[Ahojok]

Hi guys new to the forum just my 1990 vitara is blowing smoke and running rough my mechanic said my number 4 cylinder is stuffed the rings are gone and I need a rebuild I found a kit on eBay for $365 to rebuild it however it says that you must change the eater pump and timing belt as well is this a must or can I go without just trying to do it on the cheap as I only drove the car like 3 or 4 times since buying before it died on me any tips help would be appreciated thanks

[want33s]

It would be wise to replace timing belt/idler and at least inspect the water pump while it is all apart.

[BigRay]

Hi mate,

I have rebuilt a few engines over the past few years. Having the attitude of trying to do it cheaply isn't great when rebuilding an engine as its already quite costly. The waterpump and timing belt are the most basic things to replace when working on an engine and you'd hate yourself if the "old" belt snapped especially after all the machining etc. Not sure if your engine is an interference engine or not. But regardless, they are relatively cheap and easy to replace!

Ray

[Ahojok]

Ok thanks guys so just do it and does the block have to be machined or just inspect first ?

[Gwagensteve]

My 2C, don't bother. You'll be throwing good money after bad. If you're penny pinching, the cheapest possible outcome is to find a better running G16A and swap it over.

My experience with quick rebuilds is they don't last - maybe 20K or so and you'll be back to where you where. My understanding is that the G series motors like to ovalise their bores so a quick hone doesn't do much to fix the problem.

Yes, you need a timing belt and tensioner. Also doesn't make sense to not change the water pump once the timing gear is apart.

Also valve guides and stem seals, They usually fail before the rings.

This is before you're mechanic tells you the bearings are out of spec once he's had it apart... the bores are scuffed from piston slap... etc. Rebuilding an engine (Especially a 25 year old engine) is always more costly than you initially thought.

PS Bigray G16 Vitaras are free spinners.

[greyghost]

realistically the price for a to pay someone for a quality engine rebuild is $4500, anything less and your not rebuilding your engine correctly.
the costs add up fast, machining the block, crank grinds, new pistons, gaskets, oil seals etc... the list goes on.

the last engine i rebuilt cost more than $1000 for pistons and rings alone, let alone the $2500 worth of machining. and this was a four cylinder

[losfer]

Ive done engine rebuilds where the labour was 4000 . How good of an engine you want?

[Reubs]

^^^This guy knows how/where to get rebuilds done at a good price.

[Ahojok]

Wow then maybe I'll just find a second hand engine if that's the case and swap it over my mechanic made it sound like $600 and it's done but I don't want to open a can of worms. Thanks for your feedback guys

[Goldnomad]

I rebuilt my G16A last year and I spent just under $2000.

The original block was cracked between the bores. This is a common problem with them. $300 for a good one form Sydney

I had HM-GEM Engines in Bendigo reco my head and supply the pistons, rings and bearings. Top mob, great work and good pricing.

Btw, the head is NOT crack tested in the normal way. It is pressure tested.

The motor has now done 30k and runs like a charm.

[Ahojok]

Hey guys thanks for all your help ended up pullin out the engine got the head re done seals machining etc cost me $250 finished, changed Piston rings for another $80 and timing belt and tensioner for $80 and put it all back together And she is running beautiful for just over $400 and about 6 hours labour.

[swifty_ano]

Cheapest mechanic in the world!