Replace 3.2L V6 Engine

I have a 95.5 Rodeo S 4X4 with 245000 miles. Everything is still working well except a engine stumble on intial startup that goes away after about 30 seconds. I do have moderate lifter noise all the time, especially after the oil has about 3000 miles on it. I change the timing belt every 60000 miles and the water pump at the same time. Fuel pump has been replaced recently as well as the starter and solenoid. CV joint boots need replacing. No other major problems with the vehicle. This rodeo seems to be a freak in that regard. It just keeps on chugging along. I have been concerned recently though that the engine will need to either be rebuilt or replaced soon. Looking for others who have experienced an engine replacement or rebuild and their story. Also, is the 1996 -1998 isuzu 3.2L V6 engines interchangable with the 95.5. If I had to change the engine I would like to put the 214hp engine in if I could. :ylsuper:

I have read many folks on here rebuilding isuzu engines. Usually the main reason they die it due to loss of most of the oil.

Your stumble at start up sound like you have dirty, tired injectors. If may be worth your time to take it in to have cleaning soultion run through them (they hook up a can of cleaner right to the fuel rail). or try a can of BG44k (that 3 buck a bottle stuff at walmart, you add to the gas isn't going to do much).


As for the +98 3.2 it had 205hp.

good post on another highmileage 3.2

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=325855&highlight=44k

Nah, she isn't ready to chug in the horse just yet!

Still tickin' pretty good, sounds like.

For the lifter noise, try changing your oil at 1,500-2K mile intervals at least twice, and get the oil (engine) good and hot prior to dumping the oil, this will help get out extra crud. Then go back to 3K mile change intervals - may help.

I would definitely say the 96-97 engines are interchangable with your 95.5; as I believe I have the same pony (or Clydesdale, for that matter) as you. I don't have the 214HP, though; mine's 190-205HP, I believe.

Personally, don't know if you'd want a 98 engine, in particular, this was the new engine design and I believe lots of engines from that year had strange issues, including high usage of oil.

Thanks, Yes, I mis-spoke myself in the earlier post. I belieive the 96 had the 190 hp and the 97 had the 205hp. Either one would be a considerable increase to my 164hp engine. Has anyone tried to replace a 95 with a 96 or 97 engine.

'97 was the last year for the 195 HP engine. In '98 Isuzu swtched to the 205 HP engine.

Thanks, Yes, I mis-spoke myself in the earlier post. I belieive the 96 had the 190 hp and the 97 had the 205hp. Either one would be a considerable increase to my 164hp engine. Has anyone tried to replace a 95 with a 96 or 97 engine.


I hear ya, my 91, 3.1L Rodeo had the 140HP engine; always thought that was fairly powerful til I bought the 97 Rodeo. Suddenly the boat found itself quickly acquanted with the new hauler. Still kept the 91 Rodeo for a good 7yrs after that, it was a fantastic rig, just not as powerful, and it got worse as time went on.

Or perhaps, it's just because the 97 was much more powerful and I got used to it.

I soon found that, although it was a fantastically reliable truck, I really needed to get a full size truck to carry a camper, and I didn't need two SUV's plus a 3/4 ton Dodge Diesel.

It surficed as a great trade in with only a few scratches and 150K - still miss her though. To this day it still seems weird not having 2 Rodeo's in the driveway - you can imagine what people in our neighborhood thought about that! It was cool getting the looks from driver-by's when they'd see 2 import vehicles belonging to the "Isuzu" name.

Seems the public always held Isuzu as a bad rep, one I've never understood, as my Rodeo's were much more reliable then any american made truck, car, etc. But that's a whole different topic!

Keep truckin! And keep us posted.