Just wondering if you had the altered idle problem caused by the Intake Manifold Gasket? Or if you have replaced that gasket? (I'm testing a theory)

I was speaking with a mechanic friend of my fathers a few weeks ago. He has a passenger car background and has a great deal of experience with Isuzu engines in generators and heavy equipment.

After telling him about the common problems with the VX engine, he was telling me that the intake manifold gasket leak could, over time, lead to the engine blowing problem. Consequently I changed my gasket out last night.

He was saying that actually Isuzu makes good quality engines. The neglected generators he services are often having their oil changed for the first time at 5000 hours (5k miles is roughly about 200 hours) and they are running fine. To agree with Tone, other Isuzu owners and mechanics I have talked to say that Isuzu engines last forever if you keep them serviced. Kind of off topic for this thread, but encouraging...

As for your question... I have seen threads on here about reasonably priced crate engines. If you are mechanically inclined you might want to search the forum for info or the net for a good deal.