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Suziki XL7 Engine Problems
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anthonyboyd
New User
Apr 3, 2012, 1:14 AM
Post #1 of 8
(7772 views)
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Suziki XL7 Engine Problems
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2001
suzuki
grand vitara xl7
cylinder 2.7L
160000 miles
All of the sudden yesterday on my way to school, my car began running extremely rough at stoplights (so at idle). When i arrived at school i turned the car off and it would not start again.
I have school for 3 hours and when I got out and tried to start it again, it did start but still ran extremely rough (only at idle). I got home and turned it off then started it again quickly and that worked. Then i turned it off again and tried but it wouldn't start until a few hours later until i let it cool off.
I recently gave it:
new oil
an air filter (which are both fine when checked)
I have heard it could be a head leak but there is no tale tale white smoke and the coolant level is fine (and not discolored or gas smelling or anything) the spark plugs are fairly new.
Im thinking its a bad gas pump/filter but does that explain the fact that it only starts when cold? i would love some help on this
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 3, 2012, 2:23 AM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: Suziki XL7 Engine Problems
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"All of a sudden" is somewhat key IMO.
Some things to do is get a code reading for starters and look for vacuum leaks, check fuel pressure, and on but start with diagnosing and fast as running rough is no doubt being hard on cat converter.
If nothing found on to check spark plugs and compare them looking for one or more that are not in the same shape.
At the miles there could be lots of possibilities but get started.
Do you have tools and expect to do this yourself? Was it or is it overheating?
T
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anthonyboyd
New User
Apr 3, 2012, 2:50 AM
Post #3 of 8
(7734 views)
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Re: Suziki XL7 Engine Problems
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I have some tools but i have a mechanic i always take my car to. It isn't overheating and it also never has. As you said about "all of a sudden" ill clarify: it started fine yesterday morning but 20 minutes later by the time i arrived at school, i was having the problems. I should also mention that there is a slight tick.. sounds like someone lightly tapping on metal with their finger. it will happen about 40 times a minute when cold and sometimes go away when warm. Its been doing that for a long time but my mechanic sees that as not being an issue. One last note, when it does start, its an extremely quick start that im not used to. One crank or so.
(This post was edited by anthonyboyd on Apr 3, 2012, 3:22 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 3, 2012, 7:53 AM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: Suziki XL7 Engine Problems
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Reading between lines that you should just look carefully for anything out of order and bring this up with your mechanic. Hope you do keep up with oil changes and all the owner's manual suggested service items on schedule.
The quick start is just confusing me right now. I've owned 100s of cars which is more valuable for knowing character than just one that come in gets fixed and you don't see or know it day to day. Some would start before you could let go of the key and same model would just be plain normal and guess since neither was a problem have to say IDK why?
If your issue was just once now and behaving predictably there may not be much to find unless there's a code lurking or something obvious or suspicious like corroded connections or something.
That noise? Did your mechanic say what he/she thought that was? Some may just be some engine wear and when warm the problem is gone and at the miles something known and slight may be fine to just leave well enough alone. A noise like that may need to only be heard in person by a pro.
Sometimes exhaust heat shields rust out at spot welds and make noises of various types and common where I am in the rust belt especially. Some noises are real warnings of something very wrong so just can't say.
Just of note on miles on an engine: You are there IMO so it's living on the care it has had all along. A truly neglected engine usually doesn't make it that long and some cared for ones twice that and sometimes dumb luck a seeming good engine just goes bang and is over with.
Plain don't let engines overheat or go low on oil as either can be total killers fast and don't ignore any warning lights or like this erratic behaviour. Keep track of when and what to tell your mechanic as a clue if nothing shows up right away when in person.
Seems silly but things like battery cable connections at battery and at starter and engine block for both positive and negative can be havoc or any connections as said.
Not sure by your description how many tools and what equipment you have as is takes mega thousands of assorted tools and equipment to do what seems simple. Unless you are really into repair you'll lose buying never ending more stuff that would never pay off vs letting the pros just take care of it. Hey - I done with this long time now so even I am resisting buying more for just myself but lucky to know some high end techs still busy and close by too helps.
Hope that helps and on target for your issues with this,
Tom
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anthonyboyd
New User
Apr 3, 2012, 5:59 PM
Post #5 of 8
(7679 views)
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Re: Suziki XL7 Engine Problems
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i just got back from my mechanic. It turns out its the GCR valve i believe he said. Stuck open and letting in too much air. It makes sense with what you've told me so far and the issues ive been having. I have a spare engine in my garage.. long story... so i can swap the valves assuming i can reach it.. (right next to the heat shield) >.<
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 3, 2012, 6:22 PM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: Suziki XL7 Engine Problems
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That would be "EGR" (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. Not supposed to be open at idle.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Apr 3, 2012, 6:23 PM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: Suziki XL7 Engine Problems
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EGR it is if stuck open the engine would run like crap. It should be fully closed at idle. New gasket should be used and see if you used one is identical and that the pintle retracts when pushing down on it on some wood or that one isn't any good,
T
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 3, 2012, 6:24 PM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: Suziki XL7 Engine Problems
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I think you mean EGR valve. Might be a cheap part and worthwhile to check the price for a new one. Your current problem is a used part, and not in the habit of trusting another used one to last. Also, these are in the exhaust and tend to sieze in. Even a good one may break from how rough you would have to get with it to remove it.
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