on my 9-3.
Very good video instruction.
Thanks raffe. Hope your repair went well!