Camshaft, Valve Lash Adjusters Removal & Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Suzuki Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect negative cable at battery.
Drain engine oil.
Drain coolant.
Remove oil pan and oil pump strainer. See OIL PAN, OIL PUMP STRAINER REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
Remove cylinder head cover. See CYLINDER HEAD COVER REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
Remove timing chain cover. See TIMING CHAIN COVER REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
Remove 2nd timing chain. See 2ND TIMING CHAIN & CHAIN TENSIONER REMOVAL .
Remove CMP sensor. See REMOVAL (GRAND VITARA, VITARA & XL-7) .
After removing 2nd timing chain, set key on crankshaft in position as shown by turning crankshaft. This is to prevent interference between valves and piston.

Fig 1: Identifying Crankshaft Position
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Loosen camshaft housing bolts in such order as indicated in the figure and remove them.

Fig 2: Identifying Camshaft Housing Bolts Loosening Sequence
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove camshaft housing.
Remove camshafts.
Remove valve lash adjusters.
CAUTION:
- Never disassemble hydraulic valve lash adjuster.
- Don't apply force (1) to body of adjuster, oil in high pressure chamber in adjuster will leak.
Fig 3: Identifying Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjuster Body
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

NOTE: Immerse removed adjuster in clean engine oil and keep it there till reinstalling it so as to prevent oil leakage. If it is left in air, place it with its bucket body facing down. Don't place on its side or with bucket body facing up.

Fig 4: Identifying Adjuster In Clean Engine Oil
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.