Ask an expert

I have heard that cam chains on the V6 Suzuki Vitara/Escudo engines are prone to wear and rattle and the cost to replace the chains is horrendous.

Is this a common fault or not?

I would have expected it to be dependent on either a good or bad service history?

Peter

From the "Ask jack" archives - 14 December 2009

The Suzuki, 2.7lt V6 engine is a good engine, but rattling noises from the timing chain are not uncommon.

The cylinder heads have two camshafts per bank, making it a quad cam engine.

This is where it gets a bit tricky with the engine running a main timing chain and three sub chains driving the additional camshafts and the oil pump.

We have heard of cases where oil additives reduced timing chain rattles quite dramatically. More a temporary fix, rather than a permanent repair however.

You are correct re the cost to replace chains, guides, tensioner's and seals, it can become very costly and a labour intensive job.

I think it is more based on the complexities of the engine design rather than lack of any servicing as the reason for the chain noise.

At least a chain noise is not terminal (depending on the level of noise), not like a cam belt which can be very unforgiving once past it's used by date.