1988 Isuzu Trooper II 4x4 from North America - Comments

Sounds like your thermostat has taken a turn for the worse. Replace it and I will bet that your temps will be fine. A bad thermostat sometimes continues to work, just not as well.

I have a 1989 Trooper II SE with the 4-cylinder, 2.6 liter, 4ZE1 Fuel Injected gasoline engine and 5-speed manual transmission with over 175,000 miles and it runs great. I even pull a 10-ft trailer and my Kawasaki 610 Mule 4x4 UV during hunting season. I have pulled my 18-ft trailer and my 35hp diesel tractor and bush hog for short distances. The key is to keep up the routine maintenance and don't dog the vehicle. And, don't ride the clutch. The only problem has been a timing chain replacement and an occasional and slight engine surge at idle after driving at interstate highway speeds. I have found that loosening the gas cap to relieve the gas tank pressure and driving at 55mph solves the problem. I use Castrol GTX 20-50 high mileage engine oil. My problem is finding parts.

I bought an 89 Trooper 4cyl auto 4x4. With a bad motor and didn't know what the problem was at the time, but the vehicle was cheap!

Since then, had the motor rebuilt, expecting more power and better fuel mileage.

All the components are new, spark plugs, wires, distributor, air cleaner.

Took it back to the shop where motor was built, was told that the exhaust must be plugged up. So, cut out the catalytic converter, spliced exhaust. Still no power and very bad gas mileage.

Also, cleaned the EGR valve, rechecked timing, transmission fluid, new fuel filter.

I don't know what to do next. Any help would be great. redbrand@live.com

I have a 1989 Trooper SE. 182,763 miles and still intact. The problem I'm having at the moment is the # 2 cylinder only has 25 lbs compression. All others have 170-180 lbs. I suspect a bad valve, but the cylinder will hold that 25 lbs for at least an hour. Any ideas? secwind000@aol.com.

Just was given a 1988 trouper 11 - been kept outdoors under pine trees - a bit distorted color. previous owner says his dad used it for a few months and thinks he blew 2nd gear. I haven't started it up as of yet but is there anything I should know concerning the gearbox problems?

Signed,

clueless about troupers.

I'd like to buy a 1998 Trooper II, but someone said to me that the 2.6 engine has an aluminum head, and it breaks easily with extreme hot weather, (by example Imperial valley, at July - Aug are between 120 - 130 Fahrenheit).

What about it? This is true or not? Can somebody help me?

1988 Trooper 2.6 MFI.

I got it from a friend, drove it for a year of two - it was running poorly and I stopped driving it for a year. Pulled the head last summer to find 3 or 4 burned valves on the 2 middle cylinders. but why? Chose to have the head re-done & give it another go. Things were fine till about two weeks ago. Hard to start, losing power/poor mileage. Found that the crank pulley was loose! Must have not torqed enough? keyway in the bottom gear wore to the point of sending timing way off. Now, to find a gear!

COOLING: Mine runs really cold, yes, it's in Alaska...

At 10 below the thing will *never* reach operating temperature at idle - has to be driven for a while.

Cheers!

Mike.

I need some advice; I have a 1988 Trooper. A few months ago I started it up and clouds of water vapor came flying out the back.. I am pretty sure that this means a new head gasket?? My deal is I love the Trooper and my kids do to.. Do I put the money into it to have it fixed first off.. and if so should I buy a new head and put it on myself?? A new cylinder head with gaskets is like 5-600 and some man hours by me.. or should I let the shop do a head job and valve job the shop wants 1500.00?? I have never done a head gasket, but have done some cam work and most every thing outside the engine. I recently replaced the shocks, brakes, fuel pump, fuel filter, belts, starter, alternator, battery, vacuum hoses well most hoses.. It's a hard choice for me I only have 1500. to put into it and my family is very dependent on this vehicle... I have read that you should buy a new head and it will never blow again.. The guy at the shop says no prob. bro. you don't need a new head... Please help; I am lost and want to make a good decision... Ty