DSM quirks and faqs

[2point4DSM]

There are plenty of sites out there that talk about DSMs. In fact there is so much info it is easy to get lost and forget some of the basics.

1. The 4g63 is an interference motor. That means if the timing belt fails the valves crash. Possibly destroying the head, or poking a hole in the pistons, or throwing parts at your turbo and killing that as well. The timing belt is definitely the Achille's heal in a DSM. And they are only good for about 50k. You might be able to push it past 100k, and some probably have, but is it worth the gamble.

Also, the timing belt job on these motors is tricky. A lot of people don't bother setting the hydraulic tensioner right. What does this mean... a belt that fails at 10k or less. And most shops don't do the balance shaft belt at the same time which will break and take out the timing belt with it. Not to mention the idler and tensioner pulley that can and will seize if not replaced along with the belt. Also oil leaks in and around that area that will also affect the belt.

*Please add to this list with insight or personal experience. NO DSM bashing is allowed. Let's get some facts, on here with some troubleshooting tips or tricks. Thanks!