I have my 1.6 pulled from my donor vehicle and I am fitting new gaskets while its out.  It was previously leaking oil out the distributor case where it mounts to the head.  My questions are:

While looking in at the cam the oil slight leaked around it into the distributor case.  From what I see that is suppose to happen to lubricate the distributor gear.  Is that correct?  I had put on a new gasket and rtv and it sealed it up fine.  Just wanted to make sure that was the correct idea.  It didn't look like any oil had been leaking further up the distributor like some people report as far as the oring.  I haven't pulled it apart to see where that oring is but I have a new one in my kit I can put on.  Whats all involved in changing that.  I will also be be changing the rear seal and since I will be in the front putting on a new timing belt I will probably put in a front seal.  I assume you just pop these in or do you also use any rtv with them?

Hi:

Actually there are two o-rings on the distributor:

A small one on the distributor shaft that seals the upper half from oil

A second LARGE one that fits between the distributor and the head.  This is the one that creates those famous leaks that cover the rear of the engine and the top of the transmission. 

There is a circular groove on the face of the distributor mounting surface and on the rear of the head where the o-ring seats itself.  Leaks generally occur when the o-ring is not properly seated in the grooves when the distributor is re-installed. I use Vaselene or a smilar sticky petroeum product to hold it in place during installation.

Your RTV solution works too as a replacement for the o-ring but an O-ring would make it easier to remove and reinstall the distributor.

If the engine is a 1.6 16-valve, take a look at the engine section of the Tracker Factory Service Manual at Ack's FAQ.  Do a search for fsm.  That way you can get the official GM/Suzuki instructions on how to replace the camshaft seals.

If its is an 8-valve, the 88 Samurai FSM (also at Ack's FAQ) should do the trick.

The link to Ack's FAQ is in my signature, below.

If you are Internet connectivity challenged (dial-up connection), try the Chilton or (shudder) Haynes aftermarket Tracker or Sidekick manuals found at your local Public Library.

I hope that this helps!

Thanks for the input.  Actually I replaced the oring that is between the head and the distributor casing.  I not only used a new oring but also used the RTV.     The back of the motor was really gummed up when I pulled it so I figured better safe then sorry.  I didn't see any oil leads coming fromt the small section so I'll wait on that one.