ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: gilty on December 23, 2003, 04:52:46 AM
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Hi all,
I have a 2001 XL7 with the six cylinder engine. It has developed a strange noise that comes and goes. It sounds like timing chain slap/lifter noise, but I was under the impression that the chains on this were self-adjusting.
I'd appreciate any help or instructions as I can't afford the $129.00 for the service manual, and Suzuki is pretty tite-lipped about help on DIY service.
Thanks
Gilty
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when does it come and go? here when cold goes when hot? did u just do a meaty burn out?
im sure someone can help u figure it out
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The noise is usually noticeable about a minute after start-up, at idle, especially in cold weather, however, I do hear it occasionally at speed, usually as the vehicle "coasts". Sometimes I can make it go away by accelerating, but not always.
The vehicle has 40,000 miles on it.
I thought timing chain, because it has that "clatter" that I remember from my old Jag XK140 "C" head engine that also had twin overhead cams and timing chains. On that vehicle, the timing chain adjustment was difficult. The first thing you had to do was figure out what the heck a "spanner" was or invest in an English to American Dictionary.... :)
Gilty
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From reading posts on the yahoo XL7 group it seems to happen often. Probely the cam chain tensioner's, if their anything like the ones for motorcycles which have problems from time to time. From what i've read on the Yahoo site it usually starts happening around warranty end.
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Hey there,
I have a GV, so similar motor. I had the problem easry on ( was running 10w30 and the Pennzoil filter the Quick Lube used. My ASMC Distric Service Manager told me how to correct it. Once I follwed his directions the noise is gone, and I'm at over 80K.
This coms right from my DSM,
1) Use nothing but high quality 5W30, and preferrably dino oil.
2) Make sure that you use a filter that meets or exceeds factory spec. Most don't, especially Fram and similar cheapos. So far, I only know of Susuki Genuine Parts (SGP) and Wxi/Napa Gold (not Napa Silver)
Thin oil is needed to make it's way up to the top of the timining chain quickly.
The factory filter has two important features. One, a pressure relief valve. This is if you are dumb enuff to never change your filter and it gets clogged, it will bypass before it blows.
Two, and most important, an anti-drainback valve. This keeps the system primed. Only the Wix and SGP filter have it in my searches.
I use SGP, as they are only $5 for the filter and drainplug gasket (it's copper and a one-time use thingy). I also use Sunoco oil as it's virtually clear.
HTH,
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Tim, your reply makes sense. I am using 10/30 Quaker State 4x4 which is a synthetic blend. I will switch to the filter/oil combination you recommend after the holidays and let you know what happens.
Thank you very much. ;D
Gilty
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I corrected mine by using Mobil 1 5w30 and a NAPA filter......get the gold, not the silver type.
no lifter clatter or timing chain rattle at all. About 23K on the clock now, has had mobil 1 in it since about 5K
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Fixed mine with a Mobile-1 oil filter 5w-30.
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:D
I just wanted to thank everyone for their help. I put the WIX Gold filter in and switched to Mobil 1 and the noise has almost disappeared.
I'm still getting some delay on morning start up in getting the oil pressure up. Sometimes the needle sits at the bottom for two or three minutes. I'm thinking this could be a sensor problem since there is little or no noise, and a good steam of oil spraying from the top of the chain when viewed through the fill hole. Once the pressure goes up, it is steady from idle through running speed and never wavers.
Thanks again
Gilty
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Another H25/H27 owner saved. ;D
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My 2001 engine has yet to make the NOISE?? But i'm already using full synthetic 5w30 so maybe thats why. It only has around 13500 miles. This oil&filter fix might MASK the noise but what is really causing the rattle? If it didn't make the noise leaving the showroom something obviously has happened since and Suzuki doesn't want to fix it for free.
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Good questoin.........perhaps a bit of wear in the oil pump, taking a bit longer to build pressure? :-[
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I have the same oil pump since new 265,000 miles
and I don't have any delay in oil PSI buildup, so
I don't know what to tell you, but I doubt it's wear.
Oil PSI sending unit sounds lazy tho.
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:D
I just wanted to thank everyone for their help.  I put the WIX Gold filter in and switched to Mobil 1 and the noise has almost disappeared.
I'm still getting some delay on morning start up in getting the oil pressure up.  Sometimes the needle sits at the bottom for two or three minutes.  I'm thinking this could be a sensor problem since there is little or no noise, and a good steam of oil spraying from the top of the chain when viewed through the fill hole.  Once the pressure goes up, it is steady from idle through running speed and never wavers.
Thanks again
Gilty
Correct me if I am wrong, but shouldn't zuke gauges show a variation in oil pressure?
If the gauge stays the same regardless, then I wonder if its kinda like fords where the gauge will read "normal" regardless of the actuall oil pressure. Kinda like an idiot light.
Ford got its tit in a wringer over this a few years back.
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Might kinda be like the Ford but to keep people from worrying about minor fluctuations it probably has a nominal pressure range that shows the normal reading, anything too low trips the light and shows low, anything way too high shows high.
I know a lot of OEM temp guages pull that crap too.
It's done pretty much as a security blanket type thing.
Short of hooking up your own aftermarket gauge(s) (preferrably mechanical) you're unlikely to get anything too accurate from any factory oil pressure gauge these days. If it's not on a calibrated scale to begin with that should tell you something about how accurate the gauge is. (I'm assuming the GV/XL-7 guage is blank like most OEM ones tend to be these days though so correct me if I'm wrong).
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I recall older mopars were "real time" gauges and one advantage was the bat gauge would tell you the AMP output, not the voltage output.
And their oil pressure gauges were "real time" That was an advantage I felt.
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;D
Once again thanks is due. The oil pressure sending unit was changed and all is a-ok. No noise, no prob.
This is a geat vehicle and a good engine. The only thing I miss is the "feel" of my old 95 sidekick 16 valve. You knew you were in a 4x4. This rides like a car, but it kicks butt in situations where the "luxury" 4x4's are lost.
Thanks again.
Gilty
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I've got one of the realtime ammeter gauges in my 240z, Came that way from the factory till 75 or so when they switched over to fuel injection then it became a boring old voltmeter. It's nice other than the fact it's essentially channeling all the current being used in the car though that gauge at any given time. Definitely is realtime though, if you leave your lights on for a while and then drive it it'll show that it's charging when it is.