Major Engine Problem

[VX_PA]

Originally posted by azskyrider
VX_PA,

How is the replacement engine working out? Was it a complete new engine or just the lower block? Did the cost that you stated include labor hours?

New engine seems to be working great. Just completed the first fluid change last month and found no debris in the old oil.

It was a complete new engine and not just the long block. Cost stated was total with labor. What I'm worried about now is the tranny, since some members here are now experiencing problems with them. But can't worry too much, just drive and enjoy.

[SinMan]

Perhaps, this might be the reason why people are starting to sell their VX before it reaches 60K... I have a question, does this happen a lot to only 99 models or it is common problem for all 99, 00, 01 models? I saw one from ebay 01 model with defective engine got replaced at 55K... Man, this is definately not good.... I hope there's solution to this.

[Capri]

weren't there several owners with at least 70k on their VX with no engine problem?

[Anita]

There are many owners with over 60, 70 and 80K and even 120K on their VX's with no problems. You dont hear from them just for that reason.

[Yefim]

Just wanted to chime in - I currently have about 78K on my '99 VX. "Knock on wood" - so far I have not had any engine problems at all. I just do regular maintenance... switched to Mobil 1 when I had about 40K on it or so... used regular oil before that. I did not make any changes to the OEM setup and I use lower grade gasoline too. Maybe I am lucky... maybe it will die tomorrow Just wanted to let people know that there are a few VXs outthere with higher mileage and no engine problems.

cheers

[kid1carson]

I must admit that I'm very concern, I have a 99 VX and I'm having the very same issues as some of the VX owner’s, high oil consumption and pinging and lost of power.

I just changes to 92-93 Octane and tried some street legal 102-OC two weeks ago. My VX seem to have the power back with no pinging but I'm still not convinced that all is well, with all the issues I'm having at 75k I'm not sure I want to add modifications.

It seems very clear to me that Isuzu is aware of the problem with the earlier 3.5L. Perhaps we should put together a task force with owners to address the matter legally.

[Anita]

I would pay serious attention to the possible carbon buildup of the PCV and EGR systems. My Isuzu mechanic has been for awhile now documenting problems with the ERG valve with links to excessive oil burning and piston failure. It would be a good idea to do a search on PCV, EGR and even the MAF sensor to get an idea of what other owners have experienced.

[SGT.BATGUANO]

If you're the orig. owner and never had it done before, an injector cleaning might be in order.

Have you been following the recommended maintenance schedule for part replacement?

[Triple X]

Unfortunately, looks like I might be in the same boat with the '99 VX I just bought 3 weeks ago - excessive oil consumption and pinging. It has a short warranty from the dealership. I will take it in to them on Friday and see what they have to say about it. I've seen mention on vmag from Trooper owners that the problem is faulty oil control rings and that a ring job may take care of the problem. I'm actually thinking about pushing the dealership to buy it back from me and going with another vehicle instead. I've loved the VX's from the first time I saw one in '99, but don't want to be saddled with a problematic engine. If any of you guys who are still under your warranties even suspect you have a problem, have it seen about right away. Changing the quality/weight of your oil may seem to fix the problem in the short term, but I think in the long term these engines have some serious defects.

[deermagnet]

After four years and over 71K miles, my engine is just as strong and solid as day one. I've never added a drop of oil. It may blow up tomorrow, as any engine can, but I'm now happier with my VX than I've ever been. If I develop engine problems, I'll deal with it. It may be expensive with some headaches, but life goes on. There's a lot worse things that can happen to us than replacing a bad hunk of metal.

There's millions of bad engines out there. Just be glad we don't have a GM engine. Ford and Daimler-Chrysler have lots of lawsuits also.

"A class action complaint against General Motors Corporation was filed by the law firm Green & Jigarjian LLP and the Oklahoma based firms of Federman & Sherwood and Walker & Walker. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of purchasers of 1999 through 2003 model GM vehicles with a 3.1, 3.4, 4.8, 5.3, 5.7 (LS1), 6.0, or 8.1 liter engine that exhibits a loud noise due to Piston Slap, alleges that GM actively concealed the engine defect while continuing to advertise, market, and warrant that GM engines are free from defects. Some of the models that may have a Piston Slap defect are the Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, Silverado, Tahoe and Surburban; GM Denali and Yukon; Cadillac Escalade and Pontiac TransAm."

Don't worry, be happy!

Mark Griffin

[Tone]

Having disassembled coaches failed motor, I can find no flaw in the crank or block that would cause the front 2 rod bearings to fail as they did. In fact, the #1 has a large oiling hole for the bearing. Aluminum engines are going to use oil period and 1 qt every 1-2K miles is not a big deal. I've used sythetics since delivery of both my VXes and never had a problem but I change oil religiously every 2500-3K miles. I've used Amsoil, Mobil 1, Syntec and even conventional 20-50w.

[t2p]

Tone:

(with all due respect):
.
Not in this day and age.
.
Isuszu will be out of business in short time if they are selling Axioms (or whatever) that use 1-2 quarts of oil between changes.
.
Honda has produced aluminum engines for years - and none use oil. A Honda engine that uses oil at that rate (1-2 qts between changes) would be labeled a defect - and would be corrected and/or replaced. My guess is ditto for Toyota.
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(As a side note, Honda has increased their oil change intervals to 5000-7500 miles).
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Even GM and Ford engines do not use oil at that rate. The last engine that I can remember that used oil at that rate was the terribly flawed GM Vega (aluminum) engine in the mid 70's.
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If my VX uses oil at that rate - and it can not be corrected - it will go up for sale.
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(I hope not - as I plan to order a trailer hitch from you - and have some fun with this vehicle).
.
t2p

[Triple X]

My '99 w/ 72.000 miles has burned 1.7 quarts of oil during the past 600 miles of driving - mostly interstate, no off-road, no hard-pushing. I don't care what Isuzu says, that's excessive consumption. I had switched on the last oil change to a 10w-30 full synthetic. Today I went with a regular 15w-40. I'm thinking I need a heavier grade oil that won't blow past the rings as easily. At any rate, it's going back to the dealership on Friday to be looked at. If it can't be fixed, they'll have to buy it back from me (have had it less than three weeks). Love the vehicle - don't want to have to drive with one hand on the wheel and the other hand holding a quart of oil.

[t2p]

OUCH !

Have you checked the EGR and/or PCV ?

[Triple X]

The EGR connection is tight. If the EGR itself is fouled or faulty hopefully they will find that out when they look at it on Friday. The PCV is brand new.