catalytic converter

I would have it checked out by another mechanic, from what you describe, it could be a bad cat or an exhaust problem.

Dont expect a stock '02 SC to be a fast as a '97 as the older model as 'in '01 the SC was placed on the SL chassis to increase the size of the body ergo increasing weight. Also, the intake and manifold are restricted, something that can be easily overcome with mods. EricSc02 on SaturnFans has done alot to his to make it worthy of the SC name.

marx404

Thanks, marx404......lots of appreciation for the info. Should of found this site while I was still looking for another Saturn. Is 'SaturnFans' another group? I would certainly like to hear what EricSc02 has to say about increasing hp.

I will take your advice and have it checked out by another mechanic......maybe two. First, I'll try the local Saturn dealer. Did I read on here somewhere that the emissions warranty is either 70,000/7 or 80,000/8? Unfortunately, the 02 didn't come with an original manual. Does anyone out there have an 02, Sc2 manual they could turn loose of??

Thanks again marx404 for your advice.

EJ

marx404 wrote:

(hot cat) It's very possible your engine is running far to rich and/or not getting a complete burn in your combustion chamber. You are running a risk of having a fire. Fuel delivery and the ignition system should be looked at.

I'd have the O2 sensor(s) checked first. A failing/failed Oxygen sensor can "convince" the ECU that the engine is running lean which leads to the ECU lengthening the injector pulses and causing it to run rich. That can substantially elevate catalytic converter temps since it now has to deal with a lot of excess unburned fuel.

Cheers,

Hi Roy:

I am in Tennessee/USA.......Just spoke with the local Saturn serviceman. His over-the-phone opinion is I'm not having cat problems, and if I am, it's not covered. He's not aware of any warranty.....???????????????? Don't know if that's where I should take it or not.

Ya all come aga> Not sure where you are but Saturn/GM Canada is 5 year warranty regardless of

(fire??) (hot cat) Thanks, BlaBla, for the info. It isn't a very comforting thought, although a very valid thought. Could that cause the rough idle, too?

EJ

Ritz:

Okie dokie, sounds good to me. Thanks for your advice. Wouldn't you think that a competent serviceman would check the O2 sensors as part of investigating the problem? My problem may be finding that competent serviceman.

Bless you,

Diagnosing...Has more to do with money and time than competence.

Anything that has to do with fuel delivery. Engine coolant temp sensor should be investigated as well.

Unfortunately, most of the "techs" that you'll find at a dealer these days are just glorified parts changers. So it's unlikely they'd bother to check the O2 sensor unless there was a relevant CEL code thrown. And even then, they'd probably just replace the sensor and hope the problem goes away. With an appropriate diagnostic tool, they should be able to get real-time data on the O2/lambda sensor feedback and then get a look at the long and short-term fuel trim.

This definitely isn't something to ignore since constantly feeding a catalytic converter a rich exhaust can cause premature failure or a fire. I've literally seen them glow cherry red in some cases. Depending on your year/mileage, this might be covered under the emissions equipment warranty which is longer than the standard 3/36k warranty.

Good luck,

Ritz:

I tend to agree with your explanation of "techs", and really, they do not like their opinions to be questioned! I have been told repeatedly that there is nothing wrong with the cat; that they all make the popping, cooling off sound........and that the slight rattle I hear is the cat's shield.......they all do that.....huh?...., and that the shield can be removed, but the surrounding areas like the floorboard would get hot. I haven't stuck my head under the car to see what color the cat gets. I have not heard of the cooling off sound from other Saturn owners, or on other Saturn's I looked at before getting this one.

There is an 80,000/8yr warranty on the emissions equipment. The Sc2 is an 02, 57500 miles.

I have been told repeatedly that there is nothing wrong with the cat; that they all make the popping, cooling off sound........and that the slight rattle I hear is the cat's shield.......they all do that.....huh?...., and that the shield can be removed, but the surrounding areas like the floorboard would get hot.