2002 l100

[paulryan]

I have just bought a 2002 L 100,know too have a jumped timming chain,cranks with some compression and backfires.also shows approx 134,000 miles.I have found a number of 2.2's from saturn Vues and Ions with low miles and I would like to put one in the L car.My question is this:Ions and Vues use electronic steering and the L series drives a fluid pump off the the cam shaft,so will the Ion and Vue cams be confiquired to drive the L fluid pump if the blockoff plate is removed?If not,can the camshafts be swapped?Is this the only differance?Pls help!!!! Paul

[Uzzy]

I don't know about the ability to swap in a 2.2L from another car, but I have heard there is a recall for the timing chain on the horizon. I'm pretty sure it's for the 2002 L-series with the 2.2L. You might want to research that on this site to get some more information, and possibly contact, either your dealer, or the Saturn help line to get some more info. It's not for every vehicle, so you might or might not be part of the recall.

[born again]

There are some variations of the 2.2 Ecotec (L61) engine. For instance, the unit in the early L Series is 9.5:1 compression ratio vs. most being 10:1. The site www.ecotecforum.com has a great deal of information. One big thing - Cobalts and some others have the electric power steering instead of hydraulic. There is no cam drive lug for the power steering pump. You could transfer the camshafts from the old engine. Some others like the Grand Am and the Alero may have the pump. The best would be to find one from a younger L-Series.

If this thing still runs but badly you are probably best to re/re the timing chain on it and be done with it. The reason it won't have good compression is that the valves aren't timing properly. Note: this assumes that you dont have bent valves. But a quick pop off of the valve cover could check this (crank and watch for movement).