1993 1.9 sohc

[itsa93sl1]

every one talks about the sohc being a bad motor . why is that ? i have
184k+ on mine seems that the dohc that uses oil would be the one to stay
away from?.

 

[Steve]

every one talks about the sohc being a bad motor . why is that ? i have
184k+ on mine seems that the dohc that uses oil would be the one to stay
away from?.

Some 1.9L SOHC engines, especially mid-90s, seemed subject to a casting
flaw that caused head failure (usually motor oil in the coolant but
sometimes vice-versa: I had the latter on my '99 SL, which was after Saturn
claims to have fixed the casting flaw). Other than that, it seems like a
fine motor to me, especially compared to the engines used in the
competition, which tended to be 1.5 or 1.6 liters.

 

[navaidstech]

I've got one of the earliest models that became available in Canada
(1992 SL1 bought in November 1991). So far so good, 293k miles and
counting.

 

[Private]

every one talks about the sohc being a bad motor . why is that ? i have
184k+ on mine seems that the dohc that uses oil would be the one to stay
away from?.

SOHC for better utility and economy
DOHC for more spirited performance at higher rpm

Spirited driving style seems to result in increased maintenance issues.

Just my .02, YMMV