3.5 Engine Fix?

[skewzme]

Consumer Reports ratings can be bought and sold,

I wasn't referring to Customer Reports ratings. I was referring to actual, documented customer complaints posted on their web site, and there's a lot of them. If you are making the arguement that those complaints were bought, sold, or some kind of mass conspiracy against Isuzu, perhaps we should also discuss Bigfoot sightings.

So don't believe everything you read! Research and corroborate.

I don't believe everthing I read, but it doesn't take a lot of research to figure this one out. The most compelling evidence for me was when I began lookng for a used one. I've seen two relatively low mileage VX's in the last month for sale with bad engines. One was right here on this forum, the other was on Ebay just last week.

I dont' mean to sound like I'm on the attact here. I LIKE THESE VEHICLES! My original purpose for the post was to see if anyone could say for sure if the newer engines have been fixed.

[mbeach]

While there has been NO official acknowledgement of a 'defect' in the earlier 3.5L motors, there have been enough changes from 98/99 to 00/01 to warrant notice.

Stick with a 00 and newer and you'll be free of many of the issues that seem to plague the 99s. Not saying that it'll be "trouble-free," nothing really ever is. You'll just feel better at night.

[Joe_Black]

I dont' mean to sound like I'm on the attact here. I LIKE THESE VEHICLES! My original purpose for the post was to see if anyone could say for sure if the newer engines have been fixed.

No worries, just wanted to make clear that Isuzu earned my appreciation. Like any other business they've made bone-headed mistakes too, but all-in-all the quality of their vehicles is top notch. As for Isuzu America, well, they suck. But they don't build the vehicles.

I'm just as passionate about other machines as well, if they've earned it. Our '99 VX has well over 100K miles and is peppier with better mileage than our '01 VX, so go figure! Since there never was anything really "wrong" with the engines there isn't a "fix".

[skewzme]

Since there never was anything really "wrong" with the engines there isn't a "fix".

I can relate Joe. I used to own a Delorean and didn't believe John D sold the cocaine either.

[mbeach]

Why'd you buy the Delorean?

[thedutchguy]

Why'd you buy the Delorean?

Because it had an engine that was never paid for?

[skewzme]

Why'd you buy the Delorean?

It was a long time ago. Lot's of similarilies to the VX in the sense that they were very unique cars. That seems to be one of the things I look for. Any car the big automakers mass produce loses appeal to me. I wanted a 350Z until I started seeing one at every traffic light. Pontiac just introduced the Solstice, a really good looking 2 seat spyder priced at under $25k. It's supposedly in limited production, but I decided to wait and see how many are around in 6 months.
Now, if I could just get my hands on one of the remaining Batmobiles . . . . . .
that would be cool!

[Hotsauce]

If you're really concerned about it, pull the pan and put in fresh bearings at 50K miles.

95% of the work is getting the oil pan off.

John C.

[Joe_Black]

I change the $3 PCV valve every other oil change and just buy a handful everytime I get oil filters. Since installing Fumoto valves on both VX's the oil change routine is tool-less and quick.

As for DeLoreans: We got one once from a GSA auction and it was quite nice, especially for $5K with no issues other than no keys and a stolen radio. Except it knocked me nearly unconcious twice while detailing it with the doors open. Gullwings are hazardous when you're tall!

[Dare2Dream]

I don't think anyone here is denying the fact that there have been engine failures. But those are rare and don't have to do with the engine, but some 'other cause' that makes the engine oil to disappear. To be honest, this is the thing that worries me, but just need to be diligent!

I think as long as you can make sure the engine oil is there, you wouldn't have any issues. I haven't had any issues, actually i drove 1300 miles this week, and not a single drop of oil was lost. I use Mobil 1 synthetic, do the maintenance on time, change the PCV every 10K, and ocassionally use seafoam for 100 miles before the oil change to keep it clean. Haven't had any issues

[psychos2]

a more powerful oil pump cannot pump anymore than a stock pump when there is nothing to pump.or how much oil can an oil pump pump if there is no oil to pump? shawn

[JAFO]

I can relate Joe. I used to own a Delorean and didn't believe John D sold the cocaine either.

Delorean never sold cocaine. He was arrested in a sting operation mounted by the FBI -- in conjunction with the DEA, Customs Service, and the police departments of Ventura and Los Angeles, California.

In 1984, DeLorean was acquitted of all charges after a federal judge ruled that the FBI operation had been a clear case of entrapment.

Delorean was seeking capitol investment for his car company during the resession of the early eighties. He never sold cocaine, he was looking for a backer and a paid informant for the FBI needed to give the FBI a case or he was going to loose his meal ticket.

[JAFO]

And they did not smuggle cocaine in the hub caps of the Deloreans.


How could you fit cocaine in these?

It's ironic, like saying a "I'm sweating like a dog."

Dog's don't sweat, they pant. It's the only way they can cool themselves down.