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Whistling Turbo?

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Saab Forum >> Saab Model Line Up >> Saab 9-3 >> Whistling Turbo?

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Whistling Turbo? - 3/4/2008 7:37:35 PM

staffmonkey

Posts: 16
Joined: 1/7/2008
Status: offline

I was on my way to pick up my son the other day and heard a clear whistle coming from the engine. When I let off the gas, (the engine was still cold) it stopped and didn't come back. I haven't heard it since.

Here's my question: I know that a whistling turbo is a sign of failure, but can an "intermittent" whistle be a sign of something besides failure? If not, any guesses on how long I have until the turbo fails?

Thanks.

Post #: 1

RE: Whistling Turbo? - 3/5/2008 5:51:45 AM

Roto

Posts: 1244
Joined: 12/18/2006
Status: online

Well whistling doesn't necessarily mean that it's about to blow. I had a 9-3 with a constant whistle from the turbo and as far as I know it still runs 20K miles later. If at some point you have the downpipe off for some reason - check for shaft play, if there's shaft play you can rebuild the turbo...either do it yourself or you can send it off to someone. It's not really difficult to do.

_____________________________

1999 Saab 9-3 5-door.
She's back and better than ever

Philly Region Autocross

(in reply to staffmonkey)

Post #: 2

RE: Whistling Turbo? - 3/7/2008 7:19:16 PM

staffmonkey

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Joined: 1/7/2008
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Thanks, Roto. I'm not sure why I'd ever happen to have the downpipe off, but if I do, I'll check for it. Can I assume that I'll know "shaft play" when I see it, or is there a spec that can be measured with a Mark I Eyeball?

(in reply to Roto)

Post #: 3

RE: Whistling Turbo? - 3/8/2008 8:15:46 AM

Roto

Posts: 1244
Joined: 12/18/2006
Status: online

if you can wiggle the shaft than you've got shaft play...

_____________________________

1999 Saab 9-3 5-door.
She's back and better than ever

Philly Region Autocross

(in reply to staffmonkey)

Post #: 4

RE: Whistling Turbo? - 3/16/2008 5:43:26 PM

alexdrops

Posts: 52
Joined: 1/14/2008
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The turbo in my 06 9-3 makes a a similar noise; the cars has close to 26k and runs great. I dont think theres a problem with the turbo. I kinda like the noise it makes hehe

(in reply to Roto)

Post #: 5

RE: Whistling Turbo? - 3/19/2008 9:40:52 PM

popcorn

Posts: 20
Joined: 3/19/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: alexdrops

The turbo in my 06 9-3 makes a a similar noise; the cars has close to 26k and runs great. I dont think theres a problem with the turbo. I kinda like the noise it makes hehe

Same.

My 99' 9-3 has a similar "whistle". It's more of a suction sound to me.. Thinking of mounting a BOV to better accentuate it. :)

(in reply to alexdrops)

Post #: 6

RE: Whistling Turbo? - 3/19/2008 10:40:22 PM

Roto

Posts: 1244
Joined: 12/18/2006
Status: online

a sucktion noise is the bypass valve operating...also normal:)

_____________________________

1999 Saab 9-3 5-door.
She's back and better than ever

Philly Region Autocross

(in reply to popcorn)

Post #: 7

RE: Whistling Turbo? - 3/20/2008 9:09:12 AM

alexdrops

Posts: 52
Joined: 1/14/2008
Status: offline

Oh yeah...suction noise and the whisteling noise; both i can hear on my 9-3. Cant wait until it gets warmer so i can drive with my windows open and listen to those awesome noises even louder, especially after ill install an air intake

(in reply to Roto)

Post #: 8