Hi. I'm new to 4x4's and have zero knowledge of Isuzu engines.
I recently got a 1987 hi-roof Isuzu Tropper II LS stock 4ZD1.
I use the Trooper because of its large cargo space.

Problem with it is that it overheats, especially when I'm stuck
in high-noon traffic. And there's oily residue floating in the radiator
and also inside the neck of the coolant tank.

I'm no gearhead (pardon my ignorance). A mechanic said I have
to replace the head gasket and check the radiator & water pump.

I'm curious on what particular brandnames you might want to
recommend when I get the gasket kit (or engine rebuild kit if need be).
I asked several local auto parts & suppy shops from where I'm at, and
they don't carry anymore 4ZD1 kits, be it OEM or aftermarket.
I guess I have to order overseas (US).

Much thanks.

1-800-727-8066. Ask for Merlin.

Jim

I'd use an Isuzu head gasket, Felpro everywhere else.

Joe

we used a Felpro kit from Advance Autoparts.

Make sure to examine the head real good while you have it off. These things are very prone to cracking between the combustion chamber and the water jacket on the #2 or #3 cylinders. Many have thought they were just going in for a head gasket job and end up replacing a head.

-Rob

Felpro or OEM.

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

I browsed and read some topics here and I came across issues with cracking heads and cast numbers. I haven't taken note of what cast number the head is. But geez, based on the stories here, I guess ZD and ZE heads really crack in due time no matter how well one maintains the engine.

I'm bracing myself for the unexpected (well, I'm kinda half-expecting it already). I saw the link to Aluminum Head Rebuilders. Sure is steep, but worth it. Will check out Felpro. Thanks for the inputs! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I disagree -- I own two 4ZE1s with well over 300K aggregate miles, both of which have the stock head. If the cooling system is kept up, these heads last fairly well.

They do have a common failure mode (cracked head) WHEN they fail, but there are plenty of stock cylinder heads running around on 4-banger Isuzus. It is defintely worth a close inspection of your cylinder head, but don't order a new head quite yet... take a look at it and see how it looks. You may be able to just redo the head gasket and get another 100K of happy miles from that same stock cylinder head.

Randii

I'm gonna keep my hopes high randii.
I'll take on your advice and inspect very closely the cylinder head.
To the rest of the guys, again my appreciation.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Agreed. If the cooling system is well maintained, you shouldn't have any problems with the head. It's only when the cooling system isn't maintained and the engine is allowed to overheat that you end up having problems.

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />