I have a 2000 Tracker 2.0 5 speed with approx. 177,000km on it.  I have owned it for the last 6 years and have put 4-5,000km on it each year.  I have noticed a cam chain rattle at start up ever since I got it, just for a second at start up, particularly after the vehicle has sat for a few days as it unfortunately does.  I run 5-30 oil in it but I suspect somewhere in its past it had 10-30 run in it. 

Recently I have noticed a distinctive noise coming from the upper front valve cover area that I'm pretty sure is not the various pullleys at the front of the engine.  Quite noticeable above 2000 rpm.  I have also noticed very recently, after a quick stop/restart of say a minute or so, a slight cam chain rattle.

I think the cam chains, tensioners, guides etc. need to be replaced so here are my questions.  I have found 2 kits, one made by Top Line which includes the cam chains, tensioners, guides and crank seal and another with all this plus the sprockets made by OSK.  Has anyone had any experience with these kits?  I'm inclined to go with the kit with the sprockets.  Is there anything else that might be required or that I should be looking for as both kits are not available locally and need to be special ordered?

Thanks for your help.

 

If I might make a suggestion - before changing the chains, etc., try changing the oil filter - you might get rid of the one second rattle that way.

By the way - 10W30 oil is perfectly acceptable, and in fact, is what Suzuki recommends for most climates - I use 10w40 (because I'm in a year round warm climate with daily highs exceeding 30*C, and that's what Suzuki recommends for my climate) and since I switched to a genuine Suzuki filter - no more rattle.

A filter with an anti drain back valve helps quite alot with chain rattle. I use Luberfiner filters and that stopped a slight rattle I was getting.

A short / slight rattle at start-up (after an extended shut down period) isn't of significant concern. It's that upper end 2K+ RPM noise that seeks attention IMO.  

As far as WHICH specific parts will require replacement...only an open & inspect can provide that. Most folks just replace the high failure items (chains, tensioner and seals). Others have found that they HAVE to replace sprockets and guides as well.

Aftermarket parts abound, but I caution you that there are ones offered with mis-marked (painted on) chain alignment / timing marks.

Here is a good source of chain replacement info that also address's of the timing marks issue...

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/1g-1999-2005-vitara-grand-vitara/32794-time-timing-chain.html

Thanks for this.  I just read through all 10 pages.  Given some of the uncertainty with the after market parts, I think I may just price out the parts at the local Suzuki dealer as we no longer have a GM dealer close at hand - both have closed.  I got one price of $220 for the kit less sprokets and $300 with sprokets plus 8 hours labour.

I have been using PureOne filters for the last 4 years or so.

Oh, and as well.  Any idea why I can't open any of the pics?  It tells me to log on, which I already had to do to get into the forum.  Still can't see the pics after a second log on and it warns me I am using up log on attempts.

Have you looked at Parts Dinosaur yet?

http://www.store.partsdinosaur.com/page254.html

$184.95 for timing chain set and $34.55 for the sprockets (plus shipping and handling costs).  These parts are made by Preferred Components.

The pics like in post #46 of that thread for instance? I just looked at those. Try them in particular again. Maybe log off and back on first.

If it's some OTHER pics, let me know what post #.

If you want to compare some on-line available OE parts, try this Texas Dealer who discounts.

https://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=214330

If nothing else, try and get your LOCAL dealer to match his pricing. 

I've asked for a quote from the Suzuki dealer to see the difference in price for the parts.  Thanks for all the comments.