Engine Noise

Hi There Guys & thanx for this great web site.
Anyway I'm a proud owner of a 2002 V6 grand vitara which I bought new & now have clocked up about 18000km. Just to breif you on its service history, Its had 3 engine oil changes in the first 5000km, and a oil/filter change every 5000km there after.
Anyway the problem is the engine's right hand bank (drivers side) has suddenly developed a noise that sounds like the hydraulic valve lifters, more audible when the engine is cold. I'm a little disappointed firstly because I've been so meticulous with engine oil/filter changes, using only Shell Helix Ultra fully synthetic 5w/40 engine oil & high quality oil filters.And secondly because this is a quality built suv.
Has anyone experienced or heard of such a thing or is this just an isolated problem.

Kind Regards
Tony (melb.Australia)

Tony, I believe it may be your timing chain retentioner(s). I have a 1999 Grand Vitara and a friend of mine has a 2000 Grand Vitara, both of which had the same noise (sounds like lifter noise). Dealership will charge between $1000 - $1200, local shops approx. $800. I was able to get the dealership to perform the work for $800. My '99 started making noise around 50,000 miles, my friend's 2000 real early on, she never thought anything of it. She was able to get Suzuki to pay half when she hit 60K miles...I believe she called Suzuki's client services. I wish you the best of luck with your Grand Vitara, however we have had a number of problems with the vehicle. Hopefully they fixed the Air-Conditioning issue with the newer model, look for that between 40K - 60K miles. I could give a laundry list of problem with these vehicles, but I'll just stop here.

Right side loud ticking noise? Yeah, I know all about that one. Mine was the exhaust valve inside the engine compartment. I didn't repair it personally, the dealer did and explained that the entire engine had to be removed from the vehicle. So, unless you have a lift I suggest you make an appointment to have it repaired. Otherwise the noise is going to drive you crazy. However, because the timing tensioner is also a common issue and creates a similar knocking I would check that first.

I too could create a long list of issues I've had but won't. But I will leave you with this ... be forwarned, you may have future issues with the 4wd not engaging properly.