98 Sidekick with 1.8L

awschucks · 11-09-2008, 10:31 AM

HI,
What has been the expereience with the 1.8L motor? Does the timing chain need replacing frequently? EGR problems like the 1.6?

Just bought one and it seems low on power compared to the 1.6 that I had in an earlier sidekick. There are no codes showing on the OBD. 95K miles with auto.

I was changing the tranny fluid and the pan stuck. I gave it a tug, it broke loose and about a quart of tranny fluid ran down my head. I came into the house and my wife almost had a heart attack, as it looked like I had put my head into a blender. Lots of fun.

Thx,
Dave

awschucks · 11-10-2008, 05:53 PM

Any one have an opinion?

rickf · 11-10-2008, 09:03 PM

The 1.8 has timing chains and no sheduled maintenance is needed? I had 96 sport with 1.8 but it was a 5 speed so can't help with power issue but prolly loose a little thru auto + prolly a little more weight also.
Did you cry and make your wife kiss your boo-boo? too funny. Ah the smell of used ATF almost as good as used 90# gear oil.LOL
rickf

jtgh · 11-11-2008, 06:45 PM

1.8L chain good for 200k ,if you change oil,often.
I'd replace the hydralic tensioner at 200k. but the cleaning of the cover and regluing is hard beyond belief. (special caulk)

did your 1.6 have 2 doors or 4, big weight diff there. (800 lbs from light to heavy)
both 4speed automatics? auto weight 50 lbs more and manual.

mine weighs 2000 [2305 stock]lbs (rear seat out no top) 2110 2wd @ 66hp 8v

1.6l 16v is 90 HP
yours Curb Weight (automatic): 2,877 lbs 120HP, 25mpg highway.

yours is 1998, rent a scantool (obd2) and see if three things look good
MAF readings,see my MAF data page. (found no where else, thanks to others here)
shortterm fuel trim ( will show gross lean, if it is)
does car enter into closed loop, if not,car needs service.
in fact log all data and post it, get lots of help from many here.

in my opinion the sport will have the same power as the 1.6L because of the extra weight on the sport, in fact, i think that was the intent of suz.
same performace, more weight , less mpg as result.

jtgh · 11-11-2008, 06:47 PM

all autotrannies do that.
put in a drain plug while its out, next time you can do it with out a 2 foot funnel.

I bet the dog wouldnt even look at you.

cheers.

awschucks · 11-11-2008, 09:02 PM

HI,
As I had said in my first posting, I pulled the OBD codes and there were none. It feels like the timing is retarded, but since there are no codes that is probably not the issue. Not sure how to check it as none of my manuals reflects the 1.8L

Dave

98SidekickSport4WD · 11-11-2008, 10:25 PM

I've got the same vehicle. I have never driven any other Sidekicks so I can't compare. Mine has decent torque between 0 and 45mph and is fun to drive in slow city traffic. However, accelerating to highway speeds leaves me wishing I had my Buick V6 power back.

jtgh · 11-12-2008, 12:39 AM

yes it has timing set proc., your car has no DIZZY. (distributor) COP coil on plugs.
it has 1 cam CAS sensor..
Your cam sensor has 2 double signals 4 times per turn and 360 pluse per turn.

timing light attached. Inductive is manditory.
freeze timing jumper placed. AT DLC conn. next to battery on 1.8L it says.
tag:
123
456
jump 4 to 5
start engine.
shine strobe on cam cover index.
5 degrees BTDC at 800 rpm +-1 deg +- 50 rpm

loosen cam shaft sensor bolts a tad. CW = advance, CCw = retard.
thighten bolts to 113 INCH lbs.

remove DLC jumper , rev engine and note rapid advance .

, compression test might be good too.

and
make sure brakes are dragging, raise tires , and spin em.