Went new for the part. Cost $280. Plus labour. Then i discovered the mechanic broke off the temperature sensor so he is replacing that.
I went on holiday so after he got it going he dropped it back at my house no charge for me. So I didn't get too pissy about the sensor.

Well, towed the vehicle to the garage. Had him stumped for a while. Turns out the ignition coil igniter was the issue.

Fuel pump works because I can hear it when the key is turned on. Can't get the spark plugs out as it is a relatively recent purchase replacing a Bighorn so had no need for a special spark plug removal tool. Not a hint of ignition when the key is turned. Off to the mechanic tomorrow. Was really ...

Fuel filter replaced. Still not a goer. Turning over fine justnot firing. Checked the distributor cap and cleaned the contacts. beginning to think it could be something expensive.

Yes, that will be the next step. I just replaced the air filter and now can't get it to fire up at all.

Hi Not sure if this is the right part for this question but here goes. I have a 91 Suzuki Vitara. It has just started spluttering and losing power momentarily, like there is a momentary blockage in the fuel supply. I did notice it started with a puff of blue smoke. Not sure if that is related. It is ...

http://www.suzuki4x4.net/manual/

Hope it is accurate

Just downloaded the manual.
10w-30 oil it is.

Hi I have purchased a 1993 vitara jlx. It is due for an oil change. What grade do you recommend? I don't trust the advice of pimply youths, younger than my vehicle. When they look lost and have to read the back of the containers it is clear they are not sure either. Is there anything else I should ...

Found a 1991 terrano with 195000k for $5K. Thinking seriously about it. It was sitting at the dealers covered in cobwebs. Took it for a run.Automatic and changed gears smoothly. Paintwork a bit crap, the clear coat is coming off the roof but that is no concern. Cheers for the advice. Will have a ...

Lots of mid 90's 2.7 terranos around at about 180000 km for $5000.

It has been suggested getting an Escudo and putting a lift kit on it would do the trick. Something like this be okay?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 415900.htm

Thanks for all the suggestions and PMs.

Hi after blowing the engine on my old 1989 2.8 Bighorn, I am after something smaller. With the kids now of the age to leave home soon, I just want something small I can use as a fishing wagon in summer, and tow a small boat. Chuck the rugby jerseys and gear in the back and maybe get coal from Kai ...

Got it sorted in the end. The mechanic rang some mates. It turned out that it wsa probably because the fuel lines had developed some microscopic holes, sucking in the air. Enough would build up to form an air lock. After the engine died it would clear itself after a few minutes. We simply replaced ...

My 1990 Bighorn has developed an annoying problem. Every now and then it will lose power and idle down until the engine dies completely, usually when on the motorway, even with my foot down. When the key is turned on it starts up immediately. After a few minutes of trying to rev it begins to run ...

The fan starts up straight away, even when cold. On the open road the needle never goes above 1/3. Sounds like the thermostat could be to blame. It seems a simple job to replace it. I am getting into a lot more DIY as far as home renovations go and may as well have a crack at simple mechanical jobs ...

So do you think changing the thermostat will be of any use or just a waste of time?

No, I only got muddy the first week I had it. Took it down to fiordland and got bogged well and truly. There is an radiator in the front, it looks pretty clean. Like I said it is only when I am going up big, steep runs (like the crown range) that it overheats, and drops rapidly once I stop or start ...

My 1990 isuzu bighorn overheats when going up long hill climbs (on the motorway). They are not particularly steep sections of highway and I don't try to thrash it, but it still gets very hot. It cools down fast enough at the top of the hill and doesn't get too hot normally. I have flushed the ...

Just an update. I was browsing at Turners auctions and saw a 1990 Bighorn LWB for auction, 130000km, imported in 2001. It was immaculate apart from a paint chip on the front bumper and a stone chip in the window. That night it passed in for 4200. I got it checked out by a mechanic and he said the ...

Thanks everybody for the advice. It has been most useful.

I have a shot at a '90 Isuzu Bighorn Irmscher 2.8 LWB. The thing is immaculate and has just passed a warrant. I am going to get a vehicle inspection done on it as I should get it for $4500. It has done 129000km. And is just what I am after. If I get it, I think I should probably get it serviced ...

Whats wrong with Pajeros? Anything in particular or a personal bias?

I saw a Nissan Terrano '91 2.7D 160000km for $6500, a Pajero '91 2.5 D 161km for $5950 at Commercial Imports Ltd, there were also lots of '91/'92 bighorns for around $6000 at a number of yards. Thats seems to be a standard price for that age group. Down here you can just about double it.

I popped up to CHCH on the weekend because prices certainly seem a lot cheaper than down here in Dunno. A '92 Isuzu Bighorn for $6000 was fairly common item up there but down here seem to go for about $8000. I might have to get the gorse out of my pocket and cough up a bit more for a Surf. But am ...

I am looking for a 4Wd that I can use to access backcountry trout streams. I am not intending to do any major offroad stuff, just want something that will cope with the occasional rough track and farmland, after a drive from here in Dunedin to the Southern lakes area. From what I have seen, an Isuzu ...