Dead Engine

[Stuart1]

My 97 bighorn 3.1TD (122k) (4JG2) has major engine problem. It is only running on 3 cylinders and is blowing
blackish smoke out the exhaust. The mechanics at Autolab say there is a major problem and that one of the cylinders probably has broken rings etc. They showed me what they stated as excessive gases escaping from the oil dip stick. Plus using there mechanical experience tried to explain/show me via the engine sound etc. They have not tested the motor on any diagnostic machine (fault codes) nor have they even done a compression test. To do so would only confirm what they already think. To fix it they have given me 2 options. Either replace the engine with a second hand one at $4500+GST plus cost of labour/parts (e.g. timing belt,water pump etc) for a total cost of about $7500-$8000 or recondition the existing engine for even more money, up-to $11-12K.
Does this sound right and also the cost involved? What I cant understand is why they just immediately recommend changing the engine. Any comments would be appreciated on helping me decide what to do. i could just push it over a cliff

[francesco]

Stuart thats sounds rediculious especially considering your in NZ. And could you not just buy a whole new vehicle for that over there?

[Stuart1]

Yeh, thats what I also thought. I might just tow it home and stew on it for awhile. Also obtain some more opinions. Thing is these Autolab people do have a good reputation. (Isuzu/Holden specialists). My services are done there.

[geeves]

Where are you???
What caused it to die? These engines are normaly good for 300000km+
Definatly do a compresion test although things do sound that bad. Its well worth taking the head and sump off and maybe doing rings and bearings at a lot less than that although if your paying a garage they will be fussy about the condition of the block etc as they have to warrent there work. Also you wont know for sure if this is possible till the engine is opened.
4jg2 engines are cheaper than that although would probably be older and higher milage.
try www.4x4isuzu.com for prices.
If you can wait keep an eye on the paper,turnersand trade me for a damaged bighorn or mu with that engine It will be cheaper but not much

[mudgrip4]

The prices are pretty excessive - absolute max. By all means do the compression leakdown test - remove the guesswork. Do this at a different reputable diesel outfit, and get their second opinion re condition and repair. Where are you? Try to get some local club or mates rates help on the replacement of motor if poss.

Company called Driveline Imports in Blenheim rd Chch has 2nd hand diesels - might also be worth a try if motor needed.

Mike

[Garth]

I have purchased several parts from Autolab and always found them very good with reasonable prices. They have a pretty good knowledge of Bighorns and the diagnosis sounds roughly correct, Would recommend rining a few other workshops for second opinion on costs but These motors are real expensive to get work done on, especially if you are paying someone for labour as well as the parts.
A friend of mine just purchased a second hand 4jg2 from Bits For Isuzu for around $3200, they give 6 month gaurentee I believe. Would be able to transfer Turbo, Alternator, etc off your old engine onto it. Takes about 8 - 10 hours to do the engine change if you have the tools to do it.
Definately cheaper and quicker to fit another engine than do up the old one. Could always overhaul the old engine at a later stage when you have the money and then re fit it and sell the other one for roughly same as the price you pay for it. Just my opinion anyway.
Check www.truckbits.co.nz for contact details for Bits for Isuzu, get some prices from them. Also ask for a discount for cash / member of ClubIsuzu or any other reason you can think of to get a discount. Should get 10 % off almost anywhere by doing this.

[Harry]

Sounds like it's done the same thing as my first engine.The circlip came off the end of the gudgeon pin allowing the pin to rub up and down the cylinder bore.Eventually the combustion gases cut through the rings and side of the piston.Mine cost $1600 to repair 5 years ago.The garage changed the cylinder liner piston and rings on the offending cylinder plus I got them to replace the rings on the other 3 pistons and the big end bearings while the motor was in bits.It may well work out cheaper to replace the motor,especially if you can get a warranty with it.
Good luck,Harry.