Isuzu - Trooper 3.0 TD relaibility vs. 3.0td engine

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Sat 13 Mar 2004 15:07
Trooper 3.0 TD relaibility vs. 3.0td engine - gasoil
Has anybody any experiance with the later 3.0td DOHC engine? is it as reliable as the old 3.1td which it replaced?

Edited by Pugugly on 24/07/2008 at 03:00

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Thu 24 Jul 2008 02:52
isuzu trooper - Sitec
Sorry for bringing up such an old tread. I work for Isuzu as a mechanic so i said for future reference here is the problems associated with the 3.0 DOHC Turbo engine.

1. Injectors. Usually the electronics in them fail and cause a miss fire.

2. Injector Sleeves. Causing diesel to leak into the sump and in severe cases the oil/diesel mixture filling up to such an extent that the vehicle actually runs on its own, on the mixture. This can cause the engine to rev to the maximum until all the oil/diesel mixture is burned or the engine basically destroys itself.

3. Rail Pressure Sensor. If the E.C.U cant determine what pressure is at the rail the vehicle may not start or stop running . A fairly simple fix with only the rocker cover needing to come off.

4. Rail Pressure Control Valve. This controls the pressure supplied to the rail. Engine will not start if this control valve is faulty.

5. Turbocharger. A very unreliable unit. Seals usually go after 50000miles.

6. Dual Mass Flywheel. Seldom give trouble but I have seen a few that have. If the new flywheel is taken off and not put back in the same way as the old one (lined up via a half moon shaped mark) the engine will not start as the flywheel sensor will be unable to determine the position of the flywheel.

7. Throttle Position Sensor. Fairly troublesome. Usually no deteriation in driveability but will bring on the engine light.

The engine is a gem when running correctly but unfortunately its a rare occurrence. I think the 02 onwards models had a lot of modifications done to them such as improved injectors etc.
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Sat 13 Mar 2004 19:18
isuzu trooper - Dave N
Sadly not. As with most new super-duper, more economical, common rail, high pressure etc etc diesels, they've had their fair share of problems, despite what HJ says in todays DT.

Saw 3 last week sat in the Isuzu dealers waiting for injector seals and new turbos. Injectors are buried in the head under the cam and require replacement, and the turbos have been knocking their seals out. Don't know if the replacement parts are any better, or just the same but replaced to get it through warranty.
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Sun 14 Mar 2004 08:31
isuzu trooper - rg
gasoil,

Ditto Dave's comments. I monitor a couple of Isuzu forums, and the seals problem is widespread.

I run a '96 Vauxhall Monterey (Mk2 Trooper with Vx badge)and intend to keep it, as I can't see a decent successor to it, apart from the thirsty and expensive Land Cruiser, or the "challenging" Range Rover.

One (potential) automotive challenge in the household (Citroen XM) is enough...

rg
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Sun 14 Mar 2004 10:01
isuzu trooper - gasoil
rg,
I also have a 97 Monterey which is a superb motor car. Tows 1600kg no probs. I had a notion to change it for a new shape trooper but have heard mixed reports looks like I will just keep the old monty it has only done 75000 miles and still drives like new. How often do you change your oil? Do you stick to Isuzu's 4500 mile recomendation?
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Sun 14 Mar 2004 14:21
isuzu trooper - rg
gasoil,

Wot, only towed 1600kgs? I have done 3500kgs with no probs, even -accelerating- up Highgate Hill in London. The Mk2 Troop. is a real workhorse. It routinely whisks 1600kgs of caravan south from Teesside and has to be "held back".

75K is very early days. Mine is coming up on 140K and the emissions are fine.

I go for fully synth (14.99 from Halfords at the moment), and go to 6k. It gets long runs, so I think that this is fine. I go for fully synth. as the turbo sounds like a 125 locomotive when towing. (Nice)

rg
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Thu 24 Jul 2008 02:52
isuzu trooper - Sitec
Sorry for bringing up such an old tread. I work for Isuzu as a mechanic so i said for future reference here is the problems associated with the 3.0 DOHC Turbo engine.

1. Injectors. Usually the electronics in them fail and cause a miss fire.

2. Injector Sleeves. Causing diesel to leak into the sump and in severe cases the oil/diesel mixture filling up to such an extent that the vehicle actually runs on its own, on the mixture. This can cause the engine to rev to the maximum until all the oil/diesel mixture is burned or the engine basically destroys itself.

3. Rail Pressure Sensor. If the E.C.U cant determine what pressure is at the rail the vehicle may not start or stop running . A fairly simple fix with only the rocker cover needing to come off.

4. Rail Pressure Control Valve. This controls the pressure supplied to the rail. Engine will not start if this control valve is faulty.

5. Turbocharger. A very unreliable unit. Seals usually go after 50000miles.

6. Dual Mass Flywheel. Seldom give trouble but I have seen a few that have. If the new flywheel is taken off and not put back in the same way as the old one (lined up via a half moon shaped mark) the engine will not start as the flywheel sensor will be unable to determine the position of the flywheel.

7. Throttle Position Sensor. Fairly troublesome. Usually no deteriation in driveability but will bring on the engine light.

The engine is a gem when running correctly but unfortunately its a rare occurrence. I think the 02 onwards models had a lot of modifications done to them such as improved injectors etc.
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Fri 8 Aug 2008 13:58
isuzu trooper - merlinauto
That's very useful information.

How are the later engines in the Rodeo pickups, do they suffer similar problems?
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Thu 10 Mar 2011 10:44
isuzu trooper - Rowena

hi,

this is a really useful list of common faults. so far i've had a new turbo, new throttle position sensor and now the engine won't start. i know nothing about cars but my mechanic wants to test for the rail pressure sensor/control valve as per your posting. could you advise on how to test these at all? would be greatly appreciated if you can.

many thanks

rowena

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Thu 10 Mar 2011 10:47
isuzu trooper - Rowena

sorry - me again. not used to forums yet. my direct email is rowenalyon@btinternet.com if that helps.

rowena

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