White gunk on oil dipstick

Paradigm

trixxi wrote: »

The tapping noise is noisiest after the car has been driven and is not there at start up, the tapping is intermittent.

Where in the engine is the tapping noise? Top, left, right, front?

trixxi wrote: »

The garage added an additive to try and help with tapping noise and it has made no difference.

Don't use them again!!

trixxi wrote: »

The car had an engine flush last friday and the mayo is still present.

That's not too urgent but needs looking at when you have sorted the noise.

trixxi wrote: »

How do we know if there is alot of sludge??

Drop the sump & all will be revealed. Like I said, find a saab specialist & let them have a look... trying to diagnose this on the net is impossible!

Paradigm

trixxi wrote: »

Paradigm ..... the garage changed the tensioners/pulleys on the belt as he advised whinning noise from car was from power steering pump.... tapping noise appeared after this? whinning noise still there especially at start up. Have asked garage about tapping noise and he says nothing to worry about? Just keeps telling us its an old car, have changed oil every 4,000 miles ... sorry for all the questions..... is dropping the sump a difficult job, as really dont want to use this garage again

Sorry I've just seen this after I posted.

I'd be asking someone (not the original garage) to check that the serpentine belt, pulleys & tensioner are fitted correctly.

It's a pity you didn't mention this earlier

The sludge issue looks less likely now but still worth checking.

Edit: The belt drives lots of stuff, power steering, air con etc.... get it to someone who knows about Saabs & please keep away from the garage you were using

trixxi

Paradigm...... thanks for your reply the noise is coming from the top left ... sound like just under the rocker cover?? but since the tensioner/pulleys were changed, noise happened immediately after, could it be this?

Diagnosing on the net ... now that would be the way to go, save you getting your hands dirty!! Seriously though you have given us some pointers which have been really helpful.. thanks.

As for the garage.. think we will give them a wide berth now!

After car was serviced we queried why fuel filter hadnt it been changed, was told fuel filter for this car was in fuel tank and would never need replaced, is this also alot of tosh??

Paradigm

trixxi wrote: »

Paradigm...... thanks for your reply the noise is coming from the top left ... sound like just under the rocker cover?? but since the tensioner/pulleys were changed, noise happened immediately after, could it be this?

If you look at the engine from the front of the car the belt is on the left & yes, as the noise started after it was changed it's possible that something is not 100% Deffo the place to start!!

trixxi wrote: »

As for the garage.. think we will give them a wide berth now!

Good

trixxi wrote: »

After car was serviced we queried why fuel filter hadnt it been changed, was told fuel filter for this car was in fuel tank and would never need replaced, is this also alot of tosh??

Yep, I'm afraid it's tosh.... the fuel filter on mine is on the outside of the tank & should be changed every 60000 miles! I don't know the year/model of yours but I'll bet it's in the same place.

stumpjumper

This is a list of recommended SAAB specalists posted on Pistonhead's SAAB section

cyclonebri1

onejontwo wrote: »

I would be tempted to give it a good engine flush (making sure the instructions on the tin are followed) with new oil and filter of the correst spec.

With no disrespect that could be really poor advice. Most authorities agree flushing oil is taboo, in a heavily burnt engine, and that one has been crisped, in can loosen slag and scale that will do even futher harm to the engine.

Just a quick flush and oil change with the cheapest on spec oil is better advice.;)

Paradigm

stumpjumper wrote: »

This is a list of recommended SAAB specalists posted on Pistonhead's SAAB section

Good post, hopefully one of them is near the OP!

Paradigm

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

With no disrespect that could be really poor advice. Most authorities agree flushing oil is taboo, in a heavily burnt engine, and that one has been crisped, in can loosen slag and scale that will do even futher harm to the engine.

Just a quick flush and oil change with the cheapest on spec oil is better advice.;)

Nicely put!
Also suddenly moving from a cheapie mineral oil to fully synth can be just as bad!

trixxi

stumpjumper.... thanks for the link, there is one only 15 mins away!

will speak to this garage, and go thru things that have been suggested by all you lovely posters!!

Cant believe how much money we have spent at this garage and that they have probably caused more damage to the car.

Anyway thanks for all the advice, at least now i feel like we are a little bit more informed.

Will go to specialist and hopefully get some answers and a not too hefty bill!

Thanks again everyone

Paradigm

trixxi wrote: »

Cant believe how much money we have spent at this garage and that they have probably caused more damage to the car.

I'm not sure they have caused damage... yet! They certainly haven't helped matters.

trixxi wrote: »

Will go to specialist and hopefully get some answers and a not too hefty bill!

Thanks again everyone

Let us know how you get on. I'm definately interested