[dtchch]

Hey guys,

I have a 95 SV620 vitara, it has a bit of an oil leak I wouldn't mind fixing (I know it's going to be a pain in the arse on this motor). It's not too bad but leaks a few drips whenever it's parked up, so must be losing a bit while driving (oil level still ok after 4 months).

I've asked the local Suzuki Dealer for a price on seals and it seems there isn't actually a gasket for the timing cover (where I believe the leak is coming from), and that it is just glued with sealant. The previous owner replaced the tensioners and has gasket glued the rocker covers and timing cover, I don't think there is a good seal.

Is there anything else to consider? The leak appears to be low down I can't get in there to trace it very well.
Is this a huge amount of work to stop a pretty minor leak?

I've done a full overhaul on a G16a so am comfortable removing the radiator, belts etc - can the cover be removed without dropping the sump?

Cheers

[ZUZUKI]

G'day there,
Yes, fixing it will be a pain in the arse.
Yes, the timing cover is sealed with sealant (silicone) - no gasket.
Yes, the timing cover can come off with the sump in place.
There are proper rubber seals for the rocker covers & spark plug tubes.
2 areas I'd suspect before the timing cover - give the engine a good wash down with degreaser, even a couple of times, to see if you can then see where the leak is from - will make it nicer to work on anyway, so worth doing regardless.
1) front crank seal - not too bad to do & if it does fix it, that is a bonus - check for any groove on the pulley boss where the seal runs.
2) a nasty little o ring, that is between the block & the cast alloy 'top' sump, about 100mm back along the P/S/F. Don't know how doable this is with the engine in the car, but it won't be fun. All the timing cover stuff can stay on (I think) & with the front diff out, it might be possible
Something else to rule out, is the oil pressure switch, which is also lowish on the P/S, towards the front.
I put up with the leak (o ring) for a looong time, before biting the bullet & pulling the engine out to do timing chains, clutch & extractors, all at the same time.
Have fun!. Michael