1996 Isuzu Rodeo from North America - Comments

I have had to replace a water pump and the temperature regulator. I had to get a new radiator at 188700 because of a tiny crack. I had to get a new back-flow reservoir for the coolant, but could not find one except for a Honda which cost $90, so I said no to that and a friend of mine put Goop on the tiny hole in the reservoir and plugged it, and now it works great. Now, I am experiencing "ticking" of the engine and have put in oil. I know it is using oil right now, so I check it frequently and add. However, Today it is "ticking" quietly after adding more than enough oil. This bothers me greatly, because I love this vehicle!!! It is just the right size and had given me great service. Everything was easily replaced when needed. I have done regular service since the beginning.

I had a strange problem with the car when I first got it. The engine would die when I turned to the left. After researching, they found that a wire harness was not in place correctly and was making it disconnect upon left turns. After taking care of the harness, it never happened again.

The ticking noise coming from your engine is called the "pulley rod tensioner" or at least that's what the part guy told me at the dealership. Also, when it gets bad, everyone will tell you that is the engine, and that its screwed. No worries, tell your mechanic to check the timing as it tends to come from that area. Don't allow your mechanic to dismantle your engine, like mine did after finding nothing wrong with the engine.

In reference to the comment on this article. I have read many comments from many owners about what causes the ticking. Many have been told different reasons by mechanics for the ticking. Here is my story: I took my 1996 to dealer at 60K miles to have that ticking fixed. The mechanic said it was because oil wasn't passing through tiny rod openings and causing the top end to starve for oil.

Around 100K, I took the car to a local repair shop for the same problem. They said the rockers wear out and start ticking, it's a known issue for GM V6 engines they said. (I do recall hearing this from S-10's and Buick Regals during the 80's) Less than 20K miles later, (118,000 miles) it was ticking again and I have not done any repairs to it. It now has 193,000 miles on it, still ticking, still running. It's embarrasing but it's paid for and running.

I have a 1996 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2L V6 as well. It has 195K miles and has always had that ticking sound since I bought it at 130K miles. Different mechanics have all told me the same things you have mentioned, Pulley Rod Tensioner, worn rockers, small clogged oil holes starving some part of the engine. I never had it fixed and drive it as is. It does have a noticeable performance loss when the ticking is bad though.

Unfortunately the water pump broke and I didn't notice the overheating engine until it stopped. The ticking is real bad now and I'm afraid I may have burnt out the engine.