A place for more technical discussions. Please make sure you post in the correct section on the site, this way it keeps the site tidy AND ensures you get a more relevant answer.
My Jimny JB74 is now just over 4 years old and has been driven 35,000 miles. Since the warranty expired a year ago I have serviced the vehicle myself. I don't do this to save money but because I enjoy the task, like to take my time and pay attention to detail.
I don't stray far from the schedule in the handbook. However, I feel that the recommended brake fluid replacement every 2 years is excessive, especially as the DOT3 fluid used is less hygroscopic than the DOT4 fluid used in so many modern cars. I have bought a simple brake fluid tester and have found the water content to be very low in the fluid at present, 2 years after it was last replaced.
I don't see the need to lift the valve cover every 2 years to check the valve clearances. The Suzuki dealer certainly didn't do this after 2 years. I find it takes a very high mileage before shim adjusted valve clearances go out of specification. There is no excessive noise coming form under the valve cover.
I like to use 0W-16 oil. Last year I managed to buy this grade of oil from a reputable manufacturer at just over £1 per litre. A bit more expensive this year. I genuinely believe this grade of oil results in measurably better fuel economy than the 0W-20 used by the dealers' workshops.
Feel free to criticise my approach, I'm just an enthusiastic amateur who is keen to learn.
Aren't the valve clearances supposed to be assessed by listening at each setvice, and only adjusted if excessively noisy? In practice they will probably never require adjustment.
I would do the brake fluid anyway. It's a cheap job even if it is a bit messy. At least the bleed nipples will be less likely to seize.
Our dealer contacted us before the two year service as there was a shortage of the cover gaskets at that time. They spoke with Suzuki and then said we could either delay until the gaskets are available or accept a "listen" test on the valves. We went with the listen test as we felt the engine was nice and quiet anyway.
Martin
Martin
2003 M13 early KAP build.
3" Trailmaster lift with 1.5 Spacers on front
Customised winch bumper and roll cage
235/85R16 Maxxis Bighorns on 16" Rims, 4:1 Rocklobster, Rear ARB locker and on-board air
Corrected arms all-round, rear disks, Recaro seats and harnesses
Generally the clearances will only increase over time, leading to noise and slightly increased wear. Therefore, if the top end is quiet when warmed up, it's fine.
Insufficient valve clearances are the real problem, as the valve isn't closed for long enough to lose heat to the cylinder head or, worse, doesn't close at all. Then you get burnt valves.
l didn't think adjusting valve clearances was
still a thing.
My Alfa Romeo had hydraulic lifters back in 1996 and my 2005 Defender never needed checking.
There was no requirement to check valve clearances on our 2018 VW Up, 2012 Polo or 2002 BMW Z3
