2002 SL1 1.9 SOHC makes a loud clank right before turning off

[ascalv01]

New here to the Saturn forum. Not new to cars and repairs. I was driving my 02 SL1 to work this morning and as soon I shut the car off, I heard a loud clank or clunk right before the engine stops turning over. I think I hear it during start up too but definitely not while the motor is actively running. It is the 1.9 SOHC engine 5 speed manual. The sound is coming from the passenger side of the car. Car has 214K miles. Occasional high idle sometimes 3K RPM sometimes then goes away (especially after turning the car off then starting it back up) and has some intermittent misfire depending on the weather. Would like some direction with that as well. Far too many times i've dumped money into parts only to find out it doesnt fix it. Throttle position sensor, Manifold absolute pressure sensor (car doesnt operate by way of MAF sensors as you all know).

[Waiex191]

There are 4 mounts for the engine and transmission. They wear out and tear. How are yours?

Also the exhaust hangers can fail due to rust.

Welcome to the forums.

[ascalv01]

Mount are pretty much trash i would assume. car vibrates like hell but nothing too crazy at the moment. I have an upper one i havent had time to replace but was planning on it. Weather is about to get dumped on us here in the East and dont have the place right now to start tearing stuff apart. The mount was my initial go to so I got out of the car and tried moving the engine back and forth but could not get it move like ive had some cars in the past. (GM Dog bone motor mounts)

[cgg17]

I would say either motor mounts or belt tensioner.
I know the tensioners that are aftermarket will rattle and carry on as they bounce off of their "stop".

[ascalv01]

Thanks for the suggestion. I got a buddy at work who is going to help me start and stop the car so i can listen to it during lunch. Ill report back what i find. Hopefully its just a belt tensioner but it doesnt sound like a bearing growl

[SRGW]

Grab hold of the tailpipe and shake up and down if muffler hanger is broken pipe will hit rear axle and clunk.

1995 SL1 236,300 2005>2018
1997 SL1 95,025 2014>????
CHECK YOUR OIL!!

[ascalv01]

I will also try that.
Update. Started the car at lunch 4 times. Didn't make the noise at all. Which makes me feel better, knowing it is probably not something internally. I'll keep troubleshooting and investigating. If I find out what it is, I will be sure to update. Please keep the suggestions coming, they are sure helpful. If you're in the path of the ice/snow storm. Stay warm and safe out there. On side note. It would appear the engine is dieseling both clockwise and counter clockwise but very briefly when shutting off. I know it can be somewhat normal but not ideal. If you know anything about that too, let me hear it.