LUVTruck.com

I posted this question on another board and was given this link. I don't know much about Isuzu or LUV trucks, but I was wondering if anyone on here knew much about 2wd Isuzu pickup trucks? Are there any other forums like this one targeted specificly to 2wd Isuzu pickups? I just boaught a 1992 S-model for rather cheap but it needs a little TLC. It has the 2.3 carbed motor with 125k miles and runs strong but the motor is rather oily top to bottom. The timing belt looks good but does have a little oil on it which makes me think the front seal might be leaking and I'm sure the valve cover and oil pan gaskets are to. I was wondering how reliable these trucks were and about how long these little engines are good for? If I thought I could squeeze another 50k out of it I would glady go ahead and do the timing belt and replace the seals and gaskets. I have a Haynes manual and it says that to replace the oil pan gasket you must loosen the motor mounts and lift the motor at least 4 inches? Does this sound right? I don't put too much faith in those Haynes manuals. I basicly just bought this truck to use as a beater and occasionally drive it to work.

As you already know, this forum is a Chevy LUV forum, an Isuzu product, that was discontinued here in the US with model year 1982. As you can see your Isuzu is a decade newer. Like all vehicles, they have their maintenance quirks, ie: the oil pan. On 4WD LUV's the solid center portion of the front axle is bolted to the frame, while suspension is accomplished with independent CV jointed axles. The oil pan has two sumps, one fwd and and one aft of the differential. You can unbolt the pan but not remove it without more clearance. The alternative to jacking the motor is to remove the motor. The best manual I've got for my 80 LUV is a Clymer. Additionally, the early Isuzu motors had a cast iron block with an aluminum head. The unequal heating and cooling of these dissimilar metals would gradually loosen the head bolts bowing or warping the head an allowing an oil leak from the drilling at midblock that lubricates the cam and rocker arms. This is evidenced as a leak behind the head that cascades down from the head behind the carb. I myself had to have the head resurfaced after I bought my head a few years ago. Periodically re-torqueing the head bolts prevents this problem. What kind of carb is on your Isuzu? If it's a Hitachi like that on LUV's, it could be a constant problem. Guys here usually replace them with Weber carbs. Hope some of this is helpful. I don't see any reason you couldn't nurse another 50K out of your purchase.

i might sugest http://www.planetisuzoo.com
As far as getting questions answered, theres a few guys on here (inluding me) that have Troopers. I just did a motor rebuild on my 2.6L which is just an injected version of the 2.3L (same block and such).

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1980 LUV 4x4, going under re-construction...

Assuming you have no knocking or banging sounds I'd say it was good for at least another 50k. The 2.3L in my 86 Trooper has 195k on it now and still going strong. The other place to look for an oil leak is the fuel pump. It runs off the cam and is tucked in between the intake and the head, pretty much completely inaccessible without pulling the intake manifold. There is a breather tube coming off it, and when the seals inside start to go it will blow oil out that breather and pretty well cover the entire right side of the motor front to back, top to bottom. I figured the same on the front main seal when I got mine, but the belt turned out to be pretty clean, all the oil was leaking in around the covers not from the inside out as I had assumed.

I still haven't gotten around to putting the replacement pump on, never have a full day free to completely tear the intake off the motor and clean it all up.