02 Saturn SC2 Crappy Idle Noise, Drive Belt or Timing Chain?

[stockman1963]

Mine gets noise when oil is low.  I use synthetic oil. 10w -30. Replaced mine tensioner it was noisy -bearing were going out. How do you get 40 MPG. at what speed, 65 , 55 or 75 mph ? MIne mostly gets about 30 to 31 all the time. I drive half highway half city stop/go.

Have you done any mods to make mileage better ?

[dsmmike92]

did you oil up that supercharger

[apcp2002]

Sounds like mine did awhile back just after I bought it, ended up being the pulley tensioner but I just replaced the idler pulley as well for the cost I figured might as well when I'm at it! Old video so I know you got it fixed by now but thought I'd comment anyways, Borden!lol

[Ls7colorado]

I know im late but thats deffinantly the chain for anyone else whos car i smaking this sound.

[rgrafton]

mine sounds the same man! i have the SOHC

[yankeesrule447]

definitely the timing chain after a while the chain tensioner maxes out and begins to slap around inside. my chain snapped at 126,000 and bent 6 of my valves if you havnt replaced it yet then you should seriously consider it

[shelbywb]

Sounds like your timing chain guides, bad tensioner or I could be very well a stetched chain

[carkid617]

and could also be caussed by tinsioner, motor mount, or lifters try putting some lucus for your oil in the car that might help youll know if its the lifters when you put that in just do it and let car run for about 30 minutes if the noise stops then it was just your lifters hope that helps

[carkid617]

i personally think its the timing chain my car was making the same sound i replaced the timing chain and it was better when these cars get around 140k miles it gets close to time to change the timing chain anyway

[AndreasMinChen]

People said it is the the intake valve stems or rocker arms. They also said we could live with that without any ill effect. I tried 0.5qt Marvel Mystery Oil in the oil, which quited down the valves a little bit but did not cure.

[kumar1797]

Did you figure out what the problem is? My 97 Saturn SW2 is making the same sound.

[SEXYSATURNSC2]

mine made the same noise until i checked under the valve cover to disccover that one of the rocker arms fell off...

[quocfixescars]

It's definitely the timing chain. I had the exact same problem. Unfortunately, you must fix it, because it's an interference head. If you wait til it breaks, you'll be spending money on a valve job and head machining too.

[JFoy99]

found the video for how to take off the belt. Not sure if youtube will let me post a link, so just search youtube for

Saturn Serpentine Drivebelt R&R

and it will find the video

[JFoy99]

When you do this it will turn the chain and the camshafts. You can inspect the chain and the top two sprockets this way. You will not be able to inspect the rest of the timeing chain system without taking off the timing chain cover which is a much bigger deal.

[JFoy99]

The chain is harder to inspect.

Jack up the front of your saturn and place on Jack Stands. Remove the right (passenger side) front tire and splash guard, with the transmission in neutral. Remove the Valve Cover (which requires you to first remove the spark plug cables). This will expose the top of the timing change and the camshaft sprockets. Now with a 13/16 wrench turn the bolt on the Crankshaft Pulley (the biggest pulley at the very bottom) turn it clockwise.

[JFoy99]

Also once you have the belt off, start the car and listen. If you still hear the sound then it isn't the belt (cause the belt is in your hand). Then move on to the chain. BE CAREFUL:Without the belt on, the water pump isn't working so don't run it long without the belt cause you will overheat you motor.

[JFoy99]

Can't tell just by your vid but i may be able to help you find out. If your belt is causing it then it is probably cause your belt is damaged. You can try inspecting it while it is on your vehicle, but the best way is to take it off. If you know much about cars then it shouldn't be too hard to do. (there is a youtube vid showing how to do it but i can't find it right now)

[commandodude501]

@JFoy99

i have the same problem. I changed the chain, guides, and tensioner myself already but the ticking sounds is still there. I think i need to adjust the tensioner. Is the tensioner is adjustable? do u know?