new to isuzus, 86 trooper II engine questions - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Yota Krawler · 09-18-2003, 10:08 AM

so i picked up a 86 trooper for really cheap, and was told it had a cracked head and thats it so it seemed like a deal at the time. i figured i could pick up a usedn engine for like 200-300 bones and everything would be cool. the engine is a 4ZD1 and apparently all the places i have called and talked to tell me that is an extremely rare engine and if they *did* have it, it would be around $900... so FAWK THAT! so my next idea was to pull the head and replace it, but reading my manual, on this engine you have to pull of EVERYTHING to pull out the head, you gotta pull the radiator, alternator, ac compressor, fan, belts, etc... and it seems like a shitload of work when i dont even know if a new head would really fix it. so my first question is this, do i really need to pull off all that bs to pull the head?
second question, how hard would it be to swap in the more available 4ZE1? would it directly bolt up to the tranny and everything? any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks

mlclark · 09-18-2003, 03:28 PM

Yota-

Most likely it is a cracked head or blown head gasket and/or a burned valve or two. Lack of maintence and regular valve adjustments will kill these engines.

Yes, is it a general PITA to get to. You can pull the head and intake manifold as one unit, and if you are really burly, then you can also pull the intake manifold at the same time, but it is heavier and awkward as hell.

Your cheapest route (ignoring your time) is to pull the head and have it re-done. If it is not cracked, you are probably ok. Your next cheapest is to find a used head and have that rebuilt and finally, I believe that http://www.aluminumheads.com has new casting AMC heads for the 2.3. The good news is that the bottom ends are generally bulletproof.

Finally, yes these engines are not really common. Usually, yards charge out the ass for them. Then again, it seems like according to every yard, every part you need is *rare* and hard to come across. BUT...they have one and will see you one for a price.

As for converting to a 2.6, you can. You will need all the wiring and the computer. Use the 2.3 clutch and it should bolt up.

Good Luck,
Michael

EDIT: Fixed link.

Yota Krawler · 09-18-2003, 10:49 PM

well damn, i dont think i could thank you enough for everything you just told me. i'm lookin to pull the head sunday so we'll see how everythjing goes. thanks a lot and i'll keep u posted!

mlclark · 09-18-2003, 11:23 PM

If you end up going the route of swapping in a 2.6, double check over at 4x4Wire. I know there are posts over there outlining what is needed.

Michael

09-18-2003, 10:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
Yota Krawler Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Member # 16526 Location: Fremont - Bay Area, California Posts: 740	new to isuzus, 86 trooper II engine questions so i picked up a 86 trooper for really cheap, and was told it had a cracked head and thats it so it seemed like a deal at the time. i figured i could pick up a usedn engine for like 200-300 bones and everything would be cool. the engine is a 4ZD1 and apparently all the places i have called and talked to tell me that is an extremely rare engine and if they did have it, it would be around $900... so FAWK THAT! so my next idea was to pull the head and replace it, but reading my manual, on this engine you have to pull of EVERYTHING to pull out the head, you gotta pull the radiator, alternator, ac compressor, fan, belts, etc... and it seems like a shitload of work when i dont even know if a new head would really fix it. so my first question is this, do i really need to pull off all that bs to pull the head? second question, how hard would it be to swap in the more available 4ZE1? would it directly bolt up to the tranny and everything? any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks __________________ i quit school because of recess, CUZ I DONT PLAY!

09-18-2003, 03:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
mlclark Wheeler Join Date: May 2000 Member # 1005 Location: Almost Idaho Posts: 168	Yota- Most likely it is a cracked head or blown head gasket and/or a burned valve or two. Lack of maintence and regular valve adjustments will kill these engines. Yes, is it a general PITA to get to. You can pull the head and intake manifold as one unit, and if you are really burly, then you can also pull the intake manifold at the same time, but it is heavier and awkward as hell. Your cheapest route (ignoring your time) is to pull the head and have it re-done. If it is not cracked, you are probably ok. Your next cheapest is to find a used head and have that rebuilt and finally, I believe that http://www.aluminumheads.com has new casting AMC heads for the 2.3. The good news is that the bottom ends are generally bulletproof. Finally, yes these engines are not really common. Usually, yards charge out the ass for them. Then again, it seems like according to every yard, every part you need is rare and hard to come across. BUT...they have one and will see you one for a price. As for converting to a 2.6, you can. You will need all the wiring and the computer. Use the 2.3 clutch and it should bolt up. Good Luck, Michael EDIT: Fixed link. Last edited by mlclark; 09-18-2003 at 11:22 PM.

09-18-2003, 10:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Yota Krawler Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Member # 16526 Location: Fremont - Bay Area, California Posts: 740	well damn, i dont think i could thank you enough for everything you just told me. i'm lookin to pull the head sunday so we'll see how everythjing goes. thanks a lot and i'll keep u posted! __________________ i quit school because of recess, CUZ I DONT PLAY!

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09-18-2003, 11:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
mlclark Wheeler Join Date: May 2000 Member # 1005 Location: Almost Idaho Posts: 168	If you end up going the route of swapping in a 2.6, double check over at 4x4Wire. I know there are posts over there outlining what is needed. Michael