Offroad-Express

I don't know much about Isuzus so I hoping somebody here can provide some advice.


My Son has a 1992 2.8 turbo diesel that has been leaking oil badly from the back end. Its got a ton of aftermarket kit and is otherwise in pretty fair condition.

The mechanics however say the engine is about to shet itself and is past its use-by and will cost mega to fix. The turbo is also on the way out apparently.

My son is able to pay as much as 4 or 5 k for a good engine. Can anybody recommend a good option? We see there are a few people offering 4JG2 3.1 non turboed reconditioned engines for 2 or 3 k fitted. Are these to be avoided?

Thinking outside the box are there any other good engines that would fit? If he's going to do this he wants an engine with a bit of ginger etc.

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers Bill

For that sort of coin I'd recon the 2.8. They can make good power and are more economical than the 3.1

Did these mechanics tell you why or what exactly was going to explode and kill everything?

Leaks are common, probably the rear main. No biggie.
And yeah as above, for that kind of coin you can build a fantastic engine with $$ left over.


3.1 non turbo? Sounds bloody awful to me

Thanks for that guys. Any recommendations on good blokes for a full rebuild. Auckland.

Try Gerald GK reconditioners in Panmure. He's done work for me in the past and it's been good quality and a good price.

definitley recon the 2.8 you have, they are a good engine and the only thing that went wrong on mine after 600,000 kms was the rear mainseal and a power steer leak.

They are good motors even though they are getting on a bit now, but there are still plenty of them around.

i have been lead to believe the 2.8 is a more reliable engine than the 3.1

billfish wrote:I don't know much about Isuzus so I hoping somebody here can provide some advice.


Any advice appreciated.

Cheers Bill

factor in it would cost more to recon or replace the engine than what the thing is worth sometimes its more economic to move on and find a new truck

derk wrote:

billfish wrote:I don't know much about Isuzus so I hoping somebody here can provide some advice.


Any advice appreciated.

Cheers Bill

factor in it would cost more to recon or replace the engine than what the thing is worth sometimes its more economic to move on and find a new truck

and other peoples problems, atleast he knows whats wrong with this one.