Dirty secret of the Suzuki 1.6L engine! SUZUKI SIDEKICK GEO TRACKER

[@RossmanFilms]

Hwy83 SUZUKI, love your show. I started welding them up way back in the day and i'm not the only person on the planet doing this. My machinist friend grinds them back down. Started with brazo flux and bronze rod gas weld after block was in a old house oven in the shop 500degs. Now I tig weld them with Nickel. Blue Demon ERNI55 X 1/8" X 36" X 1LB Tube nickel 55 cast iron TIG welding rod. $39 amazo n. They have never re-cracked and my turbo 1.6L has been in the rig back in 2014. Why they ever took out weld shop out of school.

[@andrews3320]

that's legendary, thanks for sharing, please post a video or pictures link here, man

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

That is excellent to hear about the repair quality. That is why we have been collecting the cracked blocks over the years and not discarding them. Figured one day people will want to buy them even with the crack and they will repair them themselves 👍🏼

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Maybe you should offer the service reasonably & advertise

[@ckc1802]

I thought the block was aluminum ?

[@alcopower5710]

How much would you charge for that repair? 💰

[@tfox6683]

bought a 1995 sidekick today, an automatic from a lil old lady. Watching this video got me pumped!

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Awesome! Nice buy😁👌

[@nunapitchuk]

Yes, 50% cracked. I have four 1.6L blocks that I have pulled apart. Guess what. Two of them are cracked and are now driveway decorations. I showed the cracks in a couple of my videos too. Love your presentation style.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Appreciate the positive feedback! Plenty of decorations blocks are laying around here too unfortunately ...

[@locomojo0485]

I had the same exact crank in mine... I said fk that, put it all together new gaskets and seals and drove it 3 states away and back at 80mph on interstate. no issues. no leaks, AC worked. sold it a couple months later when 5th gear started to pop out. engine still ran flawless. the aluminum is cracked, the cylinder bore is a steel sleeve, it's still fine. Don't sweat it, go or blow. I drove the thing at 80-85mph in 4th gear, redlining it for near an hour when 5th went out... didn't skip a beat. this was in a 94 2wd tracker.

[@WannabXiii]

If you don’t take them apart they will never crack. 😉

[@DigitalJeremy]

lol Schrödinger's engine block !

[@speedfreak8200]

Does a Crack make the engine fail & can the Crack be tig welded & smoothed out? I can pull long hills @ 50mph in 4th with 1.6 ....8 valve 1.3 wound out in 3rd @ 35 both with 32/36 ......... building a 1.3 waste of time

[@gypsonny2]

@@speedfreak8200 the crack will typically not cause failure is my understanding. However it is irreparable and nobody will rebuild your engine if it is cracked

[@locomojo0485]

I had the same exact crank in mine... I said fk that, put it all together new gaskets and seals and drove it 3 states away and back at 80mph on interstate. no issues. no leaks, AC worked. sold it a couple months later when 5th gear started to pop out. engine still ran flawless. the aluminum is cracked, the cylinder bore is a steel sleeve, it's still fine. Don't sweat it, go or blow. I drove the thing at 80-85mph in 4th gear, redlining it for near an hour when 5th went out... didn't skip a beat. this was in a 94 2wd tracker.

[@salami99]

nice

[@USdefender1]

Great video, and very informative, thanks! Now that the pleasantries are out the way. I've got a 97 Tracker, and I don't give a sh.t if it has a crack or not. It doesn't effect anything, and I drive the snot of it. If it breaks it breaks. I'll just fix it, and drive it hard again. I'm not going to stop enjoying it. After all, they are made to to be driven.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Drive it like ya stole it! 💪🏼

[@Zuk_4_life]

That shop is what dreams are made of! Crack an A-Rodge for me!

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks man! Cheers 😁🍻

[@JunJun-tg7tu]

Wow man! You have all these toys! I love Samurais. Thanks for the video

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheBillproject]

lol little power but they were bulletproof. put 385,000 km on mine before the transmission popped a 2nd time. Best car I had as a teenager lol never had a speeding ticket !

[@TheShmeebitdog]

I don’t understand why machine shops won’t touch a cracked block it’s a super easy fix especially in a place that easy to Access

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Was thinking the same, they should give a option maybe like repair it but have 1/2 the warranty, I'd do that

[@codyswilley]

Glad you told me that dirty little secret. I put the 1.6 8v in my 87 suzuki samurai. Added and lift and waiting on tires now. Love your videos. Wish I could just walk around the highway 83 place. I would want everything.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thank you for the compliments, maybe one day you can visit!

[@codyswilley]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI I hope so

[@aboel3zz]

I am thinking of putting 1.6 v8, shall I proceed or I have to consider other engine?

[@iancormie9916]

Great info. 3 questions: 1) Have you seen the same issues with the 1.5 liter engines - these are common overseas? 2) Can you tell me a proximate difference in weight between the 1.3 (SOHC and DOHC) Vs 1.6 liter engines. 3). Do the bearing journals eventually fail in the 1.6 engines or is it something you can live with or fix? Thanks.

[@renegademind1833]

After further consideration of this crack problem. I came to the conclusion that because the lower bottom bearing shell is in there, The crack will not effect anything. Yes, a rebuild is a different story. If you have the oil tested, they can determine bearing wear. Oil pressure could reflect wear as well. My advice, Is to do regular oil changes with high grade oil any comments? Thanks

[@salami99]

could this crack cause oil burning or coolant burning?

[@punkueto]

Justo eso le paso a mi motor cuando lo abrieron salio roto y tuve que conseguir otro. thanks for you a knowledge

[@jesselost05420]

Tore mine apart and luckily I did not have that issue. I do have a jacked crankshaft, and a broken piston connecting rod though

[@Francixco4x4]

I have 3 suzuki 1.6 16v engines, running very well, always with the doubt if they have this famous crack in the engine block

[@jdbutler1874]

Tony Montana you are hilarious! Luv ya brother. I gotta get up your way with Miller in hand!

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Datttts OK mang!

[@DennisBlauer]

thanks for the heads up... i just bought a 97 Geo Tracker with the 1.6 . Is there an outward indication of this issue at all? What is a good fit and replacement if needed?

[@meisterraul]

I confirm. Saw it a month ago when I teared down my engine :( But I used to race this car...offroad racing. G16A 8v It cracked exactly like the one in your video. My engine also had a knocking at high rpm. It sounded like a diesel Since a couple of months oil light came on when the engine was very hot so I've decided to tear it down and repair it. So I've abandoned it and got a 16v. So your telling that the engine can be used like this? My engine had the girdle but the 16v didn't. So I've installed the girdle on my 1.6 but I've united the two pieces with some welded steel plates. Best wishes from Romania!

[@richardbutch1617]

Who cares if it has a crack. The Suzuki's Sidekicks and Geo Trackers still last for a long time. If your engine is shot just go buy a used one. I have a 98 Chevy Tracker approaching 300,000 miles and it still runs pretty good for the miles on it. I also have a 96 Geo Tracker with 40,000 miles that looks and runs like brand new. The main problem I have seen is that the paint jobs from the factory don't seem to last as long as they should. I live in Florida so I guess with the hot sun I should expect that. But as far as running goes they take a licking and keep on ticking.

[@Sasuke-bh6yv]

I need info on where to get a 99 geo tracker 1.6l Engine I cant find anywhere

[@renegademind1833]

So are you saying dont worry about it and just keep driving it.. but does a crack cause engine seizure or something?

[@jaketurnbull214]

Just found your channel and I’m fucking laughing and also happy, good shit mane

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Glad you're enjoying the videos 😁🍻

[@mick5740]

Lol. Hilarious. And I’m just discovered your chanel. Looks cool. I want to get into these trucks jeeps whatever trackers. Neat rigs

[@braddahdussifyoumuss596]

How can you tell if your 1.6 comes with the support girdle in the block🤷🏼‍♂️

[@migueljose2126]

Excelente video desde un fanatico en Costa Rica. Great✌

[@mattc9875]

Nice Scarface/Donnie Brasco impersonation XD love your vids pal!

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks for watching!

[@mattc9875]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI I'll take advantage of your expertise if I may as I saw many of your videos, including the "what to look for" guide on these cars. I am looking at a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, 4-speed auto South FL car with with 122k miles on the odo. I could not see any trace of rust. Engine & trans seem to run smooth. It's the 2 door with removable sunroof. Would you consider this a generally safe/reliable investment in terms of maintenance, miles and cost of parts ($3.5k)? I do basic maintenance on my vehicles but they are large GM V8s with huge engine bays and easy to reach things. This is small but seems also easy to access. I heard Suzuki left the US market but I believe parts for these cars are still abundant and easy to find? Any input from you would be GREAT!

[@dandahermitseals5582]

What happens if you put it back together?

[@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors]

So you mentioned you wont notice any issues from it... So what if you rebuild it anyways even if it is cracked?

[@DigitalJeremy]

OMG look at all those Sidekicks.....subbeeddddd (I have a '92 Geo Tracker; picked up a spare engine to build up a while ago. Hopefully it's a good block....)

[@johnpayne3156]

Not getting fire from the distributor to the plugs. Have replaced wires and plugs. Timing is set. Any suggestions on my problem?

[@jimineycrickit4239]

Can you swap these engines from different years and brands with each other W/O changing tranny and other drive train stuff?

[@Korellix125]

If I was to ever engine swap a 1.6L 16 valve in the future what is the most durable Suzuki engine?

[@allenmadsen408]

I am in Oz, you have some great info here. I just bought a 2007 Vitara manual that is getting stuck in 5th gear, could your spring and bushes be the cause? Not a good transmission guy in town. Cheers mate

[@kristianwhite9058]

Thanks for your videos, helps alot. Quick question for ya, my issue is my blower motor control switch. i have watched your video on using a zip tie to gently pull the switch together but I have no play in it. It works on level 2 and 3 but not on 1 and 4. Can you replace the switch itself and if so can you source one for me? I have a 93 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4. Thanks in advance for your help. Stephen.

[@NotFarmerFlats]

Does this apply to the g16b blocks? I've heard the only real difference with the B designation is an improved casting, and it was offered on later years.

[@vincenttschida8849]

Wow this is a cool channel. I just subscribed. I have a 1.6 8v sitting in my shed. You have me worried now.

[@angusbarker5733]

From the sounds of it thats a baleno g16b and theyre less prone to cracking

[@angusbarker5733]

Fairly sure anyway

[@000014mcfoxx]

I need the head off. An. 8v. Lifter sets. Especially

[@LarryWilliams-e2e]

I’m from Cleveland Ohio I have a 1996 GO tracker, I had a lot repair gas tank fuel pump fuel filter fuel injectors distributor plugs, and wires just for the mechanic to tell me that the engine wasn’t no good. I have a whole car here. Are you interested in buying it?

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks for the offer, but you're too far away

[@indianchief741]

1999 chevy Trackers ok? body on mine is mint. but still Suzuki motor. runs really good. just wondering.

[@rafreyes9944]

Does this happen to both the G16A and the G16B? I'm guessing they use the same block, unless suzuki fixed it in later models.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Yes can be found in both

[@troyscottstevenson]

Very entertaining stuff here. great video

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Glad you're enjoying the videos! 🍻

[@MrRerod]

Great but disappointing info.. So whats the best engine swap?

[@sweet65mustang]

If a 1.6 block is cracked in the #2 journal and no one removes the crank, is it really cracked?

[@mark_osborne]

Exactly !.... run it to 300,000 miles (which they will do) and tear it apart and let us know ..:-)

[@markgeletzke6328]

Do you see this more in 16v than 8v 1.6 or is it a generalized thing where it doesn't matter between 8 or 16v engines.. I ask as I found a 1.6 8v with 5speed that came from a wrecking yard in Santa Barbara with 119k on odometer, that's all the info the guy was given when he bought it. He bought for trans. He has 91 tracker and eng & trans are 89 and says trans different than his so is selling.. The price has me wondering, it looks original, doesn't look opened up but he's only asking $100 for eng..Wonder if he's telling me the truth ? And which engines came with girdle 8 or 16v ? Manual or auto ?

[@fedup7416]

Kind of late to the party, but have you tried putting a 2L engine into the trackers?

[@rockyfish3115]

There called the grand vitara in the UK the gv 1600 or the previous model was the jx/jlx what year engine are you on about?

[@ReaganReese]

Very informative!! Wouldn’t it just be ok to build the engine even if it’s got that crack? Really thinking about rebuilding mine, but as you’ve said with high milage and the 5 speed, it’s almost certainly cracked.

[@beccaabbott-mccune4843]

I'd like to know this too

[@bigjim8088]

Me too. Someone should do it. I will if I ever rebuild mine and can't find one reasonable. Unless someone proves it to be complete disaster.

[@aaronfritz7234]

Do you know any way to identify the blocks with main cap reinforcement?

[@Ghosts_and_Cars]

Will that girdle fit the 1.3 and would one use 1.3 bolts or 1.6 main bolts due to length ?

[@last.chance_24]

Mine has a rod knock but I already ripped it out and I’m dropping in a VW 1.9 TDI ALH so no longer a problem

[@fl6stringer]

Do you happen to know what year they began using the bracing?

[@damonfoster3974]

What can you replace that engine with are some other alternatives

[@drones4L45]

Will the 1.3 samurai bolt up to the 98 tracker manual tyranny are they close or the same?

[@paultrimble9390]

Hello Then riddle me this. Should I just rebuild my 1.3 to get more power or do 1.6 swap hope get motor that’s not cracked. Mine runs good just no power. I have toy 250 carb swap thinking about header tony what’s ur opinion thanks

[@rafapereira129]

get an dohc g13b head and a g16b block ...

[@chriscaris9292]

Dude is seriously cool AF!!

[@asasnet2012]

Is it the G16A or G16B?? Thank you.

[@hassanhaddad_official8367]

Hello bro where can I find a frame fom my suzuki vitara 94 soft top?

[@DaveDave-o4w]

Can a 1.6 or 1.3 engine be swapped into a 1999 Tracker with a 2.0 engine?

[@DaBossk]

Hello Hwy83 SUZUKI! don't suppose you sell parts? im trying to get a placement softtop for my 200 chevy tracker... thanks! please respond!

[@sweet65mustang]

So I'm looking at getting another trackick, a 98 sidekick sport with a 1.8l. I hear bad things about them, are they worth messing with or something to stay away from?

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

The sport model can have top end issues especially if maintenance wasn't done. The oil ports can become clogged and starve the top end of oil. Again if maintenance wasn't done such as timing chains that can also be an issue. But a well-maintained 1.8 is a strong running engine. also many guys are swapping in 2.0 or 2.3 L engines in place in case you would be interested in that as well. Personally I love the sport body style looks and added luxury options they come with

[@joyridefiends]

Any chance you might know why my 92 suzuki sidekick 1.6 16valve has spark coming from the coil only when i first crank the engine and another spark when i stop cranking it? It wont spark while cranking just the very first crank and at the end no constant spark? Thinking maybe the crank sensor or the distributor which was replaced but that was a long time ago

[@williammccallister5855]

Interested in a 1.3 out of a running driving 94 swift automatic

[@anthonymoy4471]

So what do you recommend my wife's old man gave us his 87 with 1.3 should I just rebuild that or is there a better swap option ?

[@warntheidiotmasses7114]

What did you do? Anything? I have a 1.3 in my Suzuki Carribean / Samurai here in Thailand. It's got fizzy coolant so I assume I've got a head gasket problem. Thinking of a swap.

[@rhettkutney1935]

good insight. something i wasnt aware of. currently am searching for a 1.6l 16v. for a swap in my 87 sammy. maybe i should consider something else? have a new 1.3 rebuilt low range. starts like crap in winter with sidewinder. maybe i should just fuel inject?? what do u think

[@samaxeman123]

go the 1.6 16 valve, so much power for the sammy. its awesome

[@MP-li2ho]

I’m new to this sort of stuff , but if the engine ran good even when you at that time didn’t no it was cracked , then it seems the crack isn’t affecting the running ability , so why not still rebuild the 1.6. Like you said the engine was running great even when it was cracked. Another question is there a way to fix the crack cheaply or can you fix it like you did the crank end with epoxy thanks I’m sure these are dumb questions probably ,oh well we keep on learning and then we die.

[@buildingusa9604]

Awesome video 📹 👏 I'm having a little issue with a 1.3L swap on a 1984 Suzuki Jimmy and the motor mount don't match any advice that can help me

[@williamguilfoyle3068]

Hockey puck

[@douglascessna5830]

Can't find anywhere to get a new 1.6 to put in my tracker

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

WELL, was thinking about buying a 87 locally, after seeing this episode I may change my mind

[@hooliganxmotorsports6944]

Hey man I have a 1995 Gro Tracker and want to do a 2.0 / 4 speed swap. Any advice?

[@renegademind1833]

Damn.. if you don't know it's cracked @ #2 or any others.. does the engine die/seize on the crank...or what? ??? So why buy a 1.6L tracker or sidekick for a lot of money if they are nearly all f**kd.. I dont get it. I'm buying a Geo Tracker 4dr today @ 12pm on a $500 deposit.. geeze... I'm worried now.. If I was younger I'd fix it or something.. ARE THERE ANY WARNING SIGNS?? Anyway's.. lov your Videos, keep'm coming! Thanks so much.. yer the best

[@braddahdussifyoumuss596]

Hey so I was planning on ordering a ac system for a 96 Geo tracker from you guys, how much would that cost and how much for shipping to hawaii

[@warntheidiotmasses7114]

Highway 83 in Wisconsin? lol I used to live in Waukesha. My son still lives there. You want to buy my 82 Silver Wing up in storage?

[@चेतन_महाराष्ट्र]

Thanks buddy!

[@outdoorseyfun9842]

What causes them to crack and what is the fix?

[@hawkhollar1228]

TONY....I got a 97 geo tracker that anti freeze comes out of the tailpipe. ....???? Did a head gasket and that wasn't it

[@wilbertb1929]

I want to buy a samurai to get started on, but damn they're overpriced.

[@rockyfish3115]

Are you talking about the 1.6 g16a / 8 valve or the g16b / 16 valve as the crankshaft is different on the 16 valve as you know is it both or just the 8 valve engines please respond TIA

[@novinnovations4026]

8v is the infamous one.

[@ka4172]

16 Valve engine? Damned i have three of them ha ha! Hope from an old Lady and a old Hunter driven sidekick .

[@joseheredia898]

Is a husing in the back of the engine where the heater hose connects and i cant find it no where any help?

[@snowcold903]

good to know. i was looking at a suzuki vitara with an 1.6. but its a low mileage one

[@kylem9196]

hey mang if I gots a 92 tracker wit a bad motor instead of tossin one of dez tings back in what would you suggest as a replacement?

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

I've heard of the old VW Rabbit Diesel engines being put in them, there is a kit out there

[@Kalkas53]

got a 93 japanese jimny and I want to engine swap it I'm thinking a g16 but maybe I should think elsewhere

[@4EverSuzuki]

Have you seen this on both the G16a and b or is it specific to one mainly?

[@gschimbeck]

Now i know where all tge samurai's have gone. Thanks for the 1.6 info. In your opinion how would you squeeze a few more HP out of the 1.3 just asking for a friend.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

carb upgrade, Harley or myside in addition to a header

[@robormiston2841]

Shave the head .010, thinner head gasket, headers and bigger exhaust gets power out of any motor. Better coils too.

[@T_TanksTinkers1066]

Hey out of curiosity what's your opinion on the later model year G13BB that comes out of the metro's? almost fully bolt in from what I've read up and they were used in model years of our samurai we didn't get

[@SEecho3]

Hey Tony what to do when you find oil in your coolant?😢

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Head gasket failure

[@drones4L45]

Or what is the best engine to put in a 98 tracker that will bolt up without having to change the trans

[@mohamedRajab-yy6px]

Is any way to fiend new G16B engine or block zero milage

[@novinnovations4026]

strip and rebuild a block yourself, that is the only way unfortunately. there are no brand new blocks sitting anywhere :'(

[@tonebone559]

Cat scared me ASAP 🤣

[@nabilkakyi]

Can you tell me which kinde of engine I can swap for vitara.. Because the factory engine is small

[@joelology6485]

dude i love the energy in this shist

[@loganfleming8835]

Hey I got an 86 suzuki samurai and I’ve rebuilt the transmission, was wondering how do I refill the transmission fluid?

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

There's a fill plug on the rear housing. Fill oil until it pours out of the hole.

[@Cindy-v1r]

How can I find a 1995 geo tracker 16 vavle camshaft sensor

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Contact us Hwy83suzuki.com

[@reneguay1347]

Do you know where i can get a 2 piece convertible roof for my 91 samurai

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Rallytops.com

[@braydenballantyne9309]

so if they still make good power and you dont know they are cracked does it matter? whats the symtoms of one that has cracked?

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Unless you're planning on rebuilding the engine you'll never have to worry about this crack. If its a good runner just continue regular maintenance and send it!

[@fishconsinlange8901]

my 1.6 leaks oil, dripping down by the oil plug. do you think its the oil pan seal or could it be higher?am curious if its c

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Wipe it down the best you can and keep checking often, only way to tell.

[@fishconsinlange8901]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI right on, actually going out and change oil and filter now. how far south are you? I am up by Amery. great to find your cnannel. new sub!

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

@@fishconsinlange8901 Milwaukee Wisconsin

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

@@fishconsinlange8901 thanks for watching 🙂👍

[@fishconsinlange8901]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI the cod damn oil filter was wrong!

[@pipingSaws]

Was there certain years that had the brace for the main caps?

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

EXCELLENT Idea, and will the brace work on ALL engines? And if so WHO sells such ?

[@fastbyte9972]

How much does a headless engine that is not cracked sell for these days?

[@suttle86]

So you ever put one back together after its cracked and keep running it? I'd like to know how that does

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Read through the comments if this video and you'll get the answers you're looking for 👍🏼

[@suttle86]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI I did after I asked lol. Also I tried to send an email on your website looking for a cup holder console for my 93 tracker

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

@@suttle86 Yes indeed we've responded to a few requests for cup holders in the past couple days.

[@Logan-ce2uh]

Does anybody have a proposed solution, like maybe radius in the very sharp edge of the berrying journal to reduce the stress riser perhaps?

[@brockukg]

are these the g16a 16v or g16b 16vg engines? just got a g16b out of a grand vitara for my samurai so wondering wether i need to have a look haha

[@nickwren9570]

Do you have a video of checking mechanical pump drive lobe? I'm new to the samurai group and my 87 has an electric pump put in with the mechanical bypassed. Wanting to get rid of the electric but don't know why the mechanical was bypassed

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

You could try putting the fuel pump push rod into the cylinder head, hold your finger on the rod while manually turning over the engine with a ratchet. Check to be sure the pump rod is moving back and forth. Possible previous owner just wanted an electric pump or maybe had ran EFI at some point