Isuzu Trooper Questions?

Redmond Young wrote:
> >My mechanic threatens my life everytime I mention
> >the name Trooper. I meantions things like blown head
> >gaskets and cracked heads and then starts brandishing
> >a large wrench. But every time I talk to Trooper owners
> >they go on and on about how long the motors last.
> >
> >Any comments from Trooper owners? BTW, we are looking
> >at late 80s/early 90s models, probably with the 4 cyl
> >motor.
>
>
> In 1992, I bought a 1989 Trooper for $5000 with a "blown
> head gasket" at 76,040 miles. My brother, a mechanic,
> pulled the head (2.6L four cyl.) and discovered that the
> head gasket was intact but that it had burnt valves.
>
> He replaced the valves with improved ones (harder metal)
> from the Isuzu dealership, replaced the timing belt and
> all the hoses, and I was on my way. I now have 122,000
> miles (this was a backup truck) and have not had any
> problems.
>
> The things I've replaced since are normal wear items:
> tires, brakes, shocks, battery. May need a clutch someday.
> I've taken it throughout the Sierras and though it isn't
> a speed demon, it's been dependable. I did switch from
> 10-40w to the lighter 10-30w and have noticed higher oil
> consumption using the lighter viscosity oil, but it's
> still within spec (~1 qt. per 1200 miles).
>
> It does feel truck-like with a harsher ride, but no where
> near as kidney jarring as my 1987 Mitsubishi Mighty Max
> Sport did. Perhaps about the same as my 1990 Ford Ranger
> 4x4 was.
>
> Red

Redmond Young wrote:
> >My mechanic threatens my life everytime I mention
> >the name Trooper. I meantions things like blown head
> >gaskets and cracked heads and then starts brandishing
> >a large wrench. But every time I talk to Trooper owners
> >they go on and on about how long the motors last.
> >
> >Any comments from Trooper owners? BTW, we are looking
> >at late 80s/early 90s models, probably with the 4 cyl
> >motor.
>
>
> In 1992, I bought a 1989 Trooper for $5000 with a "blown
> head gasket" at 76,040 miles. My brother, a mechanic,
> pulled the head (2.6L four cyl.) and discovered that the
> head gasket was intact but that it had burnt valves.
>
> He replaced the valves with improved ones (harder metal)
> from the Isuzu dealership, replaced the timing belt and
> all the hoses, and I was on my way. I now have 122,000
> miles (this was a backup truck) and have not had any

> problems.
>
> The things I've replaced since are normal wear items:
> tires, brakes, shocks, battery. May need a clutch someday.
> I've taken it throughout the Sierras and though it isn't
> a speed demon, it's been dependable. I did switch from
> 10-40w to the lighter 10-30w and have noticed higher oil
> consumption using the lighter viscosity oil, but it's
> still within spec (~1 qt. per 1200 miles).
>
> It does feel truck-like with a harsher ride, but no where
> near as kidney jarring as my 1987 Mitsubishi Mighty Max
> Sport did. Perhaps about the same as my 1990 Ford Ranger
> 4x4 was.
>
> Red

My mother -in-law owns a '91 2.8. auto, 4X4. The vehicle has 76,000
miles on it and has ALWAYS been kept outdoors. The only thing he
replaced on it was the tires and a A?C comressor. There is now a leak
in the A?C system and we have not been able to find it. ANY SUGGESTIONS
ON THAT WOULD BE APPRECIATED. Anyway... I will be inheriting this
vehicle next year when she gives up driving. I LOVE the vehicle and
it's "older" basic styling. As far as major engine problems go I
checked the "GM Crate Motor" site and a NEW crate 2.8 may be purchased
for under $1600.00. I can't wait to get my "NEW" Trooper!!