I'm considering the purchase locally of a 1988 Trooper. It has a 4cyl gas, the engine is being reassembled with a new parts kit by its owner. Great body, fair interior. This would be a second vehicle for me (my primary is a Honda Element). I'm looking to make this the rig I use for camping, and utility stuff because it has much more room than the E. Any of you long time Isuzu guys have sage advice re: the old Troopers? For example, I know the 6 cyl in follow-on years has more power. Are there pros and cons to the 1988 model? Thanks for listening.
- Ted

A friend of mine emailed tonight. His advice was to check the fender wells, floor pan, and under the rear doors for rust.

First, run a compression check. If the POs have let it overheat, a cracked head is a real possibility. Likewise, if they haven't regularly adjusted the valves, a burned valve is quite possible.

Hey Jim, since the engine is being "reassembled" (I assume rebuilt) the compression test should not be needed. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Beyond that, the 4cyl engines do require valve adjustments about every 15K miles.

Michael

Thanks. I think a compression check is something I'll have to do post-purchase unless I wait until he completes the engine assembly. There are a number of buyers wanting the Trooper, all waiting for him to finish it but they, according to the seller, all want to pay $700 or so when complete. He wants about $1000. I'll let you know how it plays out, thanks for your advice.
- Ted

Unfortunately, we have had a number of cases here over the years of people who have replaced a head gasket, for example, without properly inspecting or milling the head so they still have the problem.

Other than the word of the seller, is there a means of determining through inspection (clearly without disassembling the engine) if the head was milled?

- Ted

The compression test (after assembly) will give a good indication. You really are going to have to get a sense as to just how far you trust the guy assembling the engine. Ask questions as to just what he did to the engine.

If you have questions as to the specifics, post up here.

Short of disassembly, there isn't a really good way to prove that the head was milled. The real reason you want to know though, is to ensure the head gasket is well seated on a good surface. A compression test won't guarantee that there won't be a failure in the future, but it can tell you whether there is an immediate problem, and is one of the simplest indicators of head gasket health possible short of disassembly. It's a good place to start, at least.

James

Jim beat me to the posting <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />