ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: DK Baker on December 26, 2018, 05:48:30 PM

Title: Need advice on a few engine issues
Post by: DK Baker on December 26, 2018, 05:48:30 PM

I have an 87 Samurai with 75K miles. Im  the 3rd owner.
 My issues are:
1. when starting the engine cold it sounds like the bottom end is coming out of it, as it warms up knocks/rattles goes away
2. Engine uses 1 qt of oil every 5-600 miles. No leaks no smoke        (Ive change the PCV valve and went to 50w oil, didn't help)
3. Ive had it almost a year, put maybe 2K miles on it and it seems to be losing power. highway hills that I normally pull in 4th gear I now have to use 3rd.

Ive checked compression . throttle and choke wide open
cyl 1 = 130psi
       2 = 135   "
       3 = 135
       4  =140
all dry checked.
I have not checked valve lash or belt alignment.
Timing is spot on with timing light
 Ive thought about rebuilding the engine or buying a rebuilt one but the plugs look good and it doesn't Smoke. Ive rebuilt several VW air cooled engines and a few SBC's but this is my first Samurai.  Ive thought about the 1.6 swap but don't want to lift it anymore. (already installed a 2" body lift)  I don't off-road so my height suits me fine.  The loss of power and oil usage has me stumped. Any input or ideas would be helpful and appreciated.

Thanks

Title: Re: Need advice on a few engine issues
Post by: fordem on December 27, 2018, 07:44:16 AM

Compression numbers are way down - you either have worn rings/bores, leaking valves, or the test was not properly done - my guess (because of low power. low numbers & oil consumption) is worn rings/bores.

Redo the test - warm engine, fully charged battery, all plugs removed, throttle plate wide open, and this time do a wet test after the dry test (add a teaspoon of engine oil through the plug hole) - if the numbers jump up on the wet test, it'll be the rings/bores - if they don't, follow up with a leak down test.