99 trooper engine replacement

[noISUZU4me]

Owned a 86 TII and got over 225,000 miles out of it. Was so satisfied with it that we bought a 99 Trooper to replace it. But after recent experiences I'll never buy another Isuzu product. So a heads up regarding the troublesome engines (excess oil consumption). Ours was using qt. of oil every 1000 miles but we kept close watch on it and had oil/filter change every 3000. Lot of interstate travel miles on the vehicle - 128,000 miles in Sept. Engine goes leaving my wife stranded 4 hours from home. We have it towed back to local dealership after Cherner Automotive in Vienna, VA gave an estimate of $7,578.00 to replace the engine. Duncan Isuzu in Blacksburg, VA replaced the engine (plus new clutch and starter) for $5,633.00.

Of course we are way out of warranty and can be thankful for Duncan Isuzu service department. Had bad engine taken apart by ASE certified mechanic (who is an auto service tech teacher) and found a spun #1 rod bearing. Everyone has said this is unusual. BTW - Cherner said the engine failed due to lack of oil without ever looking in it. Mechanic showed me the engine and he has shown his students as an example of a well maintained engine. Nice tan oil finish, no gunk and great looking inside (except for the failed part).

Even though out of warranty I sent Isuzu a letter (BTW - address in warranty manual is no longer there) basically asking for some consideration for the failed engine and also more importantly Isuzu only gives a 12month/12k warranty on the replacement engine and asked it be bumped up to at least 36mo/36k miles. Tells you how much faith they have in it.

Got a response letter 6 weeks later and they declined any assistance. That's fine they had no obligation to do anything. Isuzu could have kept me as a future customer by simply extending the warranty and tossing a token to me for inconvenience. Heck $50 would have at least shown me the company wanted to keep me. But they made their decision and mine is to never buy another Isuzu product. Isuzu has lost at least 2 new vehicle purchases over the next couple of years. I'm helping my nephew buy a 4WD within the next month and will definitely not look at Isuzu. I'll buy new in 18-24 months and it will not be an Isuzu product.

Just wanted to let people know what you may be dealing with in the 99 engine. We probably hit the 100K mile mark before a lot people. Wished I'd listened to my wife and got rid of it right after it went over 100k. Live and learn...

[2eyefishclaw]

I am changing out two this week

[rodeo02]

Sorry to hear about this. I'd be done with 'zu too. Have seen reports of the 3.5L spun bearing in a few troopers & one vehicross. Anyone have a theory as to why this only happens to the 3.5??
Joel

[2eyefishclaw]

not sure why on a 3.5 but I do know about the 3.2

[rutherejr]

[quote=noISUZU4me]

[color=darkorange][size=5]
Hello! Please read my new thread on trooper recall, or contact me via email [email protected] Thanks, Jackie/rutherejr!!!

[pr99trooper]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

Sorry to hear about this. I'd be done with 'zu too. Have seen reports of the 3.5L spun bearing in a few troopers & one vehicross. Anyone have a theory as to why this only happens to the 3.5??
Joel

I'm in the process of having my 99 Trooper repaired under warranty for the oil consumption problem. The dealer took the motor apart, and sent it to a repair shop, and the results were that the pistons had very little wear and were in excellent shape. The cylinder walls were in even better shape, with no evidence of uneven wear. The problem that they found was that only one cylinder was within specifications. Five cylinders had measurements that were out of range and would have required oversized pistons and rings, yet only standard grade C pistons and rings were used. Grade C is the largest standard size piston that is used in manufacturing this motor. Clearly the block should have been rejected on the assembly line. Anyways the rings were destined to fail with this miss matching. No amount of seafoam would have corrected this. Mystery busted!