Power Problems

[4zstracker]

Hi, i have a 96, 2 door, 4x4, manual, tracker. Just lately I have come across a bit of a problem. My tracker just has no power, it wont go. When I smash down on "the go pedal" it will just bog down and die. It will only move if i just barely hold down on the gas and ease it up to about 2-2500 rpm before i let the clutch out to go, and then it bogs down and grumbles back down to about 1000 rpm and goes, but very slowly. It has no power. I have checked the timing, I had a problem with that before. Compression is very good. Good spark plugs and wires. Fuel pressure seems ok at the rail, but I dont have a guage. New TPS. I just unplugged the exhaust, the cat is an empty case, because that seemed like it was the problem. The EGR is non-functioning, the VSV is toast, so I unplugged the vaccum to it. Oh and it pulls a code for a random class A misfire. I am just confused because im not sure what to do next. If anybody could give any suggestions, that would be great, thanks.

[thatotherdude]

I got the same prob with a 98 a.t. 4x4 I just got. Ill keep ya posted on what it is once I figure it out. due to the fact that i'm that ass that will not say die I will fix this thing if it kills me!

[4zstracker]

Well, just letting anyone who reads this thread know; I found my problem.

What had happened was; The snout of the crankshaft, where the timing gear rides has worn out. The key-way that holds the timing gear in place was wallowed out so that the timing gear could move back and forth, thus retarding and advancing the timing at random.

I have only ever heard of this happening to me and one other case that I know of. Maybe just a bad batch of crankshafts that weren't hardened properly

So the only real way to fix this is get a new crankshaft. I looked around and it looks like between $200-300 for a reconditioned one, not even new. But thats all good, I located a wrecked Sidekick, for less, and it has a running engine. So my truck will be back on the road soon.

[gumby_ct]

How many miles do these Trackers have? My 95 has 170k & is doing the same thing. In fact, that's what I came here to find out.

Also anyone know what all is included in the 170K Check Engine Service? Yea, the Check Engine light comes on at 170K miles.

[4zstracker]

well my truck did this at about 140k, and i havent yet made it to 170k so I ont know what all is included in that service.

The only fix that I could ome up with for the problem was a new crankshaft, or another motor, wich is what I opted for because i got the whole other truck for what I could get a crankshaft for, so its good for parts anyway.

check out the manufacturers listed on zukiworld.com, several of them have options for crankshafts, usaully about $200, with a $100 core.

best of luck, hope this helps.

[seabrina]

i have this exact problem with mt 94 geo tracker,175,000 miles,can you help?

[gumby_ct]

Has anyone put a 4cyl Toyota motor into a Tracker?

[4zstracker]

what generally happens is the crankshaft end bolt either comes loose or isnt torqued properly during a service. this allows the timing gear to move back and forth, and that wears out the snout of the crankshaft. which causes the timing to wander and that is what causes the loss of power, bogging down, and general frustration. as it turns out its actually a fairly common problem.

its probably not what you want to hear, but, mine was so bad i ended up replacing that motor, and having to replace the crankshaft and rebuild the one i took out. if you catch it soon enough tho, you might be able to fix it before it gets out of hand. ive had to do this a couple of times on various trackers/sidekicks ive owned.

also, yeah ive seen a toyota motor put into a tracker. check out a couple of the suzuki based forums out there like Zukiworld.com, izook.com, zuwharrie.com, zukikrawlers.com, etc. they will probably have more info than i can give.

also those other forums probably also have more info on the crankshaft/ timing issue, and fixes for it. check them out.

[4zstracker]

I would have posted a link to a thread that details fixing the crankshaft problem. i just cant remember where it is. i will try to find it and post it here.

[farmerfelts]

This is a very common problem with these cars. I put a new crankshaft in mine a year ago due to a wallowed out balance pulley keyway. Since that happened, I've talked to several people that have either done the same, tried welding to no avail or just parted the car out because, like me, they were tired of the MX issues. I thought about swapping out engines but who knows when the problem will crop up with the replacement?

After this crankshaft experience with my Tracker, six months later, oil leaks, water leaks, etc, etc. being worn out with working on it ALL THE TIME. I sold it last Feb during the spike in gas prices for far more than I ever thought it would bring. Thought I'd miss it because I'd had it for 12 years but I don't, not one bit.