Engine - Noise/Damage After Oil Filter Change
XL7Section Title: Engine
TSB No. TS 25 03211
Division: Automotive
Category: Technical
SUBJECT:
INTERNAL ENGINE NOISE AND/OR DAMAGE AFTER OIL FILTER REPLACEMENT
MODEL(S):
XL7 (JC636)
YEAR:
2007~2009
CONDITION:
Abnormal engine noise and/or internal engine damage following engine oil filter replacement.
CAUSE:
Installation of incorrect replacement part, use of a replacement filter that is not equivalent in quality to a Suzuki filter, or improper installation.
CORRECTION:
Take care that the engine oil filter being installed (or previously installed) matches the most recent parts information available. Do not rely on physical dimensions and appearance. Suzuki encourages the use of "Genuine Suzuki Parts" as the best way to avoid issues such as these that could result in very costly repairs to the customer.
PART(S) INFORMATION:
INSPECTION ITEMS
In the event that a vehicle comes into the dealership with a customer complaining of a abnormal engine noise or evidence of internal engine damage, especially following the recent replacement of the engine oil filter, please refer to the following examples of incidents that have been encountered as a result of using poor quality oil filters:
Improper installation or using an incorrect part, can result in damage to the sealing elements of the oil filter. Pictured here is a portion of a silicon seal (1), alongside a complete seal (2) from an oil filter.
Debris from poor quality oil filters has been found in various locations in the engine, restricting and in some cases totally blocking oil flow to critical areas of the engine.
Here you can see the piece of seal found in the oil supply passage feeding the piston skirt(s)
In this illustration the debris was found in the engine block webbing (1), obstructing the oil flow to the main and rod bearings (2).
In the top end of the engine, ticking noise(s) from the valve train can also be attributed to failures within some aftermarket filters.
Noises in the valve train that can be isolated to a specific bank and cylinder should be investigated for obstruction, blockage, and debris.
Oil is pumped up from the engine block to feed three galleys in the right cylinder head that align with the labeled areas shown:
1. Oil galley to the intake valve lifters
2. Oil galley to the camshaft actuator (phaser)
3. Oil galley to the exhaust valve lifters
Oil is pumped up from the engine block to feed three galleys in the left cylinder head that align with the labeled areas shown:
1. Oil galley to the intake valve lifters
2. Oil galley to the camshaft actuator (phaser)
3. Oil galley to the exhaust valve lifters
Pictured to the right is a portion of filter material that was removed from the oil galley feeding the exhaust lifters in the cylinder head. The debris cause the oil to aerate, preventing the lifters from effectively "pumping up", resulting in a ticking or clattering noise.
If during the troubleshooting process, symptom diagnosis, testing procedure, or whenever prompted by the service manual, there is a need to check the engine oil pressure, please refer to the following instructions to properly check engine oil pressure.
To assist in the inspection of the lubrication system of the XL7 (JC636), Suzuki is making available new special service tools, to conveniently obtain oil pressure readings.
OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION
1. With the vehicle on a level surface, run the vehicle for a few minutes, allow adequate drain down time, 2-3 minutes, and measure the oil level.
2. If required, add the recommended grade engine oil and fill the crankcase until the oil level measures full on the oil level indicator.
3. Run the engine briefly, 10-15 seconds, and verify low or no oil pressure on the vehicle gauge or light.
4. Listen for a noisy valve train or a knocking noise.
5. Inspect for the following conditions:
< Oil diluted by water or glycol antifreeze
< Foamy oil
6. Remove the oil filter.
7. Install the EN-47971-SUZ (with fitting) onto the oil filter adapter.
8. Connect the J 34730-251 SUZ oil pressure gauge flexible hose to the fitting of the EN-47971-SUZ tool.
9. Run the engine and measure the engine oil pressure.
10. Compare the readings to those in the table provided.
11. If the engine oil pressure is below specifications, inspect the engine for 1 or more of the following conditions:
a. Oil pump worn or dirty.
b. Oil pump-to-engine block bolts loose.
c. Oil pump screen loose, plugged, or damaged.
d. Oil pump screen 0-ring seal missing or damaged.
e. Oil pump pressure relief valve malfunction.
f. Engine bearing clearance excessive.
g. Cracked, porous, or restricted oil galleries.
h. Oil gallery plugs missing or incorrectly installed.
i. Valve lifters broken. Repair, as necessary.
NOTICE
12. If the oil pressure reading on the J-21867, or equivalent, is within specifications, inspect for the following conditions:
a. Plugged or incorrect oil filter and/or malfunctioning oil bypass valve in the filter.
b. Malfunctioning oil pressure gauge or sensor. Repair, as necessary.
Disclaimer