Anyone on this board have a "premature" failure from the 3.5L engine or the 4L30E auto transmission. I got to reading some of the other boards about these massive failures. I always thought these engines and trannys were fairly robust.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans"> I got to reading some of the other boards about these massive failures. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Where did you read that? I havenÆt heard of anyone with problems with ether the 3.5 or its trany. Even the people running superchargers. I have just over 95,000 mi on my 3.5 with no engine or tranny problems. It has been making a little more sound than it did when new, but nothing symptomatic of a problem. Am I missing something or what?

I think on a percentage basis, the amount of engine/tranny catastrophic failure is relatively low (check out board for other makes to see what I mean).

I have heard of 2 or 3 failures of 3.5L due to the No. 1 rod bearing going out, but it always seems to be associated with low oil level (go figure <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> ).

The tranny has a decent rep for stoutness, especially if fluid is changed regularly (again, go figure). But neither is 100% bulletproof, nothing this complex is...

Like Steve says, there are some posts floating around reporting connecting rod failure on 3.5's IIRC, was mostly on VX's?? 4L30E's last a good long time so long as you dont stretch the ATF past 36Kmi changeout intervals. The only other major issues I can recall with the DOHC 3.2L:(pretty much the same motor) Dave Chang's valve/head work- early on, and this blown head gasket post: link G/luck
Joel

<small>[ July 03, 2003, 01:37 PM: Message edited by: BagaYams ]</small>

I too have read on ITOG of some early engine failures(15k-20k) on 2000 models.

ITOG and Vmag have a lot of talk about bad engines and trannies in 98+ troopers. I'm just trying to figure out who's had failusre on this board. i've always recognized that the 4l30e was a little light for the abuse some of us duish out, but until recently I had no doubts on 3.5l the engines.

my 4l30e went @ 96k miles. i have a '97 with the 3.2l (no problems so far with the engine). i should note i did not change the fluid or filter--my fault for relying on the dealership as isuzu doesn't recommend any servicing until 120k miles. there were at least one or two others who mentioned their transmissions blew around 150k miles.

I have had BOTH fail....

Got the tranny replaced at around 13K ......
something wrong interally was making downshifts EXTRA rough.....so the warrentee replaced it.
it never really "failed" though.
My new one is abused daily with NO problems(I have 36" tires) I also run Mobile 1 synthetic ATF in it.

On the engine, I just recently got my 3.5 replaced.
the #1 rod berring went at, uh, lets just say it has "MANY" miles, (never know who is watching)....due to lack of lubrication...(read low on oil)
I had just changed the oil one month prior and it was not burning any oil, but aparrently the rear main seal failed catastrofically causing a massive loss of oil.
Warrentee gave me a new short block...
they are not cheap...total cost was over $7500!!!)

As it was being replaced I got to take a good look at the engine ....They are VERY stout little engines, and even have 4 bolts on the main bearing caps similar to other high performance engines. I was amazed at the little wear in the cylinder walls at the milage I had. And the rods are at least as beefy as a Toyota or Chevy 350.

My advice is to run a synthetic of lower viscosity like 0-40 or 5-50 wieght, as lighter oil flows better and #1 cyl. is the last one to get oil from the pump.

Big Meat VX

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by BigMeatVX:
<strong>My advice is to run a synthetic of lower viscosity like 0-40 or 5-50 wieght, as lighter oil flows better and #1 cyl. is the last one to get oil from the pump.
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Makes me feel happy that I've been running 5W-30 Mobil One since day one... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

That reminds me, gotta check the oil level... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

I am in the middle of a problem we just had with our 2000 trooper/3.5/automatic. Pulled a 2,600 lb boat (Trooper is rated for 5,ooo lb) at 45 to 55 mph up a grade. Trans temp light went on, set a code. Dropped off at dealer to check and reset code, was told we voided the warranty by towing and they could not do the fluid /filter service under warranty. I had this done on the 30,000 mile factory (now has 47k) service ($700) and they want $500 to change filter and fluid. Dealer claims trans service is unique and requires fluid to be pumped to flush, and does require removal of crossmember. There is no dipstick/filler, there is a drain plug on pan bottom and what looks like a filler plug on the housing just above the pan gasket. This plug faces down, so It must use something special to fill. Also, burnt fluid must be flushed out of converter... any ideas?
Anyway, I'm pissed that I have to spend another $500 for something that should not have overheated the tranny to begin with. Has anyone had any experience servicing this tranny? I'm calling the Isuzu DSM on Monday to plead my case.
Thanks for your replies..