Saturn Question

[LTb1ow]

So my family has a 2001 SL1 saturn that is used for the car for the kids... my not so smart brother when he had it, ran it to no oil...

As of now it burns oil right down to empty pan... No smoke shows, or anything like that, but my mom is concerned it may let go when it becomes my sisters driver.

I try to make an effort to check it every once a while, but what should be done? I fear the right way would cost more than the car is worth, and the other option would be a motor from a junkyard.

Or just keep on top of it, and fill it every now and then.

Thoughts?

[sweetbmxrider]

find the oil leak and repair?

[LTb1ow]

Not an external leak. Internal.

[sweetbmxrider]

Not an external leak. Internal.

find the oil leak and repair?

:-?

ain't i a douche. how long does it need to last?

[LTb1ow]

Not sure, I am just concerned that it may decide to give up and seize up somewhere.

[Blacdout96]

maybe the rings got scored a little and eats oil, but it doesnt eat it enough to where youll find puffs of smoke. see anything that has oil build up?

[LTb1ow]

That is what I am thinking, and no, nothing crazy oil leak wise.

[PBodyGT87]

I have a 99 saturn SW1. I know the 98 and 99 years had some recalls, but you might want to check if the 2001 does. That'll give you a better idea. Mine seems to use up oil relatively quickly, but it runs absolutely fine. Just stay on top of it, unless a recall shows any issues.

[LTb1ow]

Hmm, forgot about that... Is saturn still a company?

[PBodyGT87]

Hmm, forgot about that... Is saturn still a company?


They were bought out, but you can still check online, I think Progressive actually has the records of all the recalls. They had mine on there. I know some of them were recalled for bad head gaskets, for example.

[sweetbmxrider]

i didn't see anything. they do mention a porous cylinder head that leaks coolant though. they stick some additive in there.

[NastyEllEssWon]

saturns are known for bad rings and burning oil. keep an eye on the oil. some people will try lucas...i say just keep an eye on the oil

[transmaro93]

depends how long it takes to burn the oil... if it runs good and you need to put a qt in every 2 or 3 weeks.... screw it... drive it till it dies... if its burning a 1/2 a pan a week... then its a bit much... i would deff stay away from junkyard engines... we've done 2 at my shop for cheapos that dont wanna pay that had to come back out and get replaced... we actually did an insurance claim for a guy that bottomed out with a jeep liberty and cracked the oil pan and seized the motor.... well we put a used one in... it comes back 3 months later with a terrible rod knock.... so they get another used motor and we put it in... but this is the last one that the insurance comany is covering... and they only pay us once to put it in.... bull ****!!!.... but yea... used motors are like anything else... you have no idea what you are getting... see if jasper makes replacment longblocks... probably get one for like $1000 or so... if they make it... i may be able to get you one through my shop and get some money off... but id have to talk to my boss... we are a certified jasper dealer.... now your scaren me... im gonna check my oil in the morning hahah... but im dohc... maybe no problem...