At 6020 miles oil leaks were observed at the front timing cover and rear main seals. Champion Pulled the engine and replaced seals and in the process crushed the fins on the radiator. They made a mess of the engine and compartment, the engine looking as if it were a ten year old leaker.
Champion replaced the tensioner and radiator and had the vehicle running, said it was ready to go. I got six miles up the road and the engine temperature was high, I shut it down checked the radiator and could see no collant but noticed the bottom radiator hose off. Champion installed a supposedly new engine.
I contacted American Suzuki because the engine lifters would rattle when ever you started it. On 8/11/03 the Suzuki Rep. Checked it numerous times at 19373 miles then finally said that (it is an inherent to o/h design of the engine). From 5/05/05 thru 5/13/05 Champion had the Suzuki for several days. I took it in because it would not start when hot.
Champion could not duplicate the problem. The vehicle showed no codes. 5/13/05 I took the vehicle to them and asked them to start it immediately, the problem was duplicated. They said that it needed up and downstream o2 sensors, catalitic converter and cam sensor.
They said they would repair for $1011.00. I refused and found Advantage Suzuki who found the problem to be the rear crank shaft sensor. Advantage Suzuki also told me the lifters are rattling too much for that to be a new engine.
Had I let Champion do the repair no telling how bad I would have been ripped-off. Thinking back I seen my original engine at Champion and all I seen was a stripped block.
I talked to American Suzuki Corporation and all they would say is sorry it is out of warranty in May miles 323200 on supposedly new engine.
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