[krat]

Hi all, More advice needed.

I'll start with the simple one. I have read the service manual for the G16B Vitara in relation to the fluid level for the auto gearbox.
When I checked mine cold, the level was about half way between the marks on the dipstick. All good. When I took it for a 10 min drive I rechecked to see if it was now at the Hot level indicator and discovered that it was just registering on the bottom of the stick, not even up to the cold level.
Would someone please give me a simple measuring test to make sure the fluid levels are correct. The book just doesn't seem to make sense indicating that the level should be higher up the stick when it is hot. Maybe I'm missing something.

Now for the second one. After the short drive and checking the fluid level, I noticed that the plastic cover on the front of the engine with 16V written on it, had come away from the top section of the motor. On closer inspection some of the plastic sections where the bolts go through have broken off. The bottom section is totally missing and it looks like the fan belt has cut through a section mid way up.
Question. How important is it to replace this cover ( I assume it is the timing chain cover) and if I have to replace it, how big a job is it.

Thanks again,

Kev.
PS Sorry for all the questions, but I am new to the suzuki world. Other than motorbikes that is.

[royce]

most auto dipsticks are designed to be read with teh engine running or within seconds of it running, does the manual mention anything like this?

the cover is important, the engine will run fine without it but you dont want it loose or broken which might end up in the belts, you can buy them new and replacing it is a mater of pulling the fan belts off, the water pump pulley and the crank pulley

[krat]

Thank you Royce.
Yes, the book does mention checking the level while the engine is running but not hot. I am still unsure where the level should be on the stick.
When cold, mine is ok, when the engine is hot/warm, I have very little showing on the dip stick. Not sure if this is normal.

In respect to the cover, where do you recommend that I check to purchase one.

Regards,
Kev

[royce]

I dont think I have ever seen an ato read lower when hot and running vs cold and running, maybe when cold try sticking it in gear for a bit then back to park and checking it

timing cover here http://www.suzistore.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=1443 somebody might have a second hand one too

[krat]

I will check it out tomorrow and see what happens with the levels. I'm at work tonight and finish at 9.30 in the morning.

Thanks again.
Kev

[krat]

Auto fluid level is all sorted.
I thought that "cold" on the dip stick meant a cold engine. What it realy means is "room temperature" ie after a two minute warm up.
So after numerous checks and adding extra fluid as I went, the level is now showing full at the cold notch with the engine running and in park.
I had to add about 600mls to get it right.

Thanks again.
Kev