Engine - Stalls When Cold/Difficult to Restart
BULLETIN NO.: 94-T-57ISSUE DATE: December, 1994
GROUP/SEQ. NO.: Engine - 14
CORPORATION NO.: 486110
SUBJECT:
Engine Stalls within Five Minutes of Start When Coming to a Stop and May be Difficult to Restart DOHC (LLO) Engines (Check Oil Viscosity and/or Replace Hydraulic Lifters)
MODELS AFFECTED:
1991-1995 Saturns equipped with DOHC (LLO) engines.
CONDITION:
Some customers may experience an engine stall when coming to a stop within five minutes of an initial cold start below approximately 0~C (32~ F). In some instances, the engine is difficult to restart after the stall and may crank over rapidly due to a loss of compression, which may cause the engine to flood.
CAUSE:
The hydraulic valve lifters may be leaking down too slowly, which may be caused by the use of engine oil with the incorrect viscosity rating as specified in the Saturn's Owner's Handbook. Also, this condition may be caused by hydraulic valve lifters with the incorrect leak down rate.
CORRECTION:
NOTE:
In the 1991, 1992 and 1993 Owner's Handbooks, Saturn recommends American Petroleum Institute (API) "SG" oil in all applications. In the 1994 and 1995 Owner's Handbook, Saturn recommends API "SH" or oil with the "Starburst" symbol. However, for all 1991-1995 Saturns, API oil with the "Starburst" symbol can be used.
In all cases, oil with a viscosity rating of SAE 5W-30 is recommended. SAE-10W-30 may be used if the ambient temperature is going to be - 18~C (0~F) or above. SAE 1OW-40, with a STARBURST symbol, can be used in place of the SAE 10W-30. Do not use engine oil with a viscosity rating such as 20W-50 as it does not meet Saturn's recommended requirements.
PROCEDURE:
1. Find out the type of oil used in the vehicle.
a. If it does not meet Saturn specification or the oil viscosity rating cannot be determined,change engine oil and filter using the correct engine oil as noted above.
b. Then test drive vehicle to verify that condition has been repaired.
2. If the correct engine oil is used and problem persists, replace hydraulic lifters with P/N 21006678 according to procedures in the "DOHC (LLO) Cylinder Head" section of the "Engine Mechanical Service Manual."