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Timing chains a MAJOR problem!!

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274K views 132 replies 32 participants last post by  Scorch  
#1 ·
My 2007 XL7 currently has 80 000 KMS or approx. 50 000 miles. My engine light came on a few weeks ago but would only come on for a short time then go off for a period of time. I checked the code and it came up as a P008, something to do with the crank or cam shaft timing. But since the light was not staying on permanently I thought it might just be a problem with the sensor itself. About 2 weeks later the light came on and stayed on. The truck seemed to be running fine and have not noticed any lack of performance. I brought it to the Suzuki dealer this morning to find out that the timing chains need to be changed. I was told that this is a problem/flaw with these motors. The parts have been ordered and my vehicle will be spending 2-3 days next week. This is all covered under the powertrain warranty. I did ask if I should expect the same problem 80 000 KMS later and they said probably not since they are replacing the parts with what is suppose to better quality parts from Suzuki. I am not impressed at all with this problem and I will probably get rid of this vehicle by next year. I have lost confidence with this vehicle!
 
#87 ·
i just put in 2 qts. i need to run an internal engine clean thru it.
What do you recommend if indeed this is the resolution?

(I cant tell you how much I want you to be right on this!)

BTW - thanks much for your help.
I will let you know ASAP...
 
#88 ·
It's tough to get rid of sludge if it's there..
But for the next few oil changes, before you change the oil add a liter of automatic transmission fluid into the oil and run it hard for 10 minutes before dumping the oil..
 
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#89 ·
So i put a total of 1.75 quarts in it. not sure of the total amount in it.
took it for a spin around the block. MUCH improvment. Alot less hesitation.
But its still there to some degree.
So in the morning i will drain as much oil as i can.
refill with 5.5 qts and a new filter.
and i will report back as soon i have something to report!

I cant thank you enough for your help lumpylarry.
 
#92 ·
so i had an oil change this morning. drove away with new oil synthetic, filter, drove home no hesitation. Drove to cracker barrel to eat breakfast, hesitated alot.
i give up. i dont know what to do anymore.
 
#95 ·
looks like it's time to take it to the dealer.
 
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#97 ·
If they can reproduce the hessitation, that would be a start. Worst case, there is a record the problem happening in the system.

Have you gone through all the maintenance items? Check the air filter for obstructions, etc.

Have all your bases covered before they come back and try to blame it on you (not saying that it will happen).

There is a TSB about transmission oil leak, the hessitation could be the clutches slipping.

Does the problem happens in the morning/afternoon, engine cold/warm etc. What I mean is, have you found a pattern?
 
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#98 ·
the closest pattern i have found is it does not hesitate when the engine is cold.
only does it around 40-55 mph
going to manual vs auto mode does not affect it.
does not do it under heavy to moderate acceleration.

thats all i got.
does not pop a check engine light
 
#99 ·
2008 Suzuki XL7 Timing Chain

I have a used XL7 just under 100k miles. I have had the check engine light on for awhile now. I got the code P0008 the first place I took it and they replaced an O2 sensor. It went off for about a day and came back on. Now I had a new garage look at it and they tried to desludge my oil and turned off the light, only for it to come back on. Have inspection due at the end of Sept and they said I need to have the timing chains replaced.
Any words of advice?
I noticed that some people used the GM chains because they match up and are cheaper, is this true?
Can they check anything else that may be causing this issue?

The car is one payment from payoff, so I would like to go w/out a payment for awhile, plus I like my car, so not planning on getting rid of it anytime soon. I would just hate to dump money into it to find out his isn't the real issue.
Thanks for any advice!
 
#101 ·
I noticed that some people used the GM chains because they match up and are cheaper, is this true?
Can they check anything else that may be causing this issue?
Hi Guys
LumpyLarry is absolutely right. I had the same problem. You need to replace all three chains.
GM chains are ok, but you have to check the part number of them. I don't remember the numbers but older chains (produced till about 2011) are the same chains I had in my car and they are to weak and were streched after 50k miles. GM chains produced after about 2011 have different part number and are ok. Now, I have 100k miles on counter and no P0008/P0009 code on :)

I don't know anything about original suzuki chains.

Changing the chains is not very difficult - I have done it by myself with help of LumpyLarry posts.

Good luck. Gerard
 
#100 ·
You need to replace 3 timing chains.
If you're already opening it up, it's recommended to also replace tensioners plus associated gaskets.
 
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#102 ·
There are 2 styles of chains for that engine.
The bicycle style 3rd design or silent type 4th design.
I have complete sets of both including chains, tensioners, guides gaskets and seals.

If you can find out which style you have and are interested, send me a PM.
 
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#103 ·
GM Part numbers of silent type chains are as follows:
12633451
12633452

Secondary GM part numbers:
12616608
12616809

Both are suitable to Suzuki XL7 with LY7 motor type (silent chains), but the second pack is the same poor quality as first time mounted by GM/Suzuki and that is the source of our problems with chains.
So in about 2009 GM released the 12622451/2 chains, I hope, better quality.

Gerard
 
#104 ·
Thanks for all your advice! I ended up taking it back to the dealership that I bought my car from and that also specialize in Suzuki work. They replaced all 3 timing belts/chains and got it covered under warranty, since my car is under 100,000. I would suggest that anyone with a similair car, that they have the car inspected pre 100,000 miles, just in case!

Thanks again!
 
#132 ·
Timing chain replacement....AGAIN!!!

So, My check engine light came on....AGAIN! one issue I'm having is the fuel celanoid, which is an easy fix...but I'm getting the timing chain code again as well. Maybe 20,000 miles into the new ones I had replaced about 15 months ago. In any case, I'm torn on what to do. Whomever quoted $1500 to replace the chains, I want to know who they are going to, because that is just the quoted labor on my job. The parts are almost $700.
Should I get them replaced or get rid of the car?
The dealership said they are knee deep in Suzuki recalls right now, but because mine is over 100,000 they will not longer cover anything.
 
#105 ·
You can do something about this!! code:p0008 Timing Chain

We as Suzuki owners do not have to sit back and fork out thousands of dollars for this costly repair. Suzuki is responsible!! Suzuki shares a plant in Ontario, Canada with GM. This is the plant that manufactures both the Suzuki Xl7 and the Arcadia. Suzuki Xl7 has a GM engine. GM has long ago stepped up to the plate and both acknowledged the problem with the timing chains, and issued a Special Coverage for vehicle owners to get it fixed. Suzuki has pocketed our money and left us to fend for ourselves. We as vehicle owners DO NOT HAVE TO ACCEPT THIS!!! The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)is in charge of recalls, Special Coverage issuance, and Safety issues. They can make Suzuki address the issue of these defective timing chains which will eventually cause engine failure. below I am posting an insert from the HHTSA website, which tells you how to file your complaint. WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER ON THIS IF WE WANT TO SEE RESULTS!!! PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION.


If you think your vehicle or equipment may have a safety defect, reporting it to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an important first step to take to get the situation remedied and make our roads safer. If the agency receives similar reports from a number of people about the same product, this could indicate that a safety-related defect may exist that would warrant the opening of an investigation. In order to make it convenient for consumers to report any suspected safety defects to NHTSA, the agency offers three ways to file such complaints. Please go to the Report Your Safety Complaint page on the safercar.gov website.
 
#107 ·
I have but it's not that easy. You can probably sue them on your own in small claims court. There is enough info on the web, including the details of the GM recall, to get you started.
 
#108 · (Edited)
Apparently GM knew about the timing chain problems in these engines from when they were new. A TSB was issued for many of the GM cars and trucks using the LY7 engine, note date of TSB in 2007 and the newer TSB from 2/2010. Suzuki denies any knowledge of these.


11340 02/01/2010 10043857 Gm: special coverage adjustment- timing chain wear. on some 2007 model year vehicles that are equipped with a 2.8l/3.6l v6 engine (lp1/ly7), under certain driving conditions, and with the vehicle's original oil change intervals, the timing 2012-04-30

Read more: http://www.faqs.org/car/saturn-outlook-2007/engine/#ixzz2rwbU9xpg


Date Reported:
AUGUST 01 2007

NHTSA Reference:
#10022931

TSB Reference:
#070601014


Description: LY7 MIL/DTC'S P0016, P0017, P0018 OR P0019 - STRETCHED PRIMARY DRIVE AND BOTH SECONDARY DRIVE TIMING CHAINS (REPLACE PRIMARY DRIVE AND BOTH SECONDARY DRIVE TIMING CHAINS). *NJ
 
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