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: 8/15/2008 Subject: 1987 suzuki samurai engine problems
Question Engine was running great then started to miss. Thought it was bad gas . Changed fuel filter and drained gas from tank ,replaced with new gas and cleaned filter out. Tried starting engine it will idle fine but when you press on gas petal it dies. it will start right up runs smooth ,if you press gas petal to floor it will run about half the way open while engine is sputtering very badly. there is no smoke or anything coming from tail pipe.As soon as you let go it resumes idling smoothly. It seems to be a firing problem rather that a fuel problem .Can you give me a idea about what to do for it now? It will not run fast enough to pull its self along in first gear. Thanks for any ideas you could give me . Bill
Answer It could be an ignition problem, as in cap, rotor, wires, or plugs, but what you describe sounds like it is in the carb, as in a plugged passage. Does it start to act funny as soon as the throttle is moved off of idle? Usually spark related issues have more to do with missing under load, but a bad cap and rotor can definitely fool you. Look at the cap and rotor, check the wire resistance, and inspect the plugs.
scotty
