ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Samurai (All SJ Platform) 1981-1998 => Topic started by: garmstrong55 on December 10, 2011, 01:17:49 PM

Title: 87 Samurai starts but won't drive
Post by: garmstrong55 on December 10, 2011, 01:17:49 PM

I have an 87 Samurai, all stock.  The motor starts, idles smoothly but stumbles and dies when you try to drive it.  The initial idle speed is high, but choke seems to be functioning correctly.  Compression is ~160 psi all cylinders.  After warming up, I get smoke, no oil smell, no antifreeze smell.  Catalytic converter looks bad, but doesn't seem to be blocked.
Any ideas on narrowing down the problems would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Title: Re: 87 Samurai starts but won't drive
Post by: Drone637 on December 10, 2011, 01:45:13 PM

Does it only die when you try and take off, or does it have troubles revving up as well?  I would replace the fuel filter at least, it's an easy fix.  Then make sure all of your vacuum lines are good.

Title: Re: 87 Samurai starts but won't drive
Post by: garmstrong55 on December 11, 2011, 12:44:02 PM

Thanks for the response.  I have changed the fuel filter, checked the vacuum lines, found some misrouted and replaced others with new line.  New dist cap, rotor, plugs and wires. 
This vehicle sat for several years, so I'm thinking carburetor issues.  I just don't want to tear into the carb until I'm sure I've covered the simpler fixes.  Any chance this is emission control problems?

Title: Re: 87 Samurai starts but won't drive
Post by: Drone637 on December 14, 2011, 02:02:47 AM

Not very likely if you have the vacuum lines in place.  You could be right in that it just has to much junk in the carb.  A lot of people swap out to the Harley Side-Draft carb or the Weber instead of bothering with the stock carb.  Is there anyone else local that you could borrow a carb from to test with?

Title: Re: 87 Samurai starts but won't drive
Post by: garmstrong55 on December 15, 2011, 10:10:32 AM

I got a stock carb from a guy who swapped on a Weber.  It was supposed to be running when removed.  I've cleaned it up and replaced some parts, seals, gaskets.  Didn't want to do a full tear down given my limited experience with carburetor rebuilds.  I'll try it and see what happens.

Title: Re: 87 Samurai starts but won't drive
Post by: ebattleon on December 16, 2011, 07:02:02 PM

Is it an Hitachi Carb?

Title: Re: 87 Samurai starts but won't drive
Post by: garmstrong55 on December 17, 2011, 02:52:58 PM

Yes,
Stock Hitachi.  I took the old carb off today and found the secondary linkage is locked up somewhere keeping the butterfly completely shut.  I'm hoping this is the problem.  Didn't have time to put the other one  on, so won't know the results until tomorrow after install. 

Title: Re: 87 Samurai starts but won't drive
Post by: Drone637 on December 17, 2011, 06:05:18 PM

Let us know how it works out!

Title: Re: 87 Samurai starts but won't drive
Post by: garmstrong55 on December 18, 2011, 10:30:18 AM

Its alive!!  Got the carb on this morning and it's running.  Still need a little fine tuning but definitely better.
Now for the clutch adjustment and body work.

Title: Re: 87 Samurai starts but won't drive
Post by: Drone637 on December 19, 2011, 09:14:45 PM

Ah, there is always something to work on.  :)

Happy to hear it is running though.