[Heathejj97]

Just wondering if anyone can shed some light on how to check a vitara efi engine for cracks? Want to make sure it's a good engine ( kms are unknown) I hear it cracks above the starter ? I tried to search but can't find much cheers

[redvitara]

Gday
They also develop cracks around the big end bearings. You'll need to have the sump off to see them though
Redvitara

[Heathejj97]

Thanks mate. My engine came with receipts from 2012 showing "recon head. Timing belt and bottom end bearings replaced" not sure why the bearings were done

[Heathejj97]

Assuming the engine runs well now should I trust it? I'm scared it'll crack and leave me stranded as I drive long distance often and travel

[mnemonix]

A stock engine will never crack to the point of leaving you stranded. (Never say never?)
The cracks I've seen are above the starter and between bores. They leak coolant and generally go unnoticed for long periods of time.
It's not something that will happen midway through a road trip resulting in you needing a towtruck.

[jdk81]

^^ agree

Seen many engines with cracks on the wall behind/near the water pipe.
My sierra is cracked here, has been for years. Isnt a problem.
My baleno coil pack was cracked around big end bearings.
Ive seen plenty of cracked heads.

My sierra head had previously cracked and been welded (way before i got it).
Heads mostly go if it gets cooked.

Imo the g16 is shiftful for cracking, but still one of the best options

[Heathejj97]

Alright awesome I'll have a thorough look at the engine before I buy it, suppose a crack will be the deal breaker cheers

[MrRocky]

Just chuck her in

[MrRocky]

Before i buy it

[Heathejj97]

Ended up buying it, looks very clean and plenty of power, tho ideals at 2200 rpm regardless of temp

[MrRocky]

Vaccume leak or tps

[ZUZUKI]

The place I have seen cracks is mid block height, towards the rear on the passengers side.
This area happens to be very hard to see if the car has the std cast iron 'header' manifold & heat shield - if extractors, easy.
The crack travels forward from one (the rear most) welsh plug. The crack itself might be visible, but usually noticeable due to a coolant stain.
This only 'weeps' - not seen at a rate of coolant loss that makes the car unusable - just need to keep checking / topping up the radiator - usually only once a week needed.
With the exhaust off, I have seen (done) an effective bodge repair, by giving the area a good touch up with a wire brush & then applying "JB weld" over the area.
Rgs, Michael

[Heathejj97]

Idle was the idle control circuit/ plug, unplug it and it's fine now so I'll give that a clean or replace etc. thanks ZUZUKI that's great I can't see any cracks on that sdide and I have extractors, I was told while its a vitara engine the block cracked so a baleno block was used and the head was record (with receipts) thanks