Suzuki/Expert Profile
Expertise
Questions regarding the advisability of different kinds of modifications to Samurai/Sidekick/Tracker for various kinds of off-road usage. IF IT'S NOT A SAMURAI/SIDEKICK/TRACKER, I MAY ENTIRELY AT MY OPTION, MAKE A GENERALIZED STAB AT THE ANSWER, BUT WHEN YOU ASK NON-SAMURAI SORT OF STUFF, YOU'LL PROBABLY BE TOLD TO GET A SERVICE MANUAL AND LEARN ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE. The last Suzuki motorcycle I've had any experience with is a 1966 X-6.
Experience in the area
I've been a professional mechanic for over thirty five years, live in the center of the Rocky Mountains, and have been active in exploring the old mining/4wd roads for decades. I've specific experience with Samurai modification, because that's my personal vehicle.
Education/Credentials
Thirty five years of advanced, intensive classes for experienced professionals only. Manufacturer seminars and training classes averaging four to six weeks per year. I'm now a professional heavy duty fleet mechanic, and no longer deal with issues such as MIL (check engine) lights, and electronics issues on late Suzukis such as Vitara.
What do you like about this subject?
I like being able to, based on empirical knowledge, give advice that I know will have exactly the result I claim.
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
Just enjoy helping....and hope to encourage others to get their hands dirty, and bang their knuckles, and swear.....fun, isn't it?
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
Softening suspension, increasing travel, and better tires and wheels may be all that's necessary to improve performance off-road.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
Your Samurai is capable of what a Rubicon or Hummer can accomplish for less than $15K including the price of the Samurai.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| julie | 05/22/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Richard | 04/19/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Roger | 04/08/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for your prompt response! Much appreciated! |
| jd | 04/08/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | very good i was not clear about ..... |
| rockie | 12/27/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you for the help and the ..... |
Recent Answers from David Scott
2012-04-30 Suzuki sidekick/Vitara JLX 1996-1997 conversion of automatic tranny to manual tranny - disabling the TCM:
I suspect that it will run ok with the TCM unplugged. As for the check engine light, it may be that the ECM is specific to an auto trans vehicle, and has "noticed" that the TCM is no longer communicating
2012-04-18 1987 samurai carb problems:
The float, needle and seat seem to be the problem from your description of the problem. Sometimes the float gets saturated with fuel and no longer floats, and other times it's and adjustment issue. One
2012-04-11 94 sidekick:
Experiment a little and see if throttle position in a specific gear makes a difference. Unfortunately, almost all my Suzuki experience is with early (87) carbureted cars, and it is a little harder to
2012-04-08 87 samari:
The entire ignition system consists of the plugs coil and wires, and the electronics contained within the distributor. All the activating of the coil takes place in the distributor. The quality of connections
2012-04-06 '98 Sidekick Sport (1.8L) Timing Chain Replacement Needed?:
With the valve cover off try to lift the chain off the sprocket in the top center. If two or three adjacent links move more than one fourth of the distance across the chain roller on the sprocket on
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