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: 5/8/2008 Subject: possible crankshaft oil seal leak
Question QUESTION: 1995 sidekick jx .
ON occasion I am getting a slight spray of oil that seems to be originating from the crankshaft seal area but like I said its not all the time maybe once every 5 days even under load it doesn't leak, but then all of a sudden I'll have a slight film of oil ( I have the timing cover removed) down by the crankshaft then with drops being thrown in a spray pattern over to the radiator bottom hose up to the hood and over to the powersteering unit which also leaks and sits over the belts. The thing is from where the seal is to the radiator hose the alt and alt pulley are in the way and dont get hit. And the pulley and belt under the powersteering bottle dont seem to be getting dripped on, I cant figure this out.
if this was the crankshaft seal wouldn't it leak all the time?
ANSWER: I would expect that it would leak at a continuous rate, but I'm just a mere human, and am not privy to the secrets of the universe.
It's possible that the pcv valve is acting up and causing variations in crankcase pressure. In any case, replace the seal, and maybe the pcv valve too it's pretty easy to do. While you're in there, how about the cam seal, the water pump, and timing belt and tensioner pulley? If they're anywhere over 40k, you might as well. At least you won't have to go in there for awhile, if you do.
scotty
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QUESTION: I use this car to deliver papers at night, If I have to use it during the day when its hotter, the engine knocks and pings and I seem to loose power. I did recently replace the head because of an internal anti leak, but since then no leaks other than the oil problem from previouse question. Any suggestions?
Answer Usually, this is a symptom of a couple of things, most likely are timing too advanced, or a lean mixture, possibly caused by an intake air leak, a marginal oxy sensor, or a number of other things. Careful methocdical diagnosis is the only way to find these things.
scotty
