rough idle and white smoke when rpm is raised

1995 SATURN SC2
170,000 MILES
Avatar
1995SC2
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I have a 1992 saturn sc2. The car seems to run fine driving down the road but when stopping the idle falls very low and then catches back up. It also idles rough can't really feel it sitting in the car but you can see the engine shake when you look at it idle. It also has whit smoke after the engine has idled about 15 minutes then reved up. I have replace the radiator, plugs and wires, changed the oil and filter added fuel system cleaner....any help would be appriciated. Thanks.
Aug 4, 2012 at 10:47 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Are you sure its whit smoke because that would be coolant being burned?
Aug 4, 2012 at 11:20 PM
Avatar
1995SC2
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
It looks white to me...it is definately light in color
Aug 4, 2012 at 11:22 PM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Have you checked the coolant temp sensor yet?
Aug 5, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Avatar
1995SC2
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
No I have not. Would that cause all the issues?
Aug 5, 2012 at 12:27 AM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It could cause the loading up when idling with fuel and blow smoke when reving it up.It could also cause the low unstable idle when coming to a stop.But sticky carboned up valves and a sticky idle air control valve could cause the idle issues also.Pay close attenion to the color of the smoke.Let me know what color it is.
Aug 5, 2012 at 4:59 AM
Avatar
1995SC2
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
My car is a 1995 sc2. If I do an engine swap from a later model what years will I be able to use? Same question if I just do a head swap? One cylnder has low compression in my current engine.
Aug 7, 2012 at 10:07 PM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You can use up to a 1998 saturn twin cam but you would have drill the top gauge sensor hole and thread it.Because starting in 1996 they went to one sensor instead of two.If you only have a head issue pull the head and get a valve job.Atleast you would know the valves would be in good shape.I would also put a new timing chain kit in while you were in there.
Aug 7, 2012 at 10:18 PM
Avatar
1995SC2
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Being a 5 speed trans...can the engine be pulled from the top alone or does the trans have to come out with it at the same time?
Aug 7, 2012 at 10:46 PM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
When i do a 5 speed engine swap on those i remove the hood and radaitor fan shroud or auto for that matter give more room.But with a 5 speed i pull both the engine and transmission all together I put them back in as a complete unit also.Because i hate trying to stab the input shaft back in the clutch when dropping the engine back.To me thats much easier and how i have always done it.
Aug 7, 2012 at 11:15 PM
Avatar
1995SC2
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
When torking the head bolts what's the procedure? Do you have to replace the the head bolts?
Aug 7, 2012 at 11:57 PM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Pass 1 is 22 ftlbs pass 2 is 37 ftlbs pass 3 is 90 degrees torque angle.Yes i would replace the bolts.
Image (Click to enlarge)
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Aug 8, 2012 at 8:25 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.