[Hashim]

Help needed for my friend who owns a 97 model carb zen. Today we checked the oil level and to our horror it was few mm below the low level. Car was at level surface when we checked, and we checked before first crank in morning. Oil was changed 6 months back. It was changed infront of us (Oil was Shell Helix HX3 20w50).

There is no visible smoke from exhaust or any oil leakage from engine. Car is driven on LPG mostly. What could be the reason of this oil consumption? Otherwise the car is working fine.

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by Hashim

There is no visible smoke from exhaust or any oil leakage from engine. Car is driven on LPG mostly. What could be the reason of this oil consumption? Otherwise the car is working fine.

Check for carbon deposits in the exhaust. If the engine is burning oil, then the exhaust should be black. Not like a diesel, but still, somewhere near.

Also, clean the area near the gasket completely and run the car for about 500kms, and check again. If the gasket is even slightly worn out, there ought to be traces of oil around it. Cant be detected in an unclean surface.

Check the coolant for traces of oil. Exposing it to sunlight might help.

Are you sure there is no power loss?.

Still, if the engine consumes oil with no symptoms, lets just assume its turned into a brand new 1.8 TSI mill from Skoda. LOL!.

[Hashim]

LOL @ Skoda!! Yes the exhaust is black and spits out water with carbon powder mix. So lots of carbon there. Head gasket was blown (thanks to gone bad thermostat switch socket) and replaced months back, not only gasket but the whole head was blown an was replaced by a head of esteem. So its true that the engine is burning oil, time for an overhaul ?

[devrajman]

@Hashim: I too see the same thing in my '99 Zen.

YouTube - Carb '99 Maruti Suzuki Zen Exhaust

I think carbon built up over 11 yrs in exhaust system is thrown out with water.

When i asked many folks, they said exhaust carbon is common for high mileage cars and water is sigh of overall healthy car.

However keep checking for coolant loss and oil stain in coolant which can be signs of worn-off head gasket.

[Maxwell Arthur]

Hi guys,

I have a 2004 Zen LXi and usually service it every 5000 kms. The other day I noticed that the sticker on the windshield said 105000 Kms. This was stuck during my 95000 service. Is 5000 interval recommended or 10000? My daily commute would be 36 kms.

[libranof1987]

Originally Posted by Maxwell Arthur

Hi guys,

I have a 2004 Zen LXi and usually service it every 5000 kms. The other day I noticed that the sticker on the windshield said 105000 Kms. This was stuck during my 95000 service. Is 5000 interval recommended or 10000? My daily commute would be 36 kms.

Actually, 10k is the span Maruti recommends; but it is ideal to get a car serviced twice a year.

Given the km. running of the car, 5k is a reasonable interval.

[devrajman]

Guys, I needed help from all Zen owners. I feel Zen brakes are very spongy and weak. I got everything checked in last service, vacuum, tube leak, pads, etc. However overall weak.

I would like to get your advice, on how can I make them very sharp? Any quickies?

may be:
Vacuum booster upgrade to may be New-old zen/esteem?
Brake pad (both disc & drum) brand?
any other mod?


Thanks.

[automachine]

I recently got my 2000 mpfi zen clutch overhauled. It has clocked 1.62Lac and is still going great. Though there was no specific issue in the clutch working, I wanted to get the overhauling done as I intend to keep the car for long. The brand replaced was Ceekay clutch set + bearings (costing 1950 + 450). I had the work done at a private garage
However after the replacement of the clutch assembly including the bearing, the clutch feels too soft or spongy than earlier. I think this is not normal and some setting still needs to be done. Any feedback?

[devrajman]

Yesterday I got my Zen serviced at Suraksha Bommanahalli.

It costed me 2400 including Paid Service, Break Service, Lower Arm Replacement, etc.

Replaced engine oil with combination which im using from past 3 oil changes, Magnetic with Bardhal oil treatment for sludge.

Service was done great! As there was nothing major repair, all small faults were repaired!

Engine was tuned better wrt carb. Also timing needed to be fixed as distributor 0-ring was replaced for oil leak.

I got wheel balancing and alignment done at Madhus. I was happy to see none of tyres required any additional weight as they were already good even after doing trip to Coorg, Tirupati, kodaikanal/Tuticorin and Mangalore!! However alignment was totally out due to lower arm replacement.

Car feel really great! Very responsive and smooth. All rattles are gone!

My car has clocked 90009kms right now!

[Zen2001]

Just noticed during a recent A/C service that a lot of grit-like material on the engine, near the cylinder block. Looks like dirt stuck to oil...but no evidence of oil on the surface as such. Also no oil stains under the car. Secondly, the dip stick did not indicate a low level. What could this problem be?

PS: My car has done almost 150000 km but I've never noticed this before!

[Zen2001]

Originally Posted by Zen2001

Just noticed during a recent A/C service that a lot of grit-like material on the engine, near the cylinder block. Looks like dirt stuck to oil...but no evidence of oil on the surface as such. Also no oil stains under the car. Secondly, the dip stick did not indicate a low level. What could this problem be?

PS: My car has done almost 150000 km but I've never noticed this before!

Anyone, any solutions/suggestions on the above problem?

[arvindmanju]

Guys I recently purchased a pre owned 2003 Zen vxi, it going to clock 60K in few days hence want to get it serviced at a pvt service centre. I don't have the owner manual. Can some one please tell me what's the company recommended engine oil spec and ltr capacity? What all needs to be changed or serviced at 60K KM service.

[Maxwell Arthur]

Hi Sir, congrats on the buy. If it is the first service after you have procured the car, it is best that you get all the oils and filters changed. The engine oil consumed, I guess is, 3 liters. Not sure though. The major services are done in multiples of 20. Hence parts maybe changed at 20,40,60k etc. My car has done 102000 and am using synthetic oil.

[black12rr]

Originally Posted by arvindmanju

Guys I recently purchased a pre owned 2003 Zen vxi, it going to clock 60K in few days hence want to get it serviced at a pvt service centre. I don't have the owner manual. Can some one please tell me what's the company recommended engine oil spec and ltr capacity? What all needs to be changed or serviced at 60K KM service.

3.7 liter is for engine oil .Castrol magnatec is good .It will come in 4L can and costs like ~ 1000 rs .

Check for disk pads and disc brake itself . Replace them if needed . Replace rear drum brake pads also at the same time .
Replace water belt and AC belt , they will have cracks .(this is preventive but not needed ) .
Its recommend you to replace all fluids , Gearbox oil,engine oil ,bleed brakes with fresh oil , replace radiator coolant .

There is manual some where on this website itself search .

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by black12rr

...It will come in 4L can and costs like ~ 1000 rs ..

I got a can of Castrol Magnatec for my IKON today. Cost me 900Rs for 3.5 Liters. And these days, they come in 3.5L Can.