I am new to the forum, pls. bear with me if iI am in the wrong place.
I have 2003 Vitara, 4 cyl. has 62,000 mi., it has had a notiable rap, or knock for sometime, maybe the last 20,000mi.,
but seems to be more noticable, at times worse than others.
Has this engine had a history for thiis? Can timeing gears be the noise?
Engine runs fine, no oil consumption, maybe 1/2 pint in 3,000 mi.

im going to say timing chain tentioner, what oil are you running in it?

the 1.8's 2.0's 2.5's and 2.7's all have the same problem over time. most of the time it can be prevented with the use of 5w30 synthetic

Thanks for the comeback, I have used standard 5-30 oil from the beginning, with changes close to every 3,000 mi.
Question: I believe this engine is the 2.0, are they a timing chain with tension idler or gear trane?
If synsetic will cure it, great, it is due for a oil change. If there is a change in the noise, I will post.
The main thing I hope for, is to rule out rod brgs. and or piston problems.
Have these engines had any history concerning these?