The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[Prestovie]

Speedway makes synthetic oil?

Oh god I'll hate myself if this isn't synthetic


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[fredo]

Not an e46 question, but here we go. The alternator on my Saab is bad. I need to use jumper cables to start it. I'm thinking about driving to Houston (3 hour trip) and trade-in the car over there. I won't turn off the car until I arrive to the dealer.

Does this sound ok ? I don't want to create or experience additional issues with my plan.

[san]

I don't think the battery will last so long without the alternator recharging it.


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[holyc0w]

Oh god I'll hate myself if this isn't synthetic

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If it's not, it shouldn't create the issues you mentioned.

[Prestovie]

If it's not, it shouldn't create the issues you mentioned.

That's what I figured... best bet right now is head gasket, turns out it's 12hrs in labor which is like $1800 at the dealership, brother says we can do it in 18hrs
I've got an oil change on Tuesday so I'll have them pressure test the cooling system to see if it's actually the coolant leaking in
Not excited about this to say the least, just did a $3600 clutch job and bought all new rubber, thought I'd be done at least for the year


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[az3579]

Not an e46 question, but here we go. The alternator on my Saab is bad. I need to use jumper cables to start it. I'm thinking about driving to Houston (3 hour trip) and trade-in the car over there. I won't turn off the car until I arrive to the dealer.

Does this sound ok ? I don't want to create or experience additional issues with my plan.

You will not make it if your alternator is bad.
Look at the symptoms...

If the car won't start on its own, jump start it. Take the jumper leads off right after jumping. Does the car continue running just fine, with no loss of power or electrical function? If so, your battery is probably bad. In this scenario, the car will continue working just fine as long as it's running. Once you stop it, it won't start up again.

If the car does not continue working, or if electrical function is greatly reduced, your alternator probably isn't charging the battery, and as a result is running off the battery. In this scenario, you need to replace the alternator before you consider making any longer trips, otherwise you'll have to constantly stop, hook up jumper cables, let it charge up for a while, and then rinse + repeat.

That's what I figured... best bet right now is head gasket, turns out it's 12hrs in labor which is like $1800 at the dealership, brother says we can do it in 18hrs
I've got an oil change on Tuesday so I'll have them pressure test the cooling system to see if it's actually the coolant leaking in
Not excited about this to say the least, just did a $3600 clutch job and bought all new rubber, thought I'd be done at least for the year


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Oil doesn't cause misfiring issues. You should look into electrical or fuel-related problems. Coils, spark plugs, fuel pump, fuel filter, MAF... just a few off the top of my head.

Out of curiosity, why do you think you need a head gasket? That mayo garbage you saw under the oil filler cap is normal if you drive your car on short trips, thanks to the stupid way the CCV system is designed. Go for a much longer drive, say 30-60 minutes, and you'll see that mayo disappears.

[Prestovie]

Oil doesn't cause misfiring issues. You should look into electrical or fuel-related problems. Coils, spark plugs, fuel pump, fuel filter, MAF... just a few off the top of my head.



Out of curiosity, why do you think you need a head gasket? That mayo garbage you saw under the oil filler cap is normal if you drive your car on short trips, thanks to the stupid way the CCV system is designed. Go for a much longer drive, say 30-60 minutes, and you'll see that mayo disappears.

I would only think head gasket because of the burning coolant that's coming out of the exhaust, the smell is dreadful.


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[az3579]

I would only think head gasket because of the burning coolant that's coming out of the exhaust, the smell is dreadful.


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Guess that's what happens when I do drive-bys from being too lazy to read every line. lol

[Prestovie]

Guess that's what happens when I do drive-bys from being too lazy to read every line. lol

Lol no worries


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[fredo]

Thanks, BP and San. I don't want to risk it, so I'm aborting the plan.