2002 Saturn w/2.2l Ecotec.. oil recommendations?

[[email protected]]

I bought a 2002 Saturn L200 yesterday, with the 2.2l Ecotec. Engine 'appears' to be very clean, Im assuming it was maintained well.

I drained the oil and changed the filter today. For this OCI, I refilled with WM's Supertech Synthetic 5w30. I just want to flush it through one time, and then go with a mid-shelf synthetic from here on out. Ill run the super tech through for about 2000 miles.

What oil is the board using in their 2.2 Ecotechs? Recommendations/opinions appreciated!

 

[Turk]

Pennzoil Platinum (PP) 5-30 is excellent.

Go with a Purolator PureOne oil filter to boot.

 

[JustinH]

Stick with a delco filter, this engine is picky about the cartridge filters. I have experienced some tapping/knocking sounds when cold if using a non-OEM oil filter.

As for oil, use anything that you can get your hands on. This engine is very easy on oil, don't flush with the supertech, run it for 5k miles first..

 

[addyguy]

Run the Super Tech syn more than 2k miles!!!

Ecotecs are very easy on oil, so there won't be anything to clean up - no reaso the Super Tech syn needs to be dumped early.

 

[mpvue]

I'm more concerned with whether the timing chain recall was done on your car. this generation of ecotec had an oil starvation problem w/ the timing chain causing premature failures; IIRC, it was '99-'02. you should check to see if it was done.

 

[moklock]

I'll second the recommendation of ACDelco filters, the boxed retail packaged ones specifically. I have yet to see a higher quality filter for the Ecotec than those, which are currently a reboxed Hengst filter. Other filters, the Champion made bulk pack ACDelcos included, do not look nearly as well made as the OE.

Oil wise I use a 5w30 syn in my '03 just as extra insurance for the timing chains. It has had Mobil 1, Pennzoil Platinum, and NAPA and performs the same with any of them.

Changing the Dexcool might be a good idea if it hasn't been done lately. I change it every 3 years and it has left the cooling system pristine using that routine.

Also checking/changing the plugs might be worthwhile. The later recommendation of AC# 12607280, which is an NGK-made Iridium plug, seems to somewhat reduce the number of ignition module and coil failures seen on some of the Ecotecs.

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks everybody. To be honest, I never thought I'd ever own an Ecotech engine!! Ive always been a truck/SUV guy.

Anyways, I digress. I ordered four Denso platinum spark plugs at rockauto. The car has 105,000 miles on it so Im betting the last owner just traded it in, rather than do the 100k maintenance. Either way, I'd rather put fresh plugs in myself to know I did it.

Good advice on the dex-cool. I happen to have 6 gallons on the shelf from the last time there was a rebate on them, BOGO. Maybe Ill do that this weekend.

Also, Im pretty sure I have the 4t40e transmission. I'd like to do a pan drop and filter change soon too.

The car runs amazing. I filled up today and averaged 30mpg (75% highway, 25% city). WOW!!! What a difference from my 2002 Envoy 13mpg combined in this cold weather), which sits parked in front of the garage as the L200 gets all the attention this week...lol.

After reading the suggestions in this thread about the Ecotech being easy on oil, and the supertech syn being worthy of more than 2000 miles, I have decided to lengthen my OCI to 4000 miles.
I do have to admit that I bought a Supertech oil filter. I hadnt read anything on BITGO yet. Shame, shame I know!! Lol. The old oil filter that came out was collapsed and the pleats were all messed up looking. I dont know what brand it was, I tossed it, and its at work. I just cant believe how smooth/quiet this engine is!!

 

[jumpr]

Make sure you snapped the cartridge filter into the filter compartment cap; that'll stop the filter from collapsing during the OCI. Learned that from my experience with my wife's old 2.2l Ecotec, which now has about 80k and is driven by her brother.

 

[901Memphis]

Def stick with the Delco filter so you don't have any quality issues and collapsing filters.

You can't go wrong with almost any name brand synthetic in your vehicles visc. Penn Plat, M1, Castrol Edge are all popular

 

[Rickey]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Def stick with the Delco filter so you don't have any quality issues and collapsing filters.

You can't go wrong with almost any name brand synthetic in your vehicles visc. Penn Plat, M1, Castrol Edge are all popular


I've had several correctly installed filters collapse in my Ecotecs. One filter collapsed to the point that I believe that it was bypassing some oil through a fissure in the pleats!

I won't say what brand for fear of not remembering correctly.

Never had a problem with AC Delco, Wix, Napa Gold, or Purolater Pure One branded filters.

OP Have you considered doing a "clean up" using Pennzoil Ultra?

Good Day.

Rickey.

 

[JustinH]

If your car is a 2002, then check the oil filter cap. They had an older one on there that was revised by GM in the past few years. The new one relieves pressure better, they were having some problems with the old cap.

The old style cap looks "angular", and the new style cap is rounded. Its tough to explain but if you post a picture I can tell you if you have an updated cap.

The cap comes with a new filter from the dealer for about 10 dollars. This should be the first thing to change out. Both my 2003 ecotec's had the old style cap.

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks Justin. I did confirm that it is the new style cap. I compared it to one I went and looked at when I was at the Chevy store last week getting a key made from my VIN #....

With that being said, you guys were right! Ive put ~300 miles on this car in a week (just LOVE driving it) and the oil is still as clean looking as honey. The engine is so quiet.

Unfortunately, I also confirmed that I have the original timing chain tensioner and not the revised unit. However, it appears the head has been worked over (bolts have been wrench on before, including the timing cover bolts) so Im assuming the timing chain/guides/oiler have been replaced (again, just an assumption). I have no timing chain noise, not even on startup.

The SuperTech synthetic 5w30 appears to be a good choice for this engine. I might consider continuing using it, heaven forbid I start chipping away at my Synpower stash!! lol.

Im waiting for FedEx to get here... I bought a bunch of fun stuff from rockauto to get this thing up to my standards. Eg. New fuel filter, air filter, cabin air filter, spark plugs (went with Denso platinums), rear rotors and pads. I feel like a little kid on Christmas Day, waiting in anticipation for his presents... haha.

Loving the Ecotech though. Adequate power, smooth, quiet, and efficient! Im averaging 30mpg, mixed winter driving. My poor Envoy hasnt been started in a week... gotta give it some love this week I suppose.