Saab: cold issues, and maybe rumbling?

Hi folks,

My beloved c900 (1992) has been running quite well despite the frigid eastern
U.S. winter, but it does behave a bit oddly when starting after sitting for a
day or two in < 20F (-5C) weather. I'm not sure if this stuff is normal, or if
it is maybe a symptom of actual problems:

1. starter noise

My car has had a bit of trouble with the starter dragging slightly (just for a
second) after the engine catches, for a couple years, and it hasn't caused any
problems. But in the cold lately the noise upon cranking has been of the awful
grinding sort, followed by the "normal" dragging. No trouble actually starting
though. Is it normal for a starter to sound terrible when it's cold?

2. whining

After starting in extremely cold conditions, especially after sitting for more
than 24 hours, there is a rather disturbing whining noise which varies with
engine speed, and which goes away when the engine gets warm. I was thinking
maybe some belt-driven accessory.. PS pump maybe?

3. rumbling

(maybe not cold-related)

The other day when driving at highway speeds, I noticed a vibration (not really
audible), which I would describe as feeling as if I were driving over hundreds
of small, closely-spaced imperfections in the road. Except this was a smooth
road. Observations:

o Occurs only (or mostly?) when foot is on the gas.

o Occurs in different gears.

o Does not go away when car is warm.

o Occurs more often when wheels are turned, maybe.

This is a very subtle thing-- most (less paranoid) people might not notice it,
and I didn't even believe it myself until I got someone else in the car to
confirm it for me.

Things I'm thinking: engine mounts (though I have no trouble shifting)? Related
to afore-mentioned power steering observations? The tires/wheels look to be in
good shape, and properly inflated.

I'd love to hear what you all have to say about this stuff. Including whether
I'm too paranoid for my own good

Thanks,

John


ps-- out of curiosity-- has anyone ever put a LSD in a c900?

On Tue, 27 Jan 2004 16:04:45 GMT, Dave <com> wrote: 

Ok, should I replace the whole starter, or can I just replace the solenoid?
 

Upon further observation, I think that it is indeed most noticable when
turning (especially to the left). If it is the inner drive shafts, are they
likely to fail suddenly, or can I live with this for another thousand miles?

Thanks,

John