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Distributor Housing O-Ring Replacement

Discussion in 'Suzuki Carry' started by MStraate, Nov 23, 2020.

  1. MStraate

    MStraate New Member

    I have been doing some searching for a thread on the following subject. I have not come across any detailed information but have pieced together a few things.

    I have a 1998 Suzuki Carry where I have a small Oil leak hitting my exhaust shield. I went ahead and cleaned off the gunk with break cleaner and have been driving around and inspecting the area to ensure this is indeed the problem.

    Looking for some input on the following items as I have not done much wrenching since this machine is new to me as of 3 weeks ago.

    (Order of Operations)
    1. Ensure I have it set at TDC (any advice on how to ensure I have TDC?)
    2. Pull the Cap (3 bolts?)
    3. Replace the O-Ring and add possibly add some RTV Sealant
    4. Replace Cap but be CAREFUL when tightening due to material being cast aluminum

    Anything I am missing here or things I should lookout for while doing this fix? I have never messed with an engines timing so TDC is a bit new to me.
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2020
  2. Jim Nelson

    Jim Nelson Active Member

    When you say cap are you referring to the plastic cap that the spark plug wires plug into or the distributor body itself that is aluminum and has a shaft going to the cam shaft ? I assume, dangerous,I know, that you are wanting to take the dist. body out to replace the seal. I personally haven't worked on one as new as yours but if it is like the earlier models there is a fine toothed gear that meshes with one on the cam shaft that drives it. If so you don't really have to worry about TDC unless you screw up. It is necessary that you mark the rotor position before removing the shaft and pay attention to the twist of the shaft caused by the angle of the gear teeth as you lift it out. It must go back with the gears meshed in the same position as they come out, this is why you have to pay close attention to the twist of the shaft while lifting it and offset it to the same amount and direction when replacing it.

    It is always a good idea to have the rotor pointing at the #1 plug wire before starting. If yours is like the older F6A engines there is a plug on top of the flywheel housing with timing marks that show TDC and usually 5 to 10 degree advanced hash marks that line up with a mark on the housing. This will remove the possibility of being 180 degrees off when replacing the distributor housing.
    Take your time, mark everything you can think of and take lots of photos to refer back to.
     
  3. MStraate

    MStraate New Member


    Hi Jim!

    thank you for the reply. Yes I am referring to the aluminum piece shown here. This area was covered in oil so I cleaned it up with break cleaner and have been watching it to ensure this is indeed the oil distributer.

    After about 20 miles I finally have some oil on the bottom of the piece (leading me to confirm it’s an old o-ring issue.

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Jim Nelson

    Jim Nelson Active Member

    I misunderstood what you were talking about and apologize for that. I don't know anything about the part you have in your photo and since I've sold my '95 Scrum I don't have anything to look at and comment on.
     
  5. Koffer

    Koffer Active Member

    42957B71-3C07-4873-8CF0-A2C003F8CF37.jpeg It almost looks as your valve cover is leaking and it’s running down there . I can see the bottom edge of your valve cover is wet
     
  6. MStraate

    MStraate New Member

    This picture is really deceiving in this area. That portion of the engine is actually dry. It is only dripping at the bottom of the cover with the three bolts. Last night I checked and cleaned by PCV Value/tubes incase there was a pressure build up issue in crank case. It seems liked that was all operating as it should but gave it a clean either way.

    I THINK its only the outer seal on the oil distributer.. I have an O-ring for the shaft and RTV Sealant for the outer portion. Thinking this will be the ticket,
     
  7. MStraate

    MStraate New Member

    Good Afternoon!

    I went ahead and pulled the distributor housing (3 bolt aluminum piece of the block). The seal on that piece was completely flat and brittle. Replaced with Napa Cross Referenced part # 727-2031 and added a little bit of RTV to the seal also for my own piece of mind. Very simple task that anyone can do in about 30 minutes. From the looks of the seal this will be my oil leak issue! I will report back in a few days after putting some miles on to confirm the drip is done.

    Key Takeaways from other posts:
    1. Ensure you put engine in TDC
    2. Remove distributor cap and mark (I used green permanent marker) where its pointing (Should be down for cylinder 1) . This will help greatly when you put splines back into block.
    3. After putting aluminum housing back on MAKE SURE NOT TO OVER TIGHTEN THE 3 BOLTS!!! Many members turned a 30 minutes project into weeks trying to find a new housing..

    Thank you for all the input!
     
  8. Koffer

    Koffer Active Member

    Nice , now on to more fun mods now that it’s leaky bladder has been taken care of :p
     
  9. Limestone

    Limestone Well-Known Member

    MS,
    I've always been a big fan of RTV Silicone sealant, and other to help with gasket sealing and the such! A lot of gasket manufacturers, and their counterparts don't recommend it but, their not in the shop with us putting our time either! lol!!! I love the looks of your unit, if that's yours! Track's and all! Give us some more info. First start by going to your profile, and Signature, and give us info!!!
    Limestone
     
  10. MStraate

    MStraate New Member

    Hello sir!

    100% agree on the RTV. The amount of different applications it can be used on is great. Yep the machine in the photo is mine!

    I will add info today in profile/sig! Just joined the form recently.
     
    Limestone likes this.
  11. Limestone

    Limestone Well-Known Member

    Nice Job, Thanks! Very detailed, that will truly help when asking for advice! Don't be afraid to add your input, and experience, in threads!!! Looking fore ward to it!
    Limestone
     

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