Questions on 1997 SL2(General???)

[Jeff (archive)]

hi
well the time has come to replace our trusty 1992 sl-1 with a newer model. my wife has picked a 1997 sl-2 at a near by dealership(not saturn) that was originally bought and traded at our local saturn dealership. our old one was as plain as they come with the sohc engine and very little else. the new(to us) saturn has a near full load(less sunroof). the few questions that i have are as follows:
1: are these motors still subject to head cracking/oil burning(like the older sohc models)this is dohc motor.
2): is there anything specific that i should look for that could/would be a trouble point.
3)are the alternators still prone to early failure due to heat/position.
4)are the front seats more durable/comfortable.
5)how are the automatic transmissions in these models(ours was 5 speed std.) are the prone to failures(like my ford taurus)
6)any recalls or tsb that i should know about.

our old 92 was very trustworthy and reliable throughout its life with one alternator replaced,one oul pan and a belt tensioner. any input would be greatly appreciated.
tia ,jeff

 

[Kirk Kohnen]

hi
well the time has come to replace our trusty 1992 sl-1 with a newer model. my wife has picked a 1997 sl-2 at a near by dealership(not saturn) that was originally bought and traded at our local saturn dealership. our old one was as plain as they come with the sohc engine and very little else. the new(to us) saturn has a near full load(less sunroof). the few questions that i have are as follows:
1: are these motors still subject to head cracking/oil burning(like the older sohc models)this is dohc motor.

From what I hear, it is only the sohc head that has the head cracking problem.

Do the 97s burn oil? Both of mine do to an extent (I have to add about a quart between my 3,000 mile oil changes).

2): is there anything specific that i should look for that could/would be a trouble point.

Make sure that you check your oil and keep on top of that.

Yes, the alternators still fail due to the heat of their position. The best thing that I've found to do is to buy the alternators at the dealer. In my experience, they're much more reliable than the Pep-Boys-Kragen-Autozone specials. But, I've had to replace alternators about every 35,000 miles (we live in Southern California).

The coolant temperature sensor is prone to failure. When you replace it, make sure that you get the replacement from the Saturn dealers. The OEM parts and the third-party replacement sensors are plastic. The Saturn replacement ones are brass - I suspect they're considerably more reliable.

Torque axis mounts go out on those cars. That's the motor mount on the upper right hand side of the engine. Easy DIY job. If you can stick your finger between the top of the mount and the part that attaches to the engine, it's time to replace it. (When you do, make sure that you have the updated studs for the updated mounts. Again, ask the dealer).

3)are the alternators still prone to early failure due to heat/position.

Yup. See Above.

4)are the front seats more durable/comfortable.

They're OK. I like the back support.

5)how are the automatic transmissions in these models(ours was 5 speed std.) are the prone to failures(like my ford taurus)

Transmissions are VERY good. Replace the filter and fluid every 30,000 miles and you'll be fine.

6)any recalls or tsb that i should know about.

Ask the dealer about the horn recall.

 

[Jeff (archive)]

thanks kirk
i have been following this group since we bought the 92. i have seen your responses to many others questions and i certainly respect your opinion. thanks,jeff "Kirk Kohnen" wrote:

"jeff" wrote:

> hi
> well the time has come to replace our trusty 1992 sl-1 with a newer

model.

> my wife has picked a 1997 sl-2 at a near by dealership(not saturn) that was
> originally bought and traded at our local saturn dealership.
> our old one was as plain as they come with the sohc engine and very

little

> else.
> the new(to us) saturn has a near full load(less sunroof).
> the few questions that i have are as follows:
> 1: are these motors still subject to head cracking/oil burning(like the
> older sohc models)this is dohc motor.

From what I hear, it is only the sohc head that has the head cracking problem.

Do the 97s burn oil? Both of mine do to an extent (I have to add about a quart between my 3,000 mile oil changes).

...

be

a
> trouble point.

Make sure that you check your oil and keep on top of that.

Yes, the alternators still fail due to the heat of their position. The

best

thing that I've found to do is to buy the alternators at the dealer. In my experience, they're much more reliable than the Pep-Boys-Kragen-Autozone specials. But, I've had to replace alternators about every 35,000 miles

(we

live in Southern California).

The coolant temperature sensor is prone to failure. When you replace it, make sure that you get the replacement from the Saturn dealers. The OEM parts and the third-party replacement sensors are plastic. The Saturn replacement ones are brass - I suspect they're considerably more reliable.

Torque axis mounts go out on those cars. That's the motor mount on the

upper

right hand side of the engine. Easy DIY job. If you can stick your finger between the top of the mount and the part that attaches to the engine,

it's

time to replace it. (When you do, make sure that you have the updated

studs

for the updated mounts. Again, ask the dealer).

> 3)are the alternators still prone to early failure due to heat/position.

Yup. See Above.

> 4)are the front seats more durable/comfortable.

They're OK. I like the back support.

> 5)how are the automatic transmissions in these models(ours was 5 speed std.)
...

miles

and you'll be fine.

> 6)any recalls or tsb that i should know about.

Ask the dealer about the horn recall.

>
> our old 92 was very trustworthy and reliable throughout its life with

one

> alternator replaced,one oul pan and a belt tensioner.
> any input would be greatly appreciated.
> tia ,jeff
>
>

 

[Kirk Kohnen]

You're welcome!

Enjoy your "new" car! They're good cars - don't get scared by my comments.

 

[Napalm Heart]

that

From what I hear, it is only the sohc head that has the head cracking problem.

Do the 97s burn oil? Both of mine do to an extent (I have to add about a quart between my 3,000 mile oil changes). could/would be a

Make sure that you check your oil and keep on top of that.

Yes, the alternators still fail due to the heat of their position. The best thing that I've found to do is to buy the alternators at the dealer. In my experience, they're much more reliable than the Pep-Boys-Kragen-Autozone specials. But, I've had to replace alternators about every 35,000 miles (we live in Southern California).

The coolant temperature sensor is prone to failure. When you replace it, make sure that you get the replacement from the Saturn dealers. The OEM parts and the third-party replacement sensors are plastic. The Saturn replacement ones are brass - I suspect they're considerably more reliable.

Torque axis mounts go out on those cars. That's the motor mount on the upper right hand side of the engine. Easy DIY job. If you can stick your finger between the top of the mount and the part that attaches to the engine, it's time to replace it. (When you do, make sure that you have the updated studs for the updated mounts. Again, ask the dealer).
heat/position.

Yup. See Above.

They're OK. I like the back support.
speed

Transmissions are VERY good. Replace the filter and fluid every 30,000 miles and you'll be fine.

Ask the dealer about the horn recall.

We have a '96 SL2 with a '97 engine in it. I second everything that Kirk said. Ours has a manual trans, so I can't comment on the auto, but I also second your comments about Kirk and the value of his insight and comments.

Ken

 

[Kirk Kohnen]

Ooooh! I have a reputation!

We have a '96 SL2 with a '97 engine in it. I second everything that Kirk said. Ours has a manual trans, so I can't comment on the auto, but I also second your comments about Kirk and the value of his insight and comments.

Ken

 

[Jonnie Santos]

....I think it was that month in a Mexican jail after Labor Day that started it, eh? You party animal, you! (wink)

 

[Jeff (archive)]

hi
we actually decided against buying the 1997 sl2 and went with a private sale 1995 sw2(ac and automatic) with less than 100000kms. the car was bought new at our local saturn dealer and was maintained by them even after the warranty period.the history was very good so this seems like a better(but slightly older)car. hopefully everything kirk said about the 1997 sl2 applies to the 1995 sw2 also. the saturn forums seem to think that the 95 wagons were the best saturn made. anyway thanks for all the info.
jeff

 

[P Lynch]

Got to put my $.02 in:
After working at a Saturn retailer for over 4yrs. a couple thing I can say:
1) Not sure I would call the '95 the best year. The '95's are actually a breed all their own (old body style, but newer style interior; many parts on the '95 are '95 only including the engine).

2) On the '97 the only major problem was the fuel pump (most of which were replaced under warr. for an extended crank condition.

All and all you should be pleased with the improvement that a '97 has over a '92

Saturn Parts Guy

Just remember two words: My opinion

 

[BANDIT2941]

(old body style, but newer style interior; many
parts on the '95 are '95 only including the engine).

Whats the difference as far as engines? I know in 94, NY/CA cars had electric EGR valves that required an offset spacer to sit it level, but by 95 everything had electric EGR. My 95 has a 94 engine in it so I'm curious what differences their are because I didn't know of any.