Re: The Infamous Saturn Oil Usage

[Familyguy]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: mpvue
Originally Posted By: raffy
...I just add a half quart every 1000 miles or so and change it every 3000 miles with Amsoil synthetic...

seriously??? you do 3K changes w/ amsoil in a SATURN???

seems pretty wasteful, but whatever...

back to the OP's question, some have found MMO soaks loosen up the oil rings so they seal better. others just keep a case of oil in the trunk.
the saying goes, stop at the gas station to check the gas and fill the oil...


Yes, the MMO treatment:
1. Remove all spark plugs
2. Put MMO in all cylinders
3. Leave it alone for a while
4. Crank the engine with the spark plugs out to blow out the MMO
5. Put the spark plugs back in
6. Drive the car.

GM dealers sold this product called "Top end cleaner" which could be used in this manner, and I have heard that it is more effective than using MMO. I have also heard of people using Seafoam for this job.


This sometimes worked, but you needed to leave the MMO in there overnight.

 

[sasilverbullet]

The MMO treatment should be done right before an oil/filter change, yes?

 

[mpvue]

Originally Posted By: sasilverbullet
The MMO treatment should be done right before an oil/filter change, yes?

yes, because you want to get the MMo out of there and whatever chrap it loosened up.

 

[Turk]

MrCritical,

Just saw this thread - all replies are good ones.

Do the basic checks before you buy: Plugs, PCV (ONLY change the style IF it burns a lot of oil...), tranny fluid (both auto & manual), etc. These NEED NGK COPPER plugs for best running condition. The Temp needle should go to 3/8ths spot or the thermostat/ECTS (Engine Coolant Temp. Sensor) needs to be changed!

Saturnfans.com is the BEST place for Saturn info. Go to S-Series General, then the "New or Returning S-Series Owners Checklist Version 3" < Follow that exactly and you'll be in the best situation possible!

 

[tgferg67]

Have someone take the engine to 3k while you look at the exhaust(preferably with no wind or backed into a garage), if there is significant oil consumption there will be smoke.

 

[SteveSRT8]

^^^With no load on the engine this may not reveal all the answers, fellas.

Take the car out and drive it. Have someone else watch the exhaust. This may be in another car or whatever works for you.

 

[eljefino]

Saturn catalytic convertors eat the blue smoke when they warm up. You may have a golden minute on a cold start to see it.

 

[tgferg67]

My previous Saturn had very noticeable smoke with no load when it was consuming at a rate of a quart every 800 miles. When I looked at several newer/lower mileage s series to replace my older 97' they were all showing smoke with no load. Didn't get another s series because of this issue.

Not sure how much load matters since, the oil control rings are not scraping oil and the compression rings are fine.