Bought a '00 Saturn SL2, 36k "Creampuff"!!

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Creampuff? That sensor looks like granny flogged it, put it away wet and set the odometer back with a drill motor.

Just kidding. What's the deal with the cracks?

The faulty design's sensor has a polymer end and definitely crack. They then send erroneous data to the PCM and mess up LOTS of engine parameters, including reading the wrong temp & having it run rich. Huge issue on these!

Here's a side-by-side pic:

 

[Pablo]

In such low miles. Some engineer accountant should have his erse handed to him.

 

[CharBaby]

tpitcher,
Although I did scroll through the replys quickly, I still didn't see the price that you paid...What did you pay? More pics as well!

 

[Turk]

Guys,

To keep things organized on this find, I will use this thread on the condition, maintenance & pics.

So, let's see some pics, starting with the odometer after I put a few hundred on it:

Now exterior:

Shiny pillars, not sun peeled:

Shiny mirrors:

Paint:

Hope this helps you get the picture.

 

[SLCraig]

Great lookin' S-series there.
And definitely a good score. I'd have a hard time not buying something like that, its just unreal how low the miles are.

 

[Turk]

I changed the original, cracked, polymer ECTS this early morning and
here's a fully warmed up pic of the Temp needle in the position you
do not want to see it in (it was also in this position before the new ECTS:

Then, I flushed out the original Dex-cool, installed a new Stant 14279 Thermostat
and filled with green antifreeze.

Here is a picture a couple hours later with the green anti-freeze & new Stant.
This is the position you want to see it in, the fully warmed up engine operating
at the temperature it is intended to.

 

[addyguy]

Engine/Oil change pics?

 

[MysticGold04]

Amazing find. I used to have a 97 SC2 back in the day... loved that car! I'd also have a hard time not buying the one you found if I stumbled upon it. I've subscribed to this thread to keep track.

could you please post some other interior pics and also some under the hood?

 

[Nick R]

TP, out of curiosity, where did this lady live? My grandfathers neighbor across the street, Ms Cramer passed away on new years eve, and I thought she had a saturn. This was in ohio, she was in her 80s definitely. I'll miss her, she was a sweet old lady.

 

[Turk]

That's too bad.

This was in Mn.

 

[Turk]

Ok, here's an update!

Changed out the AC Delco oil & filter and put in Pennzoil Ultra 5w-30 & PureOne Extended Length PL20195 filter.

Sent out a mid-stream sample to Blackstone yesterday morning, to establish a "baseline" UOA.

Once I get 4-5k miles on the Ultra, I'll send that for an UOA also.

Also did the 2nd PS Fluid TB suckout & put in Amsoil ATF.

This Twin Cam engine runs real nice with only 37k on it.

 

[MysticGold04]

More Pics!! I bet you smile every time you look at the car, don't you??

 

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: MysticGold04
More Pics!! I bet you smile every time you look at the car, don't you??

Ok, here ya go with a pic before I waxed it. She really shines now, as it rarely seen sunlight.

 

[daves87rs]

Love it!

 

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Love it!


Yea, now ya know why I call it "Creampuff", not only the condition of the Craigslist find, but the color.

 

[eljefino]

I can't see it for the shading. But look under your front bumper. Is the 2" tall air deflector plastic flap still intact? 90% of these get ripped up on curbs. I take the presence of one of these as a sure sign of creamed puffiness.

 

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
I can't see it for the shading. But look under your front bumper. Is the 2" tall air deflector plastic flap still intact? 90% of these get ripped up on curbs. I take the presence of one of these as a sure sign of creamed puffiness.

One of the 1st things I looked at. Checked it out again when putting in PU.

It's all intact!

 

[MysticGold04]

How about some under the hood shots and a full dash pic - as the driver sees it??

These have the spin on tranny filter correct??

 

[odie]

Gotta say you hit the jackpot . I'd take that car over many new cars . We especially like the SL 2 wagon . A relative has the Saturn wagon with the 6 cylinder and has been fine so far . Think he picked it up for $1,500 . Enjoy and please keep us updated on gas mileage , etc..

 

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: MysticGold04
How about some under the hood shots and a full dash pic - as the driver sees it??

These have the spin on tranny filter correct??


Sure, I'll get a couple more shots soon.

Yes, it has a spin-on Tranny filter.

Bought a NAPA Gold that I'll spin on soon.

Gas Mileage: After NGK plugs & Amsoil PI run, (but BEFORE the PU) in 70% Suburbs, 30% hi-way, I got 33.6 MPG
with the Twin Cam & Auto-tragic. My SOHC & 5 speed in similar conditions got about 35-36 MPG.

So, not too bad MPG's... Can't wait to get it out on the open road to see what it'll get.