Looks like (or sounds like) the timing chain tensioner rattle is getting worse on my 1999. I've been sort-of stalling on it because I know it's a big time repair bill.
I've spoken four dealers here in west central Ohio. 1 actually refused to do it. The others quoted from $900 - 1,900. None of them sounded like they knew what the heck they were doing.
I'm seriously thinking about doing it myself now. Anyone know why it takes 12 hours to get the front cover off? Sheesh!
Which engine? I've got the 2.5 V-6 and was curious as to what your noise sounds like. Those prices you got sound sky high, but I'm new to the Zuki world. Cripe! You can get a new Chevy, complete SB crate engine for those prices! (now try and stuff THAT in there)
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99' Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2.5 V-6, 4WD, 5 spd std
72' Chevy Nova. One owner, SB, A/C, power disk/drum & steering.
53' Chevy 3100 Pick-up w/327, TH400 trans w/78' Nova rear end.
03' Honda Odyssey (Momma's ride) Click for pics
It sounds very much like a diesel engine. Very rattly. I started tonight, but I gotta get a tool to hold the crank pulley since it turns when I apply torque to it.
You really need to use an air impact gun to remove the bolt. Any other way you're asking for a painfull experience, with little chance of removing it. Sometimes you can get lucky, but mostly not using just sockets / wrenches.
Wow - thanks for the link! What great timing! I've got the fan, shroud, radiator, P/S pump & bracket all removed.
I'm down to removing the 19mm crank bolt. Turning the bolt by hand, the entire pulley turns. I'm wondering if an impact wrench can spin fast enough so I don't have to buy/create a special tool to fix the pulley. I don't own an impact wrench or large enough air compressor but I'm thinking this is my excuse to buy one. Any thoughts?
I even hate to recommend this, but here goes...have a buddy place the tranny in 1st gear, stand on the brakes, clutch out and try and remove the bolt.
You really need an impact gun. A quick squeeze of the trigger and it's out. The engine won't even turn over any appreciable amount. You should even be able to rent or borrow an ELECTIC impact wrench.
If you have access to a large strap wrench you can use it to hold the pulley, but you risk ruining the outer ring held in place by rubber to the inner portion of the pulley.
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99' Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2.5 V-6, 4WD, 5 spd std
72' Chevy Nova. One owner, SB, A/C, power disk/drum & steering.
53' Chevy 3100 Pick-up w/327, TH400 trans w/78' Nova rear end.
03' Honda Odyssey (Momma's ride) Click for pics
That's what I was afraid of. So I'm out looking at impact guns tonight. I'm struggling to find a shorty - 7" or less is all the space there is in there. Most air impacts are longer than that. The electric ones are waaayyy longer. Grr.
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Timing Chain Tensioner
(now try and stuff THAT in there) 
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