Cracked cylinder heads later than '97 models

[bobch24]

I posted a reply on WOLLAM's thread in relation to this. Basically my '99 SL cracked its head, caused oil to leak into the coolant, and visa versa, overheating......$2500!!! They fixed this, then told me the radiators clogged, probably as a result...~$500!!! My car is 4.5 yrs old, I just made the last payment in September. I'm PO-d!!! Would everyone who has ever had a problem similar PLEASE post a reply. If you reply, please indicate youre model year and engine specs (mine is a SL with a 1.9L SOHC) I need some ammo to talk with Saturn corp.

Please only reply if your car is later than model year '97. Saturn has already extended engine warranties on models through '97 on 1.9L SOHC SL engines.

[patioman]

Hello

I just purchased a 1994 SL2 1.9 DOHC. It is leaking oil on the back side of the engine near the top. Can't tell where for all the clutter. Losing about a quart every 100-200 miles. Haven't fixed the problem yet.
Probably this weekend will break down and repair.

Gary

[KodiakBrown]

Originally Posted by bobch24

I posted a reply on WOLLAM's thread in relation to this. Basically my '99 SL cracked its head, caused oil to leak into the coolant, and visa versa, overheating......$2500!!! They fixed this, then told me the radiators clogged, probably as a result...~$500!!! My car is 4.5 yrs old, I just made the last payment in September. I'm PO-d!!! Would everyone who has ever had a problem similar PLEASE post a reply. If you reply, please indicate youre model year and engine specs (mine is a SL with a 1.9L SOHC) I need some ammo to talk with Saturn corp.

Please only reply if your car is later than model year '97. Saturn has already extended engine warranties on models through '97 on 1.9L SOHC SL engines.

Bobch24= Greetings, I had just purchased a used 96 SL 1.9 and was fortunate to get 200 miles on it before I noticed the same in the coolant. I took off the valve cover and stuck a garden hose in the radiator reservoir hose and cranked it up(the water hose not the engine). Sure enough there was one crack just below the rocker arm over the water jacket and another behind the cam in the oil port. One crack let water out, the other let oil in. I purchased a new head but also registered a complaint with NHTSA and Saturn. I do not mind paying for a new head once, but I am not enthused at this possibly being a re-curring expense. The Saturn is a great car, but the engineers could have took a little more pride in their work.
KodiakBrown

[miamisl2]

any possibility the head is cracked from previous overheating?

bobch you should be mad at whoever fixed your car...$2500 for a new head and $500 for a radiator is insane!!!

[KodiakBrown]

Originally Posted by miamisl2

any possibility the head is cracked from previous overheating?

bobch you should be mad at whoever fixed your car...$2500 for a new head and $500 for a radiator is insane!!!

I have to rescind what I said yesturday and I appologize if I mis-led you. The co. I baught the head from did not have one after all. I ended up welding it myself and re-enforcing it. As for the radiator, if you are capable of not blowing you and car up, you can pre-run it to temp and place paint thinner in the reservoir. This will break up the oil and clean up the radiator. The paint thinner will mix with the hot water, but you have to get the engine warm. There is nothing wrong with the radiator, just gotta get the snot out. You have to drain the radiator first. I have made the car new again for under 300.00 by doing it myself. And I know the weld I put on it will not fail. The problem is, I dont know how many more times it will crack in a different place.
Heads are normally pretty good under heat. I also rebuild old cars, and noticed with my 52 willys I had to drop the thermostat from 190 to 160 so the coolant would circulate at a cooler temp. I think doing the same with this might work. The saturn calls for a 190 or 180, might be better just to remove it all together. I think it stinks that Saturn doesn't offer any advise to prevent the problem. You have to figure it out yourself I geuss. Good luck.

[sierrap615]

Originally Posted by patioman

Hello

I just purchased a 1994 SL2 1.9 DOHC. It is leaking oil on the back side of the engine near the top. Can't tell where for all the clutter. Losing about a quart every 100-200 miles. Haven't fixed the problem yet.
Probably this weekend will break down and repair.

Gary

95% of the time that is just the head gasket, not the whole head