UPDATE! 97 SL2 Problem Child

66dartdave · 11-15-2004, 02:30 AM

Well, I went to the Saturn dealer and got a new (2nd update) CTS and connector with pig tails. Put those in and immediately the car was better. The temp gauge was working correctly and it would idle at around 850-900 rpm instead of 1000-1200. Today, I put in new Bosch Platinum plugs and new plug wires. I cleaned off the coil packs - one tower had a lot of corrosion on it. The SES light was off and has, so far, stayed off. Hopefully, this has curred it's problems for the time being. We do suspect that I have a blown head gasket (interior) because of the high pressure present during a cooling system pressure test (30+psi). But so far, it's running great. If I have a bad head gasket, I think it's probably been that was for a long time and just this summer it got hot enough to over heat. I guess next I will have to tear into the head and replace the head gasket. Thanks for everyone's help here. I've learned a few things - even at my age - LOL.

dave

**Ssicarman** · 11-15-2004, 03:20 AM

Thanks for the update on the fix.

What kind of coolant pressure test did you do? There is no reason to do a cooling system pressure test at 30 PSI. A normal pressure test is done at around the operating pressure of the cooling system and you check for signs of coolant leaks.

Anony00GT · 11-15-2004, 03:35 AM

Yeah...are you sure you're talking about the right test? Cooling system pressure tests generally shouldn't exceed 15-18 psi.

66dartdave · 11-15-2004, 05:14 PM

I'm not sure what kind of test was done. I had it done while I was at work. All they said was that their gauge only went to 30 psi and it pegged the needle. I think what they were saying is that the system built up pressure to 30psi. They said the coolant was flowing OK. I put a new thermostat in prior to this, and a new water pump. I did this because the car started overheating. OH, I should tell you that I'm not using the GM, orange coolant. When I changed the thermostat and water pump I drained the system and put in Prestone. I would have thought that if I had that much pressure in the cooling system that something would have blown by now. All that happens is that steam is released from the pressure cap and I have to add more water/coolant. What do you guys think?

dave

Robert-sl2 · 11-16-2004, 06:05 AM

when you replaced the waterpump, did you put the belt back on the right direction? just a throught.

Also, did you make sure your radiator isnt clogged with leaves or anything. also make sure to check between the radiator and A/C condensor.

Finally, just to be fore-warned. prepare to replace those bosch platinum plugs. Saturns dont like platinums, dont know why, but almost everyone who puts them in later posts about some problem that is tracked back to fouled platinum plugs. they replace them with the reccomended NGK V-powers and never have another problem. just so you can keep an eye out.

bobolicious · 11-16-2004, 07:40 PM

Yeah, get the Bosch out as soon as you can. Lotsa people here use NGK, however I use Denso plugs. Bosch made my car run poop.

nyce · 11-16-2004, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert-sl2

condensor.

Finally, just to be fore-warned. prepare to replace those bosch platinum plugs. Saturns dont like platinums, dont know why, but almost everyone who puts them in later posts about some problem that is tracked back to fouled platinum plugs. they replace them with the reccomended NGK V-powers and never have another problem. just so you can keep an eye out.

Glad someone finally noticed, Get yourself some NGK's V-Power alot better for the car NGK > Bosch Platinums...

ian12 · 11-17-2004, 04:28 AM

yes bosch suck badly. i do like ngks, but my v-powers arent doing it for me and my car. i think the car could have better pick up with some platinum plugs in which i will be testing some. the car tends to lag when i shift and get on the gas. everything else on my car is either new or cleaned very well and everything is well taken car of so my plugs are at fault.