1998 Saturn SC2 major engine issues

All cars are junk. You just ran into bad luck, but buying used parts is like playing russian roulette. The saturn isn't a bad car all in all, but you may want ot consider a reman engine such as jasper. The junk yard can better advise what years fit which ones if you want to go through it all again, but beware of having to swap more parts in doing so. They had an oil consumption problem that can eventually lead to your failures you've had.

I think I heard an echo :shock: ?

I guess I missed that part.

The Saturns needs frequent oil changes as the oil rings begin to become a problem. From talking around, I've heard a few things I'll pass along. We have never had to go into one, mostly becasue the customer did not want to.

If a ring job is done it is suggested the cylinder be checked for a taper, may need block work as it is soft, that can be done w/o pulling the engine. Some attempts to clean the top end of the engine may be helpful with a de-carbonization treatment such as seamfoam be used or GM top end cleaner. By adding the seam to each cylinder and letting it set overnight will help break down the carbon and free the rings. The motor must be turned over after an overnight soak with out any spark, and then some added to the oil for that oil change period. Using a high detergent oil for a couple thousand miles can help.