I have a 1993 saturn sl2. The car sat for a couple years and had several parts that needed replaced. I replaced the starter, valve cover set, spark plugs, battery, and idle control valve. For some reason when the car runs fo a while then is turned off it will not start again. i was wondering could it be as simple as buying an engine cleaner or is it more serious. Also the car won't crank at all now but im thinking it may have to do with the wire leading to the battery from the starter because a friend "tapped" the starter and messed with the wire and the car started and ran for a little but will not start up again. Thanks

 

Over the course of time, the large cable running from the positive side of the battery to the starter goes bad inside the insulated covering. Acid seeps in, and corrodes the cable much like termites will eat the insides out of a 2x4. If the cable "crunches" when you try to bend/flex it, you need to replace it.

 

I agree with OA on this. IF you check the cable and it's not corroded, then you may need a new starter.

 

if the "tap the starter" trick works then it's pretty much usually the starter.
But check the cable first to be sure it's not just loose at the starter