Misc. Saturn repair help

[wishihadacamaro]

1st thing i need to do is replace the top engine mount on my dad's 2002 SL2. I bought a nice 192-piece tool set from sears today, since I didn't have a 15mm deep socket, and I figured I'd just go ahead and get all the hand tools i'll ever need instead of buying the tools separately for $2 per socket as I need them. Anyway, do I need to support the engine at all while doing this? If I do, is the spare tire jack with a piece of wood on top good enough? Other then that, I pretty much know how to replace it.

Also, I am replacing the belt tensioner and belt on the 96 SL2. I just read about it in my haynes manual. But, does anyone think it'll be possible to replace the tensioner without jackstands (I don't have any yet)?

[WingsOfSaturn]

Now that you have the correct tools get the proper support. Remember that is a lot of weight that you could possibly be underneath.

Yes, the engine needs to be supported when you replace the upper mount. Block of wood between a floor jack and the oil pan works good.

Use jack stands when you have any wheels off the car. Repeat: use jack stands when you have any wheels off the car. You will need to have the passenger wheel off to get to the belt tensioner. Repeat: use jack stands when you have any wheels off the car.

[wishihadacamaro]

Well, I guess I'll get a floorjack and jackstands before changing the belt tensioner on the 96 then. But as for the engine mount on the 02, will the spare tire jack be good enough to support the engine? That is the more urgent repair. The belt tensioner can wait a little bit.

[PlainSC1]

To answer the question , YES , the cheap factory jack will work ok for that . The engine is lighter than the car is ...

[Cheyne]

You could also use a piece of 1x2 to support the engine torque strut (lower dogbone).

[wishihadacamaro]

The only wood I have laying around is 2x4. I guess that'll be good enough.