http://www.suzuki-forums.com Discussion area for 1989-1998 Suzuki Sidekick, Suzuki Escudo, Suzuki Vitara and Geo Tracker. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:11:37 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.suzuki-forums.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.suzuki-forums.com http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34623-98-sidekick-head-removal.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:38:29 GMT Hi all, First post here. Sorry if it gets long. Just bought my SideKick for $100.00. I knew it had a busted timing chain and assumed some bent valves. (leakdown test confirmed) It is in very nice shape otherwise and has 120,000 miles. I am going to remove the head and was just looking for tips or tricks or cautions for removal/installation. I did a search but came up empty. I intend to get a FSM but at this point time is limited. I need to get this on the road.
Is there anywhere to find PDF's from the FSM for this procedure? Torque specs? etc? I am looking forward to being a contributing member But as of now I'm just a needy newbie looking to get spoonfed.:)
Thanks, Paul ]]> reckinbar http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34623-98-sidekick-head-removal.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34611-did-i-pay-too-much-tracker.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:46:43 GMT After digging into this 97 Tracker, 2wd, 5 spd, I am now thinking I paid too much. I discovered why the guy was getting rid of it. The keyhole on the crankshaft for the timing gear is all wallowed out. I bought it not running with the timing gear scraping into the oil pump. It needs oil pump, new top, some trim in the rear to hold down the rear window, needs tires, needs windshield. I think I got ripped off by paying $1k for it. I discovered by pricing all this stuff out I will have $2200 in it. But I am now not so sure about the crank now. Should I have paid less for it? Any suggestions for fixing the key? After digging into this 97 Tracker, 2wd, 5 spd, I am now thinking I paid too much. I discovered why the guy was getting rid of it. The keyhole on the crankshaft for the timing gear is all wallowed out. I bought it not running with the timing gear scraping into the oil pump. It needs oil pump, new top, some trim in the rear to hold down the rear window, needs tires, needs windshield. I think I got ripped off by paying $1k for it. I discovered by pricing all this stuff out I will have $2200 in it. But I am now not so sure about the crank now. Should I have paid less for it? Any suggestions for fixing the key? ]]> clifsmith http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34611-did-i-pay-too-much-tracker.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34608-flywheel.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:09:11 GMT Hello again!

1990 Tracker 1.6 A3.
To refresh everyone's memory the transmission was rebuilt earlier this year, and all in all I've been very happy and had little trouble from this vehicle. A friend recently hit on some tough times, and since it is an extra vehicle for me, I let him borrow it. I know, I know, no good deed goes unpunished. :p

To make a long story short, he called me a few nights ago stranded on the side of the interstate. I went down to see what I could ascertain. I'll try to put as much as I can remember, but it was freakin cold, and I was in jeans and a t shirt, not planning on being outside for extended periods that night.

He told me that he was cruising along at about 65, and had began a long descent downhill. He let off the gas for a moment, and when he reapplied it, he heard a thunk/pop/clunk (how the hell do you accurately describe a noise?!?) from below the vehicle, next to his feet, and the accelerator no longer responded. I have been unable to figure out if the engine contintued to rev, or if it just completely became unresponsive. He coasted to a stop on the shoulder and called me. He tried to start it, and it would make a noise, but not crank. I made it out there, and listened to it. The starter was turning, but the engine itself was not cranking. After some freezing hands, a few colorful adjectives, and a bit of grunting I was able to pull the timing belt cover back. I was moderately surprised to find the timing belt still intact. I had him crank it again, and immediately noticed no movement whatsoever. Harmonic balancer stayed put, timing didn't turn..nada. So, Hooked up the tow strap, put it in neutral, and flat towed it to the next exit at about 10-15mph.
Went back the next day with a trailer, pushed it on, and brought it home.
Finally had a chance to crawl under it today and do a closer inspection. First, I was started when I realized I could actually SEE the flywheel. Not through the little "peephole" on the bottom, but rather there appears to be a cover missing on the bottom front of the housing. Anyway, it didn't take long to use a screwdriver to realize that the flywheel turns freely with no resistance.

Now, if you've hung with me this far, I appreciate it. My slight mechanical knowledge leads me to believe that I either have a problem with the bolts on the flywheel being sheared, or there is a problem with the crankshaft. The flywheel turns VERY easily with no resistance, so I am leaning toward the former. So I ask you, fellow 'Zuki nation, is there anything I am missing, or am I on the right track? Do I take this thing back to the transmission shop that rebuilt it (and actually had to replace the flywheel in the first place) or am I getting upset at the wrong thing? I appreciate any and all help! ]]> amorano http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34608-flywheel.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34606-fuel-economy.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:29:45 GMT What fuel economy should I expect from the Vitara, 1.6 16V petrol - I'm only getting 21mpg.

What's the mostly likely causes of bad economy? ]]> RSi http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34606-fuel-economy.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34605-common-rot.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:32:41 GMT Where are the most 'common' areas of rot in the LWB Vitara (1992 model)? ]]> RSi http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34605-common-rot.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34604-semi-sexist-oil-change-lesson.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:06:10 GMT I do not take credit for this, (submitted by anonymous forum member) but thought you might enjoy it:

When it comes to changing oil there are entirely different
standards for men and women. Even though the female method may well be
cheaper, easier and quicker, the satisfaction of doing it yourself is
priceless, to wit:

Changing the Oil

Oil Change instructions for Women:

1) Pull up to Jiffy Lube when the mileage reaches 3000 miles since the
last oil change.
2) Drink a cup of coffee.
3) 15 minutes later write a check and leave with a properly maintained
vehicle.

Money spent: Oil Change $20.00 Coffee $1.00 Total $21.00


Oil Change instructions for Men:

1) Wait until Saturday, drive to auto parts store and buy a case of
oil, filter, kitty litter, hand cleaner and a scented tree, write a
check for $50.00.
2) Stop by liquor store and buy a case of beer, write a check for
$20.00, drive home.
3) Open a beer and drink it.
4) Spend 30 minutes looking for jack stands. Jack car up.
5) Find jack stands under kid's pedal car.
6) In frustration, open another beer and drink it.
7) Place drain pan under engine.
8) Look for 9/16 box end wrench.
9) Give up and use crescent wrench.
10) Drop drain plug in pan of hot oil: splash hot oil on face and arms
in process. Cuss.
11) Crawl out from under car to wipe hot oil off of face and arms.
12) Throw kitty litter on spilled oil.
13) Have another beer while watching oil drain.
14) Spend 30 minutes looking for oil filter wrench.
15) Give up; crawl under car and hammer a screwdriver through oil
filter and twist off.
16) Crawl out from under car with dripping oil filter splashing oil
everywhere from holes. Cleverly hide old oil filter among trash in
trash can to avoid environmental penalties. Drink a beer.
17) Buddy shows up; finish case of beer with him. Decide to finish oil
change tomorrow so you can go see his new garage door opener work.
18) Sunday: Skip church because "I gotta finish the oil change." Drag
pan full of old oil out from underneath car. Cleverly dump oil in hole
in back yard instead of taking it to recycle.
19) Throw kitty litter on oil spilled during step 18.
20) Beer. No, drank it all yesterday.
21) Walk to liquor store; buy beer.
22) Install new oil filter making sure to apply a thin coat of oil to
gasket surface.
23) Dump first quart of fresh oil into engine.
24) Remember drain plug from step 10.
25) Hurry to find drain plug in drain pan.
26) Remember that the used oil is buried in a hole in the back yard
along with drain plug.
27) Drink beer.
28) Shovel out hole and sift oily mud for drain plug. Re-shovel oily
patch of ground and avoid environmental penalties. Wash drain plug in
lawnmower gas.
29) Discover that first quart of fresh oil is now on the floor. Throw
kitty litter on oil spill.
30) Drink beer.
31) Crawl under car getting kitty litter into eyes. Wipe eyes with
oily rag used to clean drain plug. Slip with stupid crescent wrench
tightening drain plug and bang knuckles on frame.
32) Bang head on floorboards in reaction to step 31.
33) Begin cussing fit.
34) Throw stupid crescent wrench.
35) Cuss for additional 10 minutes because wrench hit Miss December
(1992) in the left boob.
36) Beer.
37) Clean up hands and forehead and bandage as required to stop blood
flow.
38) Beer.
39) Beer.
40) Dump in five fresh quarts of oil.
41) Beer.
42) Lower car from jack stands.
43) Accidentally crush remaining case of new motor oil.
44) Move car back to apply more kitty litter to fresh oil spilled
during steps 23 - 43.
45) Beer.
46) Test drive car.
47) Get pulled over: arrested for driving under the influence.
48) Car gets impounded.
49) Call loving wife, make bail.
50) 12 hours later, get car from impound yard.

Money spent: Parts $50.00 DUI $2500.00 Impound fee $75.00 Bail $1500.00
Beer $40.00 Total-- $4165.00

But, you have the satisfaction of knowing the job was done right... ]]> Bex http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34604-semi-sexist-oil-change-lesson.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34603-ecm-pcm-source.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:39:18 GMT I bought a refurb'd PCM/ECM for a non-Tracker yesterday from an outfit near Miami. Another tech standing next to me at the counter said they've been in the biz over 25 years and that he's never had an issue w/ their rebuilds. However, I've also read some negative comments about them on two other tech forums (IATN for one). They were packaging up two for shipment to Belgium and New Zealand as I stood waiting. A backup ECM outright for my 96 16V is $275 w/ black capacitors vs OEM blue ones (JTGH??). Auto Computer Exchange 888-664-8787. They're on the Web. Proceed w/ caution. ]]> the flying scotsman http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34603-ecm-pcm-source.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34602-rebuild-not-rebuild.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:42:05 GMT Hello All, This is my first post. I am the proud owner of a 97 tracker. I bought it with a cracked oil pump housing. The oil pump, timing stuff, oil pan, radiator are removed. I found a new oil pump for $90 OR a complete rebuild kit on Ebay (oil pump, water pump, pistons, rings, timing belt/tensioner, complete gasket set, rod and main bearings) for $250. The engine has 140k miles on it and I have never heard it run. The previous owner said it was running solid prior to breaking and did not use oil or knock. Please note that I am very mechanical and have rebuilt engines before. Here is my question: -Since the rebuild kit is not that much more and the engine is 1/2 tore down, should I just pull the engine and rebuild vs just replace oil pump? -Is this a big job compared to just replacing the oil pump? Is the engine hard to pull? -Are these 1.6 engines considered worn out with 140k miles? Your advise would be greatly appreciated. Hello All, This is my first post. I am the proud owner of a 97 tracker. I bought it with a cracked oil pump housing. The oil pump, timing stuff, oil pan, radiator are removed. I found a new oil pump for $90 OR a complete rebuild kit on Ebay (oil pump, water pump, pistons, rings, timing belt/tensioner, complete gasket set, rod and main bearings) for $250. The engine has 140k miles on it and I have never heard it run. The previous owner said it was running solid prior to breaking and did not use oil or knock. Please note that I am very mechanical and have rebuilt engines before. Here is my question:

-Since the rebuild kit is not that much more and the engine is 1/2 tore down, should I just pull the engine and rebuild vs just replace oil pump?

-Is this a big job compared to just replacing the oil pump? Is the engine hard to pull?

-Are these 1.6 engines considered worn out with 140k miles?

Your advise would be greatly appreciated. ]]> clifsmith http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34602-rebuild-not-rebuild.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34599-newbie-6-5td-chevy-truck-1-a.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:59:44 GMT Howdy all,

well, it seems this is a nice place for who wants to care about his Vitara.

I currentely own a 1996 6.5 turbo diesel Chevy truck. I know several things about these trucks.

I recentely discovered a 1994 4 doors 1.6L injection with AT Vitara that the owner put under a cover in the back side of his court yard.
This Vitara was sitting there under the cover untill june.
I put a battery and cranck. She fired at first key on. I was impressed.
Engine runs smooth, noise free, looks responsive.
The only problem is that front power windows and remote door lock doesn't work, and it is said to suffer from a current leak (battery is discharged after few days)
Electrical gremlins to figth with I believe.

I didn't even take time to take her for a ride. I asked the owner : "how much" ?
He said $3 000. (life is expensive in NC, in US, it should be $1000 as a counter value)
I said OK.

So I now own a Vitara. I don't have it home yet, probabely few weeks before I can get it, but I'm happy. I always wanted to own one.

As I said previously, I know several things about the 6.5 TD, but not so much about the 1.6 and the Vitara itself.

You may say, a car is a car. Yes sure, but every of them has special things to care about, weak and strong points.

So guys, to make it short, what would be your advices for a new Vitara owner ? What would you do first ?

What are the tips for identifying which engine I get, tranny, etc...

Thanks ;) ]]> matuva http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34599-newbie-6-5td-chevy-truck-1-a.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34597-1998-us-suzuki-sidekick-towing.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:06:36 GMT I tow a 98 Sidekick 4X4, manual 5 speed, manual hubs, manual transfer case behind a RV. The owners manual indicates that the hubs are to be set in the free mode, transfer case in neutral, and the transmission in 2nd gear. It also says that I should stop every 200 miles and run the engine. Question: Why should the transmission be placed in 2nd gear? Could I not place the tranny in neutral along with the transfer case? Would this procedure eliminate the need to stop every 200 miles and lube Suzie? I tow a 98 Sidekick 4X4, manual 5 speed, manual hubs, manual transfer case behind a RV. The owners manual indicates that the hubs are to be set in the free mode, transfer case in neutral, and the transmission in 2nd gear. It also says that I should stop every 200 miles and run the engine. Question: Why should the transmission be placed in 2nd gear? Could I not place the tranny in neutral along with the transfer case? Would this procedure eliminate the need to stop every 200 miles and lube Suzie? ]]> Searge 2g7 http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34597-1998-us-suzuki-sidekick-towing.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34596-replacing-roller-bearing-cassette-bearing.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:50:08 GMT My removing the bearing race, is it possible to replace the roller type front wheel bearing with the cassette type front wheel bearing on the 95 Geo tracker? The reason I ask I disassembled the 4x4 95 Tracker expecting to find cassette bearings. What I found were roller bearings. After removing the damaged race it appears the cassette bearing may fit is this possible? If not, any suggestion where I can find this special race and is anybody interested in a set of cassette bearings? My removing the bearing race, is it possible to replace the roller type front wheel bearing with the cassette type front wheel bearing on the 95 Geo tracker? The reason I ask I disassembled the 4x4 95 Tracker expecting to find cassette bearings. What I found were roller bearings. After removing the damaged race it appears the cassette bearing may fit is this possible? If not, any suggestion where I can find this special race and is anybody interested in a set of cassette bearings? ]]> KeJaTh http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34596-replacing-roller-bearing-cassette-bearing.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34594-notchy-gears.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:39:03 GMT How common are notchy gears in them, the wagons done 121k and is a bit notchy in 2nd - anything easy fixes to improve it. How common are notchy gears in them, the wagons done 121k and is a bit notchy in 2nd - anything easy fixes to improve it. ]]> RSi http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34594-notchy-gears.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34590-1-6-16v-should-i-change.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:05:54 GMT First I want to thank all the contributors on this site regarding the tracker timing belt issues and such. Just great info!! Now for my question. I just purchased a 98 with the 16V 1.6 Engine/Automatic. The last owner took great care and it has 90K. They have had it 2 yrs and it had 75K when they purchased it. They did not know if belt was changed at 60K or not (& I believe them) but they said it was well maintained when they got the car. It runs Great and has no leaks. I am just a bit paranoid after reading the threads and know this is an Interference Engine. Is there anyway to verify the belt other than just taking it apart which means replacing it. The water pump appears to be knew so maybe someone knows how to check for factory marks on the water pump which would give you a hint that someone had been in the timing cover. Or do I just bite the bullet and replace the belt/idler/pump, etc??

Thanks
Bob ]]> bjl61942 http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34590-1-6-16v-should-i-change.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34588-gas-tank-hole-irony-pictures.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:52:25 GMT So, my dads beetle needs new brakes and with money short I let him drive my tracker because winter is nearing and he hates the cold and is always commenting on how good and hot the heater gets... :rolleyes:

Upon arriving at work he said when he drove it to work (around 28 miles) that it was a quarter or so, but after leaving work it was nearing E, so he stopped and filled up. Drove it home but was having problems accelerating and what not and a bog if WOT or anymore than 3/4 throttle with load. He alerted me, I pulled the dist. and re-timed it after checking even though it appeared to be on spec. Got dark and parked in the front driveway. Still needing a car for him to drive to work now that it was having problems, I was about to go and fill the other tracker with gas, but just before I left I walked out and seen this wet spot all over my drive way, first thing that came to mind is Jerry was right, that damn cable couldn't have fluid in it... but then I could smell it, gasoline, strong and odorful coming from the rear right out of the tank!

Any solutions as to solving this? I've read washing and filling the tank a couple times and then allowing it to air out, then running car exhaust/dry ice to weld it or solder it (penny over it, even though I would think it would oxidize or rust somewhat). Which would hold best, my friend has a MIG welder with co2, and i'd feel safer welding with co2 gas and filling the tank with dry ice and car exhaust from his 4-cylinder after its been running for about 20 minutes. :D

I am not sure if it was a setup but the hole is almost perfect, not sure if I have been hearing something knock around the tank or not (possible?) but probably my u-joints. Anyways its a nice hole, leaking about a gallon an hour but stopped a little last night and picked up this morning. I am curious if it caused the bog via fuel pressure with the hole or what could of even caused such a nice hole as it was under the shield the tank has. Once it is drained I guess I can have more to play with. But right now I don't feel like dealing with it. AHHHHHHHHHHH.





I found this here: http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-09101-Fuel-Tank-Rep...
But think the welding/soldering method would be best as cold weather could infact damage it. ]]> CodyJ http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34588-gas-tank-hole-irony-pictures.html http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34585-auction-indiana-lots-trackicks-sammys.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:30:09 GMT If you're interested...

JOHN P


A friend called me up and said it looked like they had about 30 sitting there. I was going to check it out! ]]> Mongo http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/34585-auction-indiana-lots-trackicks-sammys.html