Engine rattles when idling

[Canuck1]

Have had this checked by a mechanic, he checked it out and couldn't figure
it out. So he went online to Saturn, they told him to look for some
things. He checked those, but it didn't help, it still rattles. It has
plenty of power, gas mileage around town is 29mpg, freeway 33mpg.It
dosen't burn oil and there are no oil leaks. Thanks for your help

 

[Blah Blah]

Have had this checked by a mechanic, he checked it out and couldn't figure
it out. So he went online to Saturn, they told him to look for some
things. He checked those, but it didn't help, it still rattles. It has
plenty of power, gas mileage around town is 29mpg, freeway 33mpg.It
dosen't burn oil and there are no oil leaks. Thanks for your help

Can you provide us with more information? What did he check?

 

[Kirk Kohnen]

You've given very little information to go on. But, just in case, here's a
thought:

My 97 SL2s used to rattle at idle. It was the headlights. When you're idling
and rattling, press gently on both headlights. If the rattle stops, then
it's probably the tongue in grove joint for holding the headlights in place.
A bit of silicone RTV will fix the rattle while remaining pliable enough to
adjust the aim of the lights.

 

[newsgroups01REMOVEME]

You've given very little information to go on. But, just in case, here's a
thought:

My 97 SL2s used to rattle at idle. It was the headlights. When you're idling
and rattling, press gently on both headlights. If the rattle stops, then
it's probably the tongue in grove joint for holding the headlights in place.
A bit of silicone RTV will fix the rattle while remaining pliable enough to
adjust the aim of the lights.

Good info. I have a 97SL2, it rattles when cold and idling. The
sound is very metalic, but goes away when warmed up. I read this
rattle was mentioned in the review of the car when it was first new.
So just learned to live with it.

later,


tom @ www.CarFleaMarket.com

 

[Wurm]

You've given very little information to go on. But, just in case, here's a
thought:

My 97 SL2s used to rattle at idle. It was the headlights. When you're idling
and rattling, press gently on both headlights. If the rattle stops, then
it's probably the tongue in grove joint for holding the headlights in place.
A bit of silicone RTV will fix the rattle while remaining pliable enough to
adjust the aim of the lights.

This was actually one of the first little repairs I had done on my '98 SL2,
they tightened a few bolts around the headlight fixtures and bang, no more
vibrations.