92 Isuzu Trooper engine probs

[shady12]

I've had a 92 Trooper, automatic, V6, 4x4, with 155k miles for almost 2 years now. I haven't been able to take it on out of town trips. Before I bought it, I took it to a mechanic that is a friend of the family so I trusted him. He said the only issue was a cracked valve cover gasket.

It seems to run fine except for the engine sometimes knocking. And a lot of the times when I come to a stop and am slowing down to a stop light or something, it won't idle smooth, it will kind of do a tiny rev a few times until I'm stopped. If I drive for awhile the check engine light usually comes on, then will turn off if I brake and come almost to a stop. The time I did try to take it on the highway, I made it no more than 20 miles out before there were poofs of black smoke coming out of the exhaust, and all the sudden I couldn't maintain speed even with gas pedal down, and I stopped and it was knocking like crazy, doing the little rev thing, and barely run. So of course I turned around and went home. I've never had a problem with it otherwise as far as stalling out or dying or anything. I think it stalled out once at an intersection within a couple months of buying it, but that's it. Never had an issue with in-town driving.

Does this sound like nothing but what that guy told me when I got it, a cracked valve cover gasket? Something else? If you may be able to diagnose it based on what I've set, what sort of cost we talking about for repair? Thanks!

[trooperbc]

Originally Posted by shady12

...., a cracked valve cover gasket? ....

did he say "valve cover gasket" or did he say "head gasket" ? because that would have more to do with your indicated problems. a valve cover gasket is just to keep some oil from leaking. the head gasket is more major and important, of course. some isuzu's seem to be known for head gasket problems inherently. the 3.2L isn't, afaik, and certainly not mine. but if someone drove it extremely hot without coolant . . .
//bc

[shady12]

Well, he SAID valve cover gasket.

[trooperbc]

Originally Posted by shady12

Well, he SAID valve cover gasket.

did you have that work done?

//bc

[shady12]

No. Wondering if that will would fix the issue, and what would the approximate cost be of having a mechanic do this? Thanks.