Notes on my repairs
 

Over the past month or so, I've done a lot of work on my SVX. I wanted to post a few notes about the work. I'm not going to remember everything, or even close, but I want to post a few thoughts.

1. Spark plugs:

This was, by far, the repair that gave me the biggest headache, so I have a lot to say about it.

I damaged three coil boots trying to remove them. One was torn in half and the others I didn't feel safe putting back on. So I rummaged through an auto store's plug wire sets. I finally found a $16 set from Bosch (after looking through 99% of their line) which had boots that fit pretty much the same. I can't remember the model number - I'll have to look it up when I get home. The set 'fits Saab, Suzuki, Geo 4 cylider engines.' As for removing the old boots if they stick, get an inspection mirror and a set of picks from Sears - it makes the job a thousand times easier.

The old NGK plugs were not damaged. They were very black, but I checked the gap and they all fit exactly at .040". Spec is .039-.043. I find this remarkable for plugs with 129k miles on them and it justifies paying the extra money.

2. Transmission cooler:

Fitting it in front of the condenser required (for me) the removal of the radiator, grille, lights and front bumper cover. I should have unbolted the condenser so I could work the cooler in without bending any of the fins on the condenser, but you know what they say about hindsight.

Get 3/8" hose for the cooler. 5/16" just doesn't fit and it's constricting anyway. I actually went to the parts store, the guys said 'bah, 5/16" will work,' and I ended up taking a return trip.

3. Electrical connectors:

Some of mine are surprisingly brittle. Be careful with them and make sure you know how they come apart. You can't manhandle them the way you can new connectors.

4. Jackstands:

Mine have channel-shaped platforms, so they didn't fit the jack points on the car without causing damage to the body. Besides, I wanted a longer base since I expected to be under the car a lot and tugging pretty hard at stuff. I placed my stands, with blocks of wood on top of them, on the subframes front and rear. I caused no damage that I can see, and my car was up there for about a month.

I'll probably add more later...