Hi all,

Would appreciate some advice/help on a problem a friend is having with his 2000 Grand Vitara with 75,000 km., 4WD, auto tranny, 2.5L engine. He bought his vehicle from a used car dealer in Dubai (probably not the best idea) and had it shipped to Kazakhstan where he is teaching. Although he had it checked out by a local mechanic in Dubai before he bought it and it seemed to run well, he is now thinking that the odometer had been rolled back due to the engine running poorly (knocking very badly). He had a "diagnostic check" done and was told that the "hydraulic valve adjusters" are shot and would need to be replaced.

Not sure if this is indeed what is wrong or whether this is a problem area with this vehicle. When the weather recently got hotter (37C - similar to the temps in Dubai) the engine does not knock upon starting. The compression is good in all cylinders. Any ideas? Engine flush needed perhaps or using the wrong weight of oil? Any assistance would be most appreciated.

Sparkyjag