1998 SL2 Saturn, 82000 miles, HELP

JSJNJSJN

MEMBER
1998 SATURN

OK, first, my car is running sluggish, so I had a tune up. During the tune up, We found oil in one of the spark plug chambers. Cleaned it up, installed new ones. A week, later engine light comes on. Car is still runnung sluggish. Started off good, after tune up but now has gone back. To runnning sluggish. Also. I always have to refill my water/antifreeze, it doesn't overheat, the light just comes on every couple of days, to remind me to refill it.
Are all these things related? What does the oil thing mean. :Roll: :roll:

3 Replies

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

Hey Lori,
The oil in the spark plug hole is no biggie. The valve cover gasket is leaking. Very simple replacement. The oil will come back and cause misfiring if it is not addressed.

The check engine light can be many things. You need to have the codes retieved with a scan tool. Some large chain auto parts stores will do this free of charge. Write down the code/s and report back.

You have a coolant leak somewhere. One of the toughest leaks to find is the coolant tank cap. It is a pressure cap and can fail. Any spots or puddles? A leaky waterpump is hard to spot also. Best to chek it from underneath.

These three things are not related but all need addressed for happy motoring.

Sluggish running can be many things but best to address any trouble codes first and the go from there.

Good luck and let us know. :)
peppermrj

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Thursday, April 5th, 2007 AT 10:45 AM

JSJNJSJN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ok,
I had my engined checked and the number came up with P711. Which I found outis the Trans fluid temp sensor. First what is it and how do I replace it. Also my car been runnung worse. When you start it it wants to bog out. But if you keep pushing on the gas pedal, it will finally brake through anf it will run fine. Is this comon with the sensor and is this something totally different :cry:

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Sunday, April 29th, 2007 AT 3:08 PM

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

Hey Lori,

Has the coolant temp sensor (ECTS) ever been replaced? They were problems for Sattys until they were updated to an all brass tips design in 2000 I think.They can cause starting problems along with poor fuel economy, high idlle and more.

Here a link to the replacement procedure.
https://www.2carpros.com/forum/saturn-sc-1-1995-vt4925.html?highlight=wolfmanis

Have you replaced the air filter and the fuel filter lately? They also can cause problems.

The trans fluid temp sensor is identical. The replacement procedure is similiar. You should be able to replace them both for under $40.00.

I would change the cam cover gasket also. This will prevent misfires from oil on the plug wires.

Finding a coolant leak can be a pain. Look for white stains left by the dried coolant. Check the coolant bottle, the coolant hoses, the rad by the upper hose (they tend to crack there), and the waterpump (best checked from underneath).

I will send you the procedure for changing the valve cover gasket.

Good luck and let us know. :)
peppermrj

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Saturday, May 5th, 2007 AT 10:18 PM