Just bought a 1998 Saturn SL2/Automatic

[DRPowerStroke8170]

I bought a 1998 SL2 last night. Needed a commuter car so I didn't put the miles on my F250 lifted diesel.

I think I got a fair deal. Not a steal, but a deal ($2500). Original 91k miles. Last 4 yrs she put 7k miles on it. She was a student moving to Spain. White in color and all one color. No accidents shown.

Ok. Had to replace the brakes today. Had them done. $135 new pads and turned all four rotors/drums. I did the tune-up myself (hadn't had to worry much about this in years with my diesel). Did NGK and new air filter and new hose from valve cover to intake. Cleaned out throttle body with carb cleaner and put fuel injection cleaner in the gas with 91 octane to clean her out. Did I miss anything?

All four tires were just replaced. So, I was saved there

Found out the radiator has a crack. Plastic I guess? Ordered it online for $79 shipped w/lifetime warranty. Straight forward install?

She also has a oil leak. It is coming from valve cover. Local shop wanted $200 to replace and replace some other item. Forget name, so the oil doesn't go into the plugs?

The car has ok HP. Am I thinking it should be more because I am used to driving my "chipped" truck? The hesitation seems to have left with this morning tune-up. Any tricks get get a few more MPG or HP?

I think the motor mount is bad. I heard someone say this might be an issues with these? Slight vib from motor. When I go from drive to reverse and do it quick there is a clunk. Motor mount?

The exhaust. It's loud and stock. I assume it has a hole? Or, is it more a exhaust manifold gasket? Which is more common?

Last, the fog lights. They don't turn on. Fuse or bulbs?

Thanks for reading and any input would be great

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

I bought a 1998 SL2 last night. Needed a commuter car so I didn't put the miles on my F250 lifted diesel http://saturnspeed.com/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif

I think I got a fair deal. Not a steal, but a deal ($2500). Original 91k miles. Last 4 yrs she put 7k miles on it. She was a student moving to Spain. White in color and all one color. No accidents shown.

That is actually quite a nice deal. treated well, it will serve you well over 200k

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

Ok. Had to replace the brakes today. Had them done. $135 new pads and turned all four rotors/drums. I did the tune-up myself (hadn't had to worry much about this in years with my diesel). Did NGK and new air filter and new hose from valve cover to intake. Cleaned out throttle body with carb cleaner and put fuel injection cleaner in the gas with 91 octane to clean her out. Did I miss anything?

Always use NGK Coppers. Platinums will cause problems. Check the PVC valve and make sure it rattles. and yes you missed the Engine Coolant Temperture Sensor. your is most likely resin tipped and will cuase problems later on. the coolant will eat through the resin and send wrong signals to the PCM yet 9/10 will NOT cause a code to be thrown. replace it with a brass tipped one. you can get it from autozone or from the dealer itself.

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

All four tires were just replaced. So, I was saved there

Found out the radiator has a crack. Plastic I guess? Ordered it online for $79 shipped w/lifetime warranty. Straight forward install?

Yes straitfoward install. remove hoses pull old one, install new one, replace hoses

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

She also has a oil leak. It is coming from valve cover. Local shop wanted $200 to replace and replace some other item. Forget name, so the oil doesn't go into the plugs?

more than likely you need a new valve cover gasket. dealer one might cost you 100 for it but you can find it online for $25.

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

The car has ok HP. Am I thinking it should be more because I am used to driving my "chipped" truck? The hesitation seems to have left with this morning tune-up. Any tricks get get a few more MPG or HP?

keep the tires checked on PSI and change the ECTS. that sensor is VITAL to fuel management. more hp? CAI is prolly the best bet.

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

I think the motor mount is bad. I heard someone say this might be an issues with these? Slight vib from motor. When I go from drive to reverse and do it quick there is a clunk. Motor mount?

common problem with the s-series. start off with the top motor mount. after your new mount is in, retorque the other mounts. that is important. most forget to do that and complain they still have vibrations.
also check the headlights as they like to rattle. along with the muffler as the muffler straps like to go and it will just sit on the rear cross member banging around. a new strap is about $35 at the dealer.

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

The exhaust. It's loud and stock. I assume it has a hole? Or, is it more a exhaust manifold gasket? Which is more common?

check by the flexible down pipe. sometimes a hose clamp at each end will quiet things down ALOT. other possibility is a gasket between one of the muffler pieces.

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

Last, the fog lights. They don't turn on. Fuse or bulbs?

Thanks for reading and any input would be great

depends how its wired. if in series then yes could be a bulb. otherwise check your fuses both in the engine bay and in the passenger side kick panel.

Check your oil every week!!! the S-series love to eat oil so untill you get an idea of how much it burns check it every week. Saturns dont die. people kill them by not checking the oil. Change it every 3k with filter also. this will help the car last MUCH longer.

If an automatic, change the ATF fluid and filter every 30k.

Good luck and happy driving!

[DRPowerStroke8170]

Originally Posted by RC1488

That is actually quite a nice deal. treated well, it will serve you well over 200k

Always use NGK Coppers. Platinums will cause problems. Check the PVC valve and make sure it rattles. and yes you missed the Engine Coolant Temperture Sensor. your is most likely resin tipped and will cuase problems later on. the coolant will eat through the resin and send wrong signals to the PCM yet 9/10 will NOT cause a code to be thrown. replace it with a brass tipped one. you can get it from autozone or from the dealer itself.


Yes straitfoward install. remove hoses pull old one, install new one, replace hoses


more than likely you need a new valve cover gasket. dealer one might cost you 100 for it but you can find it online for $25.


keep the tires checked on PSI and change the ECTS. that sensor is VITAL to fuel management. more hp? CAI is prolly the best bet.


common problem with the s-series. start off with the top motor mount. after your new mount is in, retorque the other mounts. that is important. most forget to do that and complain they still have vibrations.
also check the headlights as they like to rattle. along with the muffler as the muffler straps like to go and it will just sit on the rear cross member banging around. a new strap is about $35 at the dealer.


check by the flexible down pipe. sometimes a hose clamp at each end will quiet things down ALOT. other possibility is a gasket between one of the muffler pieces.


depends how its wired. if in series then yes could be a bulb. otherwise check your fuses both in the engine bay and in the passenger side kick panel.

Check your oil every week!!! the S-series love to eat oil so untill you get an idea of how much it burns check it every week. Saturns dont die. people kill them by not checking the oil. Change it every 3k with filter also. this will help the car last MUCH longer.

If an automatic, change the ATF fluid and filter every 30k.

Good luck and happy driving!

WOW! Thanks for input. The "Engine Coolant Temperture Sensor" was just replaced by previous owner. The PVC valve does still rattle. I did spray some carb cleaner and it rattles good. Where do I get a poly engine mount cheap online?

Thanks for your input!

[Headnsouth]

Good call on the ECTS.
How about the fuel filter? When you do the valve cover don't forget to use a little RTV sealant. Even with the Felpro I had leaks until I used the RTV.
Watch the oil consumption on your Saturn there are known to use oil.

[DRPowerStroke8170]

Originally Posted by Headnsouth

Good call on the ECTS.
How about the fuel filter? When you do the valve cover don't forget to use a little RTV sealant. Even with the Felpro I had leaks until I used the RTV.
Watch the oil consumption on your Saturn there are known to use oil.

Autozone said it had no fuel fuel filter?

Thanks for input!

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

Autozone said it had no fuel fuel filter?

Thanks for input!

as in they didnt have it in stock? they should carry them. Fuel filter is mounted in the back of the engine bay on the right side.

motor mounts...not sure. you'll have to do some research on that one or another member can tell you

this site has some good responses
http://www.streetdesignauto.com/index.htm?c64.htm&1

[DRPowerStroke8170]

Originally Posted by RC1488

as in they didnt have it in stock? they should carry them. Fuel filter is mounted in the back of the engine bay on the right side.

motor mounts...not sure. you'll have to do some research on that one or another member can tell you

this site has some good responses
http://www.streetdesignauto.com/index.htm?c64.htm&1

How sad! Guy said car didn't have one. Located on drivers side? Access it from top or under?

Thanks

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

How sad! Guy said car didn't have one. Located on drivers side? Access it from top or under?

Thanks

haha what! a car with no fuel filter....wow.

anyway, yes its in the back right (drivers side) of the engine bay. its under the brake master cylinder. its silver and cylindrical. accessing it i believe is best from underneath.

EDIT: the '98-'02 years moved the fuel filter to the drivers side REAR underneath the back drivers side door. unforutnetly this part is about $95 as the regulator is built in. however, the Chevy s-10 2.2L fuel filter is the EXACT same thing and costs 1/2 as much.

[DRPowerStroke8170]

Originally Posted by RC1488

haha what! a car with no fuel filter....wow.

anyway, yes its in the back right (drivers side) of the engine bay. its under the brake master cylinder. its silver and cylindrical. accessing it i believe is best from underneath.

EDIT: the '98-'02 years moved the fuel filter to the drivers side REAR underneath the back drivers side door. unforutnetly this part is about $95 as the regulator is built in. however, the Chevy s-10 2.2L fuel filter is the EXACT same thing and costs 1/2 as much.

Same year on Chevy?

Thanks for your help!

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

Same year on Chevy?

Thanks for your help!

ask for a fuel filter for a 2001-2002 S10 2.2L Flex Fuel. Courtesy of Richpin

[DRPowerStroke8170]

Originally Posted by RC1488

ask for a fuel filter for a 2001-2002 S10 2.2L Flex Fuel. Courtesy of Richpin

Same price @ Kragen Auto Zone $39. Auto Zone says they come with one, but the factory puts a lifetime filter in the gas tank and replacement isnt needed. Napa says $54/part #3100 and they have it as two different parts number the I posted was for '01 S10.

Thanks!

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by DRPowerStroke8170

Same price @ Kragen Auto Zone $39. Auto Zone says they come with one, but the factory puts a lifetime filter in the gas tank and replacement isnt needed. Napa says $54/part #3100 and they have it as two different parts number the I posted was for '01 S10.

Thanks!

the filter is good for 100k and does exist. #39 isnt bad for the filter. at the dealer its about $92.