Saturn Wont Start and Oil On Spark Plugs

Question: Yes. I have a 1996 Saturn SL2. Oil had been getting into my first spark plug boot where my first cylinder is. I took the top off of my motor and replaced the seals incase that was the reason oil was leaking into my spark plug. Since I've done that oil hasn't leaked back into there. But now my car won't start unless it is jumped off and it won't stay running. It idles loudly and when I give it gas it makes a knocking noise. It also puts when it idles. Can you tell me what's wrong? The car won't stay running after it's jumped off. It puts while it runs. When I put it into gear it cuts off. When I give it gas it makes a knocking sound.
 Mechanic: Did this problem start right after your repairs where made? What all was done to your Saturn?

It started before my repairs. One day while I was driving the car it wouldn't go no faster than 40 MPH. I pulled over and pulled my spark plug boots from the top of the motor. When I did the first cylinder spark plug boot had oil in it so I took the top of the motor off where the spark plugs are located and I changed the seals and the spark plugs. The oil didn't leak into the spark plug no more but then it started doing what I just told you.
 This sounds like possibly the engine may have jumped time.

So something could be wrong with the timing?
 Yes, the timing chain tensioner may have broken or the chain itself broke. A failed tensioner is most common on this engine.

Okay that makes sense. Thank you. How do I fix that if I was to fix it myself?
 Replacing the timing chain tensioner requires front timing cover removal. That part screws into the outside of the timeing cover on the rear near the firewall. If it has jumped a tooth or more the timing chain would need to be reset.

Okay. About how much would that cost me?
 If just the tensioner- which can be installed easily from outside the engine, expect about $150. If timing chain jumped and now front cover needs removal, approximate labor cost would be $600. If the chain broke there is also a possibilty that now you have some bent valves. This engine is hat is called an "interferance motor". Meaning that valve can contact the top of the pistons if not timed properly, such as a broken chain. If this is the case, then the repairs just got a lot more expensive. Expect over $1000 in parts and labor since the cylinder head would need tombe removed, valves replaced or a complete new cylinder head installed.

Okay, thank you a lot.