[deep-six]

Hi all
Did a bit of a search for this topic but came up inconclusive.
Just wanted to get some tips on replacing the sump gasket on my 89 Vitara, 1.6.
Firstly is there actually a gasket there or is it just sealer.??
Can I get the sump off with everything in place or is it a drop the axle job??
Any tips for easy and successful install appreciated.

Cheers

Ric

[royce]

I dont know that you can get the sump off even with the diff out

sure its not a crank seal?

[deep-six]

Hi Royce

Not sure exactly where the origin of the oil leak is, could be a crank seal I suppose, either way looks like its gonna be a pain to fix. Aaaargh

[Jester]

its just a sealer, and you'll need to drop the front diff out, it comes out pretty easy even without undoing front suspension just lower the driveshaft (the one that unbolts and remove front tailshaft, then just unbolt the mounts and slip it out (prob best to drain it first, both front diff and motor) with the steering at full lock you can drop the sump off easy enough first time i did it just feeling my way it took me one hour (though i had the benefit of a hoist so it may take you longer) but it is really quite an easy job have fun with it mate

[atari4x4]

this:

losfer wrote:

no 1.6 suzuki engine ever came from factory with a sump gasket , all were sealed with silicone/threebond

[deep-six]

Thanks guys, I wonder if I can con a mate into doing this job for me, I mean I can do it but how much better would it be to watch someone else do it for you!!

Cheers

[steak_knife]

de-grease & find EXACTLY where the oil's coming from, some leak's, like the dizzy housing seal can look like a rear main.....

[Brett]

its a pretty easy job, jester has pretty much said it all. only othere thing is that the sump has to turn 90 deg one way to come ouy depending on the year of the engine.

i had a whole heap of pics to do a step by step but i have to find them all again.

[deep-six]

Many thanks for all the input guys. After thinking about it I'm kind of leaning toward the crank seal being at fault.
Given that the sump is held on with silicone it seems more likely that a leak would be coming from a crank seal, after all the crank is spinning around and wearing away at the seal while the sump is just sitting there going along for the ride.
Next thing to do (as suggested) is get under there with copious amounts of degreaser and clean all the gunk off to see whats going on.