2002 Saturn SL1 car trouble

KMERSING

MEMBER
2002 SATURN SL1
FWD
AUTOMATIC
113,000 MILES

My saturn upon start up when I put it into drive knocks. It almost seems like it's skipping. After the car is warm it doesn't seem to do this anymore.I have not had any problems yet with this car and I have owned it for a year. It also is idling rough. I have checked all fluid level and they are full. However, the coolant looks like it either is getting build up in it or is freezing. When I opened the cap to check it looks like there is build up right by the cap. The rest looks like liquid. This car was previously owned so I don't know the last time the engine was flushed/ cleaned. I have had the oil changed two months ago. I don't know much about cars and I dont want to pay an arm and a leg for repairs that are not causing the problem. Thank you for any help you can give me.

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,872 POSTS

Okay, I have some questions for you. Is the heater working properly? Does the engine run at a normal operating temp? Have you had the coolant checked to see what the freezing point is? As far as the knock, that is a concern to me; however, without hearing it, it is hard to know where it is coming from. What I need you to do is either upload a video of a cold start so I can hear it, or I need you to have a mechanic with a trained ear listen to it to see if it is a rod or main bearing knock. Also, make sure the oil is clean and full. I know you had it changed reciently, but I still want you to check to make sure no coolant is mixing with the oil.

Let me know.