Suzuki help!

[94Jo]

I found a very odd problem with my girlfriends suzuki sidekick. Her car died so i popped the hood. I discovered that she had literally rubber bands that used to be her alternator belt. It really was two small strands of rubber and that was it. I put a new belt and battery in, and discovered why it happened. The belt actually dug a grove into the front casing of the motor. It is a plastic casing that says "16v" that covers the entire front of the motor. Anyone know what is going on here? Is it easy to replace? The grove is very deep and the plastic is flimsy. Ever happened to anyone else? Thanks in advance Hopefully pics up soon

 

[IZwack]

If the plastic is anything like the plastic on the Suzuki Samurai, then that is the timing belt cover and should be replaced before it cracks and lets dirt get behind it.

 

[94Jo]

Im a little worried about changing it out. Is it safe to assume I should avoid at all costs to touch anything in there when i remove the cover? How intensive is it? Just take off the belts, main pulley and change covers? Im so glad other people have suzukis because their forums suck. thanks

 

[IZwack]

Again assuming its the same overall layout/design as the 1.3L on the Samurais, then you shouldnt have to remove the crank pulley as that plastic cover only covers everything else above the main crank pulley. But while you're there, you might as well replace the timing belt, its probably like $30 or so and slips right off after the tension has been relieved -- just make sure you dont rotate the gears inside the belt during removal and installation or the timing will be off.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

It is just like the 1.3. The lower pulley has 4 bolts that need to be removed to take the pulley off in order to remove the cover ignore the big bolt in the middle. Then its a matter of however many bolts. Like was suggested, a timing belt is a good idea, if it breaks, it's bye bye motor.

This guy's web site is very helpful-

http://carfix.stufftoread.com/

 

[94Jo]

Wow, thanks guys, youve uped my confidence i was worried when I saw what had happened. Going to the junkyard tomorrow to see what condition all of theirs are in. Hopefully I dont F up the timing or anything while im in there.