Thanks for the insight, Paul and Jerry. I am going to run some tests on the system this weekend and see if I can't get to the bottom of it.

According to the engine manual I have, the 4JB1 plugs should show about 0.9 ohms resistance - sound like something the controller can cope with?

Whew, been a while since I've updated the thread. Unfortunately, work and my personal life have kept me away from the garage for the most part.

Currently, I am awaiting parts to complete the power steering system. Airbox is ready to go in as soon as that's done, and the cooling system can then be connected. After that, it's just a bit more wiring cleanup and gauge connections and I should be able to run it around a little to see how it goes.

First thing I need to take care of is replacing the timing belt before any of the other stuff happens. Anyone have an idea as to what I could use for a tensioning tool? This page has a download link to a replacement procedure. Tensioning is done by using a spring balance or 9kg weight. Anyone know of a cheap source for the spring balance tool? Seems like something from my college physics lab.

I suppose I could hang 20lbs. from the lever (9 kg = 19.8 lbs.) -- if I knew of something that weighed that much! Maybe I can sneak a couple 10lb. weights home from the gym...

Fishing scales are fairly cheap and accurate. I have bought old but very accurate general purpose spring scales from antique store/yard sales

NCDiesel

Ah, good idea. Didn't think about a fishing scale. Not being a fisherman, I guess I will have to check the sporting goods store. Hopefully they're not expensive. Thanks for the tip.

Saw this thread and scanned through it.

My main drive is a Gen1 Pajero, but I own a 2.8DT Isuzu 4x2 as well.

This engine is extremely popular in South Africa. It is renowned for it's economy and reliability. Mine has done 320000 km without any engine work done.

I don't know which manual you have, but there is a very good one available here:

http://www.isuzuoffroad.co.za/index.php?name=Downloads&req=viewdownload&cid=2

It is large to download, but could be worth it.

Best of luck with your implant!

Thanks for the kind words. Those links are a good resource - I think I already had some of those manuals, but maybe not all of them.

I think I finally found a solution to the lower hose problem I've been wrestling with. The lower inlet at the engine is larger than the 86 diesel radiator lower outlet, which made finding a hose a real pain. I finally had the radiator lower neck replaced with one that matches the engine's water neck, and I found a molded hose that fits when cut down a bit. This was a serious pain and angered many parts counter guys.

My p/s pressure hose and a pile of a/c parts arrived in the mail this week, so i think I can make some good progress this weekend.

Just joined here after seeing the blog Acy76 created. I have access to a 89 2.8 Trooper 5 speed that my parents bought new. It was my dad's favorite vehicle up until he died in 2001 and I don't want to see it go. The 2.8 still runs but it's tired. The rest of the vehicle is very sound, having spent it's life in the southern US. I have been reading up on making biodiesel and WVO systems because I live on a farm and have a 93 cummins dodge truck. This sounds like the perfect marriage to me! I recently found that many are using the HS 2.8 TGV (HS 2800 TDI) in many vehicles with adapters to transmissions such as the 700r through Advance Adapters. Since the 2.8 in the trooper has a GM heritage, does anyone have any thoughts on such a swap? I'm quite certain I could also locate a 4J series mentioned in this thread as well. I have to say, after reading all the information both here and on the blog, I'm growing more determined to keep my Dad's Trooper alive!
If I dive into this project, I'll be trying to document my experience as Acy76 has so nicely done. I'm not sure I have the skill level to do this kind of thing, but I'm a fairly competent basic mechanic (not much diesel experience), I have some basic fabrication skills and tools (mig welders, A/O torches, and some other basic stuff), and I have a soon-to-be completed workshop.
Getting started is half the battle I'm sure! Of course, I could just drop in a crate GM 3.4 and keep the Trooper alive but the idea of an oil-burning trooper is really in line with where I'd like to see it go.
Thanks, and sorry for rattling on so long with my story!

Todd Kirby
Spring Church, PA - about an hour or so north of Pittsburgh.

Wow! this is too cool. great job chronicaling the diesel conversion. I just joined thisforum, I came from http://biodiesel.infopop.cc after learning about first the awesome blog, now I see there are all sorts of great and valuable things going on here as well. I don't know if you saw my other post here in Isuzu, but I want to try and put a diesel in my wife's 1989 lil' pup. I had no idea there were so many options, engine wise. I guess I can get away with one of the small engines. But I still need a handle on the names and types of engines before I buy one. For instance: when scanning the junk yards which vehicles should I be looking for?
Brian Rodgers

Acy76, did your 2.8 diesel have a vacuum pump for the brakes?

Yes, the Isuzu diesels have a pump mounted to the back of the alternator sharing the alternator shaft.

The 1989 Trooper sounds like a great candidate for a conversion. I believe it has the same frame as my truck, so the easiest route might be to do what I am doing and import a 4JB1-T with transmission and bolt it in. You'll still need to modify the fuel, electrical, power steering, etc. systems, but you'd have to do that no matter which engine you chose. Driveshafts need to be modified, too, going this route, but I think that's easier than building motor mounts.

Keep us posted and feel free to ask any questions you might have.