AboutDavid Scott Expertise Questions regarding the advisability of different kinds of modifications to Samurai/Sidekick/Tracker or various kinds of off-road usage. I will not attempt to do more than provide links for questions about other Suzukis such as Vitara, Grand Vitara, etc. I may or may not give generalized advice for newer models, but have no experience regarding newer models, and will not attempt to give more than the most generalized answers for questions regarding vehicles later than '93 manufacture. I will however, if possible, provide a link that will help you contact a professional in your region.
Experience I've been a professional mechanic for over thirty five years, live in the center of the Rocky Mountains, and have been active in exploring the old mining/4wd roads for decades. I've specific experience with Samurai modification, because that's my personal vehicle.
Education/Credentials Thirty five years of advanced, intensive classes for experienced professionals only. Manufacturer seminars and training classes averaging four to six weeks per year. I'm now a professional heavy duty fleet mechanic, and no longer deal with issues such as MIL (check engine) lights
Expert: David Scott Date: 5/2/2008 Subject: Samurai stalling
Question QUESTION: I have a 1988 Samurai 1300 that has been running great, but 2 days ago while returning home from a short trip, it stumbled once then at the next stop light died. It started again but had no power and seemed to be starved for gas. It would barely pull itself around a corner where I parked it and then later towed it home. I changed out the mechanical fuel pump but that did not fix the problem. It will start and idle and warm up, but will not rev up without stumbling and dying. It will not pull itself forward in gear without dying. Pushing the gas pedal makes it bog. Any suggestions? Oxygen sensor? accelerator pump?
ANSWER: How about checking to see if the cam belt has jumped timing?
scotty
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QUESTION: Thanks Scotty, I didn't think of that. Is it as simple as adjusting the timing,or do I need to get to the belt? Is that easy to change out? Sorry for the simple question, I'm more of an "old Chevy" shade tree mechanic!
Answer If the belt jumped time, it's time to replace it. It's pretty easy as far as those go, but while you're in there, replace the tensioner pulley, and when you get that stuff off, you have perfect access to the water pump. Go to izook.com, and find Hawk Suzuki in the links. It will probably cost less than $100 for all the parts. You can get a Chilton or Haines manual($20-40 I think) and it has most everything except trans, t-case, differential internals, and wiring specific to a given year and model. It's one of the easiest vehicles to work on around. If you can shadetree, you can do this.
scotty
