Weird Timing Issue

tracyprier · 07-08-2007, 05:07 PM

Hi guys.

My name is Tracy and I live in Auckland, New Zealand.

I own a 1990 Vitara 1.6l 8v, single-point injection

I have a very odd problem I'm hoping experienced Zuki-heads can help with.

A week back it started running terribly, poor idle, no power, bogging down on takeoff.

Also, there is a rattling noise coming from the plastic cam belt cover area. Not an engine knock, more a plasticy-type rattle.

I got home from church last Sunday (just!) popped the bonnet and the exhaust manifold was glowing hot!.

I checked the timing and it was fine. I checked the O2 sensor and it was within spec values.

I got the crank pulley to TDC and the cam gear mark lined up with the notch on the cam cover backing plate.... a slipped belt had been my first thought.

Checked that the exhaust wasn't blocked also.

I am getting vacumn advance.

New plugs and near-new plug wires.

Popped the spare fuse in and the engine light said everything was fine.

So... I tried playing with the timing...ignoring what the mark said and found that when I advanced it to about 20 deg BTDC it started running well... not perfect but not bogging down at all.

So, what gives??? What has gone wrong that 20 degrees is making it run fine???

Really appreciate input on this as it also stumped my local mechanic who pretty much gave up on it.

Thanks
Tracy

tracka96 · 07-09-2007, 12:32 AM

Here's your answer, worn belt drive pulley and key, maybe crankshaft slot. Tracka

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-...ghlight=timing

rmbaron · 07-12-2007, 08:20 AM

How many miles on the unit,did you pull off the timing belt cover and allign the timing marks. The procedure is to hand turn the engine 720 degrees after you set the belt. What manual are you using to facilitate the timing belt replacement,? Hanes manual is good and I just replaced my belt at 102,000 miles. Again ,you must crank through the belt two revolutions, then check the timing marks and tighten the tensioner in the proper order. Sounds like you are not using a manual for your diagnostics. Bob rmbaron@dc.rr.com

tracka96 · 07-12-2007, 10:59 AM

I know that you are "supposed to" crank the belt thru 2 revolutions, but I think almost no one actually does it, including me, with no problems due to not doing it. Tracka

rmbaron · 07-12-2007, 12:21 PM

The reason you hand turn the crank 2 revs is to set the tension on the belt ,per the manual,if you don't you risk improper tensioning which leads to jumping a cog