How do you know if your head gasket is blown on a 2003 saab 95 3.0t?

Did you check coolant level???

cam timing????? is covered in the FSM book,
is this car in USA>? we sure cant guess this.
but 2.0L
no 9-2 here, sorry

if coolant is not 50% antifreeze
many things can crack and leak water.
did you do that, run near pure water in coolant?

i say buy the FSM and 100% for sure on any SAAB .
most shops here look at a SAAB and scratch head.
they have some very odd engineering on them. very odd.
get the the book and win.

to bad so sad

Dear David ,maybe you can fix it by some special powders like (WONDER SEAL) but it isn't a logical way for long time . actually for winter because of antifreeze liquids. (they release wonder seal) I always prefer rational and main way with original parts .this is my experience : Don't choose cheaps .they are most expensive .

this is a major piece of mechanical work as you seem to be aware, i would suggest if you feel confident to do it yourself get a workshop manual that will give a step by step guide and the correct torques etc , you wont know if the head needs recon until its off but if it has'nt been overheated time and time again it should be fine , also depending on mileage as to wether the valves need regrinding and new seals , i would do this as well while the head is off as is best practice to carry out further maintenance when the oppourtunity is there also change the timing belt and tensionor ,you can probably hire the correct tools needed as buying would cost quite a bit to be used only once so there is a lot to consider so i wish you good luck and keep me up to date please.Also bear in mind the age and condition of vehicle against cost of repair might be better to trade in keeping the head problem to yourself!

Yes you use an exhaust gas analyzer to check for hydrocarbons in coolant recovery tank or radiator.

get it inspected, you may have a blown head gasket. If you do not get it looked at and it is a head gasket issue you could destroy the 02 sensor and the catalytic converter.

Sounds to me like they did a bad head job. No pun intended. lol, White smoke indicates moisture in exhaust but black smoke indicates a oil leak. I would take it back and have them check the job they did. If the car is over heating then the head gaskets are pretty much blown.

without mechanical knowledge, best left to a garage. if you have a bit of knowhow then do an assessment of what is connected to the head, inclusive of exhaust manifold and fuel inlet manifold, wiring etc.Once you decide how to do it, note where all bolts and wires go.Clean every bit of old gasket off all faces and as the head is alloy get a head skim from a motor factor or machine company. You will need a new set of cylider head bolts and full head gasket set. Torque settings , however will need to be obtained along with the head bolt sequence for retightening