Chilton's versus Haynes

Ok, before I lay out the bit of cash, what's the concensus from the
folks with experience....is the Chilton's or Haynes manual(s) better
for repairs?

Looking for one for my '94 SL2.

E. Reed

 

for what its worth, I have the hayes book (and im a car newbie) and I find
lots of the procedures hard to follow as they are mixed in with alot of
related procedures. For instance, was reading up on changing the front
disks, the book had me jump between about 3 or 4 different sections back and
forth in the book.... that drove me nuts. ive never seen the chilton book so
i cant comment there....

 

yeah i can agree wiht that, your workign on one thing in chapter 5 or
somehtign and it says, turn to chapter 2 section 7 to see how to remove
whatever

 

I'd suggest you look for the genuine Saturn service manual on Ebay. When
purchased new these can be fairly expensive compared to the Chilton's or
Haynes, but since you are looking for an older vehicle, you could very well
find a bargain. BTW, Chilton and Haynes are also listed there in Ebay as
well if you are intent on either of these.

Personally, I do not think there is any comparison between the third party
service manuals and the original manufacturer's version.

Bob

 

Where would one obtain factory service manuals?, and are they usable by car
newbies?

TIA

Wurm

 

If you can read and have some mechanical ability, you can use them.
They're sometimes available at ebay. A bit expensive through the
dealer. Only you can know if the cost is worth it to you.

Ken

 

I have both manuals. I recently tried to figure out how to change my
spark plugs, and I found the Haynes explanation much better for someone
like myself who doesn't even know the names of common tools. The Chilton
manual is thicker, but this doesn't indicate better, though it might be
better for some things. I have a '93 SL2. People are suggesting you get
the factory manual, but personally since I paid less than $2000 for the
car, I'd get all the manuals I can to see the different viewpoints. Some
instructions in one manual are actually a little different in the other,
which helps in understanding the big picture, I think.

Meph

 

my opinion has chaged for the worse slightly, since im currently doign a lot
of work to my car at the moment, there are quite a few things that are SO
much easier to remove if you remove this other thing first, that the book
does NOT tell you....
"Remove the bolts and carefully remove the timing chain cover, if it sticks
use a soft faced mallet blah blah blah....." Doesnt go anywhere NEAR
telling you this job is a WHOLE LOT EASIER if you and jack the engine up,
remove the power steering pump and AC compressor - oh and don't forget
there are 2 metal sleeves that the cover slides onto. THAT woudl have been
great to know BEFORE i broke my cover off thinking it was just sticking.
Seriously, i think the guys suggesting true service manuals know whats up,
next time for sure!
Water pump is easier with the AC compressor removed too. Book makes it
sound way to easy wihtout doing much of anythign, but it fials to tell you
how very little room there is to work =)

Tim

 

First, Mephistopheles Jones, BE CAREFUL!!! It say's the gap for spark
plugs in the Haynes Manual is supposed to be 0.60 when in reality it
is 0.40.

And as far as manuals go my vote is for Chiltons. Much more detailed
much eaiser to understand. just my $0.02.