1990 Suzuki Vitara JXL from Cyprus - Comments

I haven't used the car very much and treated it very well.

After driving the temperature increased to a higher level than usual, checked the oil and realised there was water there. Took the engine apart and found a crack of approximately 6 cm on the left side of the engine housing. So bye, bye engine, as such a problem is not possible to repair.

I had the engine changed to a used 16 valve DOHC with a transmission, but the mechanics seem to have a problem to getting things right, the engine runs on 1400-1500 revs when cold, this means going into gear makes the car jump and when it's warm it's down to 600 revs, this still makes the car jump when going into gear. Any suggestions?

e-mail:jimmynick1@yahoo.com

Gday.

Mate, I have a Suzuki which has an automatic choke. When cold the engine will rev harder to warm up to a reasonable temperature as to minimise damage. I have had my Suzuki for many years in the Australian outback, best damn four wheel drive I have ever had (love pulling Toyotas and Nissans out of the sand dunes).

You will find in the manual how to adjust your choke depending on what kind of climate you are in. There should be three settings (1) dusty and dry conditions (2) cold icy etc.. (3) wet humid conditions.

Also take out your air filter, it may be clogged up, if so your engine will rev harder trying to cope with the air intake. Also remember that this four wheel drive is based on a military chassis and is developed as such, hence some of the engine components will require top grade oil in the engine and diffs, but always use good oil in the gear box.

Good luck.

Regards

Ben (Alice Springs Northern Territory)

p.s make sure who services your Suzuki knows what they are doing, you would be surprised how many treat services like you would a normal car. It's not a car, it's a four wheel drive.