[Tommo88]

I just got myself a 91 Sierra soft top 1.3ltr 180000kms odm with full service history from the day it was born.
It runs like a dream I only had to replace the battery that was to tall and shorting on the bonnet.
Visibly there are no diff leaks, gearbox leaks, transfer case leaks and there is a small oil leak from the rocker cover.
I have changed the oil and oil filter.
Checked the air filter and it was very oily from the hose running to the top of rocker cover. (Is this normal? should I get a new air filter?)

Since this is my first 4x4 would like to do most of the maintenance and modifications (possible in the future) myself since I’m on a major budget.
I just need to know where to start. Is there things you check or service that are different from a passenger car?
Should I run just normal unleaded or 98?. I think it is running too rich on fuel because the exhaust smells strong inside the car and has a distinctive sweet smell?
How do I tune the carbie?

I love this little gem and have taken it to the dunes a few times and was extremely impressed by its performance. I’ve always loved tinkering with my cars and motorbikes and I’m just really excited to be a part of the 4x4 community
I think it was a really good find; the only small amount of rust I found was on the drain plugs under the floor mats!

Any information is appreciated as I’m digging through old post for the last week and haven’t found anything definitive.

[suzukiboy]

Congratulations on your first Suzuki 4x4, sounds like a good buy.

[want33s]

Oil in air filter is 'blow-by' of the piston rings.. Pretty standard for a car with your Km's.. Put up with it or bore block and fit new pistons and rings.

I've found that if tuned to suit, a Sierra runs better on 98.

[Tommo88]

suzukiboy wrote:

Congratulations on your first Suzuki 4x4, sounds like a good buy.

Cheers mate

.

want33s wrote:

Oil in air filter is 'blow-by' of the piston rings.. Pretty standard for a car with your Km's.. Put up with it or bore block and fit new pistons and rings.

I've found that if tuned to suit, a Sierra runs better on 98.

Ok that makes sense, So how did you tune your?

[Gwagensteve]

I think primarily you'd run some more timing advance to take advantage of the slower burn of 98. You'll get an increase in torque mostly.

Steve.

[Tommo88]

Thanks guys, i will try to look into that.
Do you know the timing for these motors?

[Gwagensteve]

10˚BDTC @ 850rpm +/- 50rpm

The timing mark is on the flywheel, accessed near the exhaust manifold. Read the mark at the "step" in the hole. 10˚ is marked on the flywheel. you can try another couple of degrees for 98 octane.

Steve.

[303zuke]

Tommo88 wrote:

Thanks guys, i will try to look into that.
Do you know the timing for these motors?

You'll also find a lot of handy, basic tuning specs on the stickers under the bonnet.

Also, the factory manual is much more detailed than Gregorys, Haynes type books:

http://www.4x4.in.th/manual_sj413/chapter0.pdf

[Tommo88]

Thanks guys, just looking at the factory manual now. wow that is one complex carby.
I still cant see anywere how i would stop the mix being too rich from idle to full speed?

The Zook drives fine but my wife wont come for a ride in it because her hair stinks like petrol after we drive. I dont mind that much
I understand that you would get some smells coming back because its a soft top but by crikey it really must be running rich.
Do these zooks always just have that smell or do i have a problem with mine?

[Tommo88]

And also as I first posted, what are the main things i should keep an eye on or oil as a 4x4?
Do i have to check things periodocly like you do the oil and water?

[McBane]

sounds like it needs a good tune up. personaly i wouldnt go chasing a couple of extra degrees advance on the timing on a engine thats already got blow by as this can cause extra oil consumption due to inaudable detonation which is very common on cars with a few kms

[zukmeista]

Exhaust positioning could also be an issue, needs to exit outside of bodywork or it will suck fumes in .