OT-So entirely OT it's from Sweden-OT

[randroid]

Gents,

Working in up-scale restaurants I have had the opportunity to meet a number of famous folks, some of who have become friends. Last Saturday a famous writer (he shall remain un-named out of respect for his privacy) presented me with the title and keys to a 1984 Saab 900S and was told to get it running well and enjoy it. I know nothing about Saabs other than their fine reputation, and this one is in immaculate condition other than it runs like a POS. Idles very poorly and has a top end of around 60 mph, but the oil is clean, there's no smoke, and no weird noises so I feel the problem is most likely in the Bosch CIS mechanical injection system. Okay, I can recite fuel injection theory in my sleep but there are so many variations on the theme that it wouldn't hurt me to ask if anyone here knows everything there is to know about how this system works.

I did the obvious minor tune-up stuff and replaced the O2 Sensor, and everything gets it running a little better. Because of my work schedule this week I haven't been able to get a manual for it, although I've found a few places on-line that are able to help some. What would make an otherwise decent engine act as though it's a 16 HP Briggs & Stratton?

Any clues would be appreciated.

Thanks,

-Randy

[randroid]

He-he. I didn't spell it "SAAB".

I'm a pupae-stage newbie to this stuff.

-Randy

[Plymouthy Adams]

actually a 16 horse Briggs and Stratton is a very smooth engine..

First order of business would be to determine the fuel pressure..the rest is purely electronics...but without proper presure you deliverly during injection time may be low and sporatic at best.

[greg g]

This system had a cold start enrichment injector. If I remember correctly it is a seperate nozzle monted at one end of the intake manifold. It is wired individually through the ignition harness with a temp sensor. I can't remember if the sensor is ambient air temp or coolant. These things like to stick on and cause an way rich condition. Locate it and unplug it and see if it makes a difference. We had a couple three "99" series which were the precursor to the 900. the FI system on the early ones is machanically triggered rather than electronic. But if I remember I had two where this cold start injector was the problem. I simply re wired them with a toggle switch. If I used it and forgot to switch it off, they would always make the car run crappy. Good luck

SAABS are quirky cars but generally reliable and built like Tanks.

Here is some stuff from a Volvo site which also used Bosch K type continous fuel injection.

http://www.swedishbricks.net/faq/figeneral.html

[Tim Frank]

I am usually not a fan of the "small can of liquid magic/snake oil", but every older FI car that I have owned has had a real boost from a can of injector cleaner.

Had a Volvo that couldn't get past 3000 RPM, after a shot of one of the proprietary cleaners it was like a switch had been turned on.

Not at all suggesting that this would solve the problem, but it is probably the quickest and easiest thing to try.

Good luck and nice gift horse!