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: 6/7/2008 Subject: car dies randomly
Question I have a 1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4*4 2 DOOR 1.6LTER tHE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MANY OF TIMES THE CAR WILL RUN FINE FOR A WHILE BUT THEN IT WILL JUST RANDOMLY DIE ON YOU. YOU CAN TRY TO START IT UP BUT IT WILL BACKFIRE. YOU SHUT IT OFF AND WAIT A MIN AND IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP. SOMETIMES IT WILL RUN FOR A LONG TIME BUT SOMETIMES YOU CAN GO TWENTY SECONDS THEN IT JUST DIES. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT IT COULD BE. WE ARE KINDA LEANING TORWARD A EGR VALVE, COULD THAT BE A CULPRIT.?
Answer RE: EGR VALVE .... As I remember, it's vacuum operated, so disconnecting the vacuum hose would disable it temporarily.
Backfires, is a symptom of either a lean mixture (fuel delivery inadequate due to a lack of fuel to the injectors due to low pressure (plugged filter, marginal pump, or pressure regulator OR crossfiring in the distributor cap, or as you suggested EGR Valve. Or something I haven't thought of yet......
scotty
