A significant reason why the Suzuki brand has become trusted by drivers worldwide is because of its engines. Suzuki engines have been engineered to maximize fuel efficiency and deliver top-tier performance. What's more, they can be depended on, lasting for many years and hundreds and thousands of kilometers with the proper care and maintenance.
No matter how durable Suzuki engines might be, there may come a time when they fall victim to wear and tear or a rare manufacturing defect and require replacement. Make sure you know all you need to know about Suzuki engines, like where to source them, their unique technologies, notable engine series, and how to take care of them, so that you'll be ready to seek out a replacement and maintain it (or your current engine) in prime condition.
Key Features of Suzuki Engines
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a hallmark of Suzuki engines. Engine technologies such as rocker-less camshafts, a plastic intake manifold, and a crankshaft with low tension rings in the latest K-series all help to reduce energy loss and optimize fuel consumption.
Durability & Longevity
You'll rarely hear complaints about a short-lived Suzuki engine. With the proper care, Suzuki engines can last for upwards of 200,000 km without breaking a sweat.
Compact & Lightweight Design
Suzuki engines are compact and lightweight. Some feature an aluminum construction that contributes to their stellar fuel consumption rates.
Sourcing Suzuki Engines (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
When you purchase a brand new Suzuki, it comes with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engine made by Suzuki or its authorized manufacturers. Engines made by third-party manufacturers and usable in Suzuki fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.
Unless your Suzuki engine is out of production and impossible to find, we recommend investing in an original Suzuki engine to return your car to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. When installing aftermarket engines, not only will they not be covered by Suzuki's warranty, but they could also void the warranty and damage the vehicle. Moreover, they may not fit properly into your Suzuki's engine bay. When it comes to an expensive part like the engine, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.
Types of Suzuki Engines
Gasoline Engines
Gasoline engines are lighter, higher revving, quieter, and require less maintenance. This makes them the ideal candidate to power the vast majority of automobiles. Suzuki makes straight-twins, inline-threes, inline-fours, and V6s ranging from 360cc to 3.6L.
Diesel Engines
Diesel engines offer better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and hauling potential. As such, in addition to being used in passenger cars, they are also widely applied in heavy vehicles. Suzuki's diesels are either inline-two or inline-fours, sized between 793cc and 2.0L.
Engines Used in Hybrid Cars
The main advantages of hybrids are cleaner emissions and greater fuel efficiency. Suzuki's mild, plug-in, and full-hybrid systems employ engines such as the 1.2L Dualjet petrol in the mild hybrid Ignis and Swift and 2.5L petrol in the Across.
Notable Suzuki Engine Series
G Series
The G series is a family of inline-three and -four petrol engines released in the late 80s. These were the first engines from Suzuki to feature an all-aluminum head and block construction. In the G series are the inline-three G10 that even saw use in a lightweight aircraft, and the inline-four G10B, G12, G13, G15, and G16.
K Series
Suzuki's K series has been in production since 1994 and comprises petrol inline-three and -fours between 0.7 and 1.5L. Some K series engines from 2013 onwards have been upgraded with Dualjet technology that includes changes like two injectors per cylinder, increased compression ratio, a redesigned water jacket shape, oil jet piston cooling, and a water-cooled EGR system for better fuel efficiency. From 1999 onwards, the lineup also got VVT to improve performance and efficiency.
F Series
The long-running F series was also Suzuki's first four-stroke car engine when it first appeared in 1977. The inline-three and -four F engines ranged in size from 543 cc to 1.0L, with several featuring turbochargers such as the 547 cc F5B and 658 cc F6B.
M Series
The M series is a modern line of 1.3L to 1.8L naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder petrol engines with dual overhead cams, 16 valves, variable valve timing, and multi-point fuel injection. In the lineup are the M13A, M13AA, M15A, M16A and M18A.
R Series
Suzuki's R series of inline three-cylinder petrols has been in production since 2011 when it was released to replace the K6A. These engines are small in size (either the 657cc R06D or the 658cc R06A) and come with VVT. Both engines can also be paired with a hybrid system.
Maintenance & Care of Your Suzuki Engine
To realize your Suzuki engine's fullest potential, both in terms of performance and longevity, you must pay attention and care for it properly. Given the high cost of an engine replacement, you'll be doing a favor for your Suzuki engine and your wallet.
Key Routine Maintenance Tasks
Here are some simple maintenance tasks that you can do yourself to keep your vehicle in good condition:
1. Regularly change the engine oil to keep the parts lubricated.
2. Check and maintain the coolant levels.
3. Be aware of any leaks and address them promptly.
4. Replace the spark plugs, wires, and fuel filters when necessary.
Common Issues & How to Address Them
You might encounter these common engine issues while you own your Suzuki. One might be engine overheating, which can be due to a leak in the cooling system, a bad radiator fan, a faulty water pump, a faulty thermostat, or low engine oil levels. Another is engine noises due to anything from a bearing to a timing shaft problem. Fixes for these will involve repairing or replacing the necessary parts or topping up engine oil. If significant damage to the engine has already occurred, you may need to replace the entire unit.
Drivers of the SX4 have reported cracked engine blocks—one of the last problems any car owner would want to encounter. Unfortunately, this will require the replacement of the entire engine.
Are Suzuki Engines Expensive?
There are no two ways around it - the engine is an expensive part to replace. Thankfully, Suzuki engines aren't pricier than those from other brands.
Where to Buy Genuine Suzuki Engines Online
Brand-new OEM crate engines can be purchased directly from your country's Suzuki and OEM parts retailers. A less costly alternative with minimal compromise would be a second-hand Suzuki engine. You can find these in great condition and at affordable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
Love how it shipped, it well protected from harm . No pictures but I have video after it was place in