Rough Running '95 SL2 - What am I missing?

Air leak between mass-flow air sensor and intake manifold? Low fuel pressure? have you changed fuel filter or checked fuel pressure? When was the timing belt changed? Might have skipped a tooth (if it skips a few more goodbye engine) Any valve noise?

Air leak - I'll check Fuel pressure - not sure. Dunno the last time the filter was cahnged, but sudden onset of symptoms would make me suspect that's not the case. Timing chain - never been changed.

Kevin,

I'm going to place my chips on a weak fuel pump. Though check the fuel filter first. Sometimes, if you don't want to rent the fuel pressure guage and hook it up, an alternative method is to have someone turn the key to the run position...not starting the car or cranking it...while you have your ear against the bottom of the fuel tank. You should hear a hum of the pump running to pressurize the fuel line/fuel rail/fuel injectors. The pump will run a few seconds then shut off. If there is no sound or a itermittant or weak sound, then the pump may be on its last legs and you will have to "drop the tank" (--joy--) and replace the pump. If this is the case spend the extra money and get a genuine Saturn or AC Delco part. I went the cheap way once and learned a bad lesson. Yeah, this is one job you want to do once.

Jack

I can hear the pump run from inside the car when I turn the key to ACC before cranking, so I don't think that's it.

Fuel pressure is a biggie. If you want to cheat, pull off the return line from the injector rail back to the tank. Insufficient pressure will give no flow in the return line. Of course, if the fuel pressure regulator is defective, you will still get flow so it can be ambiguous. any water in the gas tank can cause the fuel filter to become plugged. Gas passes throught the pores in the filter; water doesn't and plugs it up. sometimes you get lucky and can just add a can of drygas (anything but methyl preferred) but don't bet on it.

If you have a distributor, check the timing with a timing light. See that the firing angle is stable and at the right advance.

If I'm not making sense, it's because I'm new to Saturns. Been working on other cars for almost 40 years and much of the new stuff still throws me. My LW300 is going to be a *real* learning experience as to engine technology. At 52, I'm still eager to learn.

Oppie

...hearing the pump run doesn't mean it will hold pressure - just my 2 cents.

Oppie, just so you know, Saturns(well, at least S series, not familiar with the new stuff) don't have mass air sensors, and they use timing chains as opposed to belts.

I agree......don't the guys with the infamous 97 faulty fuel pump issue still hear the pump? Didn't you get a bad pump Jonnie?

Duly noted, thank you.

Like I've written before, I'm new to Saturns but have been working with cars and engines for near on 40 years. Until I get up to speed with the saturn, will just talk in generalities. I've asked a bunch of questions to the group and try to give something back in exchange .

Oppie '01 LW300

I know, thats why I was nice to you about it :)

From what I've read you definitly have previous experience, it won't take too long to get up to speed on the Saturn stuff.

Final verdict per the dealer-

No compression on #3 cylinder. $2500 to drop a used engine in it.

Time to go car shopping................

Yup, hard starting and a qualifying VIN got me a new one in late 2002.

So sorry for the problem. Reason I just got my saturn was a blown engine on my '89 voyager. (no I didn't burn my lips on the tailpipe) I may yet put a $500 used engine in it to keep as a spare car (good for hauling). these are the benefits of being able to do my own mechanical work.

On Wed, 07 Jan 2004 01:39:24 GMT, "Kevin T" wrote: same here too traded it in for newer lw300 either bent valve/valves or stuck lifters car also used a ton of oil , had head replace due to crack in port (warranty fix) at 98000 and at 138300 it crapped out this was an sl1 regular 2.2L note; this was this was the only problem I had the entire time since i bought the car new in 95

Currently looking at a 2004 Impreza 2.5L TS Sport Wagon... 1.9% financing right now :-)