I have a 2000 SL1 manual shift Saturn. I recently changed the radiator hoses, installed new spark plugs and wires. The engine now idles at 1700 rpm when first turned on and settles at 1100 to 1200 when warm. What are your suggestions to correct this problem?

It could be a vacuum leak or the timing belt may have slipped.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/justin_3ae27a9d61d6acd4

1. Start the car and let it run until it reaches operating temperture.
2. Feel the top radiator hose. If the engine is warm, but the top radiator hose is not, the thermostat is stuck closed. Replace it. (be sure to ask for a thermostat housing gasket when purchasing thermostat).
3. If this does not correct the problem:
a. replace both the air and fuel filter b. add one bottle of Sea Foam Fuel Additive (auto parts store will have it) to full tank of fresh gas (add before fueling).
It is also a good idea to perform a routine tune-up which inlcudes the above as well as:
1. spark plugs and spark plug wires 2. distributor cap and rotor (if equipped) (otherwise you'll have coil packs) 3. change both transmission fluid and oil (with filters and gaskets) 4. air filter and fuel filter
If the problem persists, have a diagnostics test performed by a techinician and consider the following repairs/replacement:
1. MAS - mass airflow sensor 2. crank shaft sensor 3. cam shaft sensor 4. O2 Sensor(s)

Please let me know if you need further assistance.
carsandcomps

Change your ECTS sensor with a brass one, it's the water temp sensor you can buy it at auto zone for 8 dollars and replace it yourself, make sure you get a NEW wire plug harness for it probably about 10 or 15 bucks, it gets corroded then the computer reads the wrong engine temp then it makes the idle rough and run rich.

replace the coil it is most likely bad. observe the engine at night or in a dark environment and proceed to use a spray bottle to lightly coat the coil pack for that cylinder number 3 and if you see an arc at the coil or any where else this will confirm a bad coil but even if you don't see any arcing it still may be a weak coil.

Follow your radiator hose to the engine block. You'll come to a housing attached to the hose with 2 bolts holding it on. You'll have to drain your coolant, remove the radiator hose and remove the retaining bolts on the housing, then remove your thermostat. Installation is in reverse of removal. Make sure to top off your coolant level and recheck after engine reaches temp.

a pit\ston might not be working properly

Remove the plugs, make sure the new plugs are gapped to .040, put anti-seize on the threads of the new plugs, then install them and tighten accordingly.

Try pulling the engine coolant temp sensor, They often crack not sure why but the ceramic tip cracks makes the car hard to start, or won't start, the car's idle may race while shifting gears, and often smokes. The sensor is on the right side of the engine when looking at it on the head. Easy to change and get too

Try pulling the engine coolant temp sensor, They often crack not sure why but the ceramic tip cracks makes the car hard to start, the car's idle may race while shifting gears, and often smokes. The sensor is on the right side of the engine when looking at it on the head. Easy to change and get too

have you had your radiator pressure checked? when there is not enough pressure to keep your coolant moving steady through the system it will cause the same issues.