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http://www.ubslabo.com/ikasama.htm
I don't know which is more popular, AT or Manual, but I see more manual trans Trooper owners among those who have homepages.
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Later that day I found the second Trooper it was identical even the VIN was only different and by less than 10. This unit had only 17500 miles and seemed much better taken care of. I drove this one also. It was very much better than its twin in terms of suspension control and automatic. shifting. I thought I might be able to buy this one, but I take things slow so I waited. Next day the wife and I were looking at regular cars to buy her one then I would be left with the family minivan as my replacement SUV. Just as a last chance before accepting my wife's desire to get a little car, early in the morning on a Friday, I gave cars.com (a list of newspaper ads accross the country) one last search. That is when I found the 2001 manual transmission Trooper.
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The 2001 was a well loved personal vehicle all its life and it showed. It was very clean and the suspension is better than the second automatic 2002 Trooper enough that I will leave it alone for now. On this 2001 Trooper with 50/50 highway/city mileage the fuel idiot light came on at 376 miles on one tank of gas! The higher MPG makes my wife happy and the stronger engine makes my happy.
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I just put five Revo tires on the 2001 and left off the tire cover, it looks much more like my car now. I think the smoother looking original tires had a very minivan look to me.
Haven't posted since I purchased a 2000 Trooper Limited back in April with 80k miles.
Overall, loving it. Took it on a 15 day 3,900 mile road trip that included a week on the beaches of the Outer Banks, NC.
The vehicle has been fantastic with two exceptions:
Oil consumption. I have one of the Troopers that uses oil, as I found out on the road trip, burning a quart every 600-700 miles while driving at high speeds day in, day out. I switched to 10W-40 on the last oil change. I ran into a Trooper enthusiast who suggested that I use 20W-50 for 2 oil changes and the oil use will go away. Of course, he's in New Orleans and I'm in Massachusetts so winter time will see a switch to 5W-30. Even the owners manual says that 20W-50 and 20W-40 are fine for warm weather.
The other thing is that the Trooper nearly overheated driving (went to the very top of the normal range) when driving on the beach for several miles. Granted it was 90 degrees and I'm putting a load on the vehicle, but it freaked me out. I had to stop and let the truck idle for a few minutes every 1/2 mile or so. Short jaunts on the beach were no big deal (1/2 mile or so)
It has also run quite warm in stop and go traffic on the highway. The temp gauge goes up to 2/3 in that traffic. Once I get moving over 40 or idle, the gauge goes back to the usual normal level. I haven't been stuck in traffic long enough to see if the engine will get even hotter.
Funny thing, it doesn't change temperature in town, at low speeds where you stop and go, only on the highway, when you're stuck in traffic.
Any suggestions when I take the Trooper in for the next oil change? Should I have the cooling system flushed? PCV valve/EGR changed for the oil use?
Overall, I really love the Trooper though. I wasn't expecting perfection given the 80k miles on the odo. I'm planning on driving it for a long time.
Tim
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80K miles, have you replaced your timing belt and tensioner yet? When you do have the water pump replaced also. Then have a look at the pump to make sure it looks like it has been providing a good flow rate. Also, if you replace the water pump go ahead and get the timing belt and tensioner done at the same time since most of the labor to get at those parts is the same.
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Check that the radiator is clean inside and out and change to known good coolant.
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Does your oil get dark colored quickly? That may indicate high engine temperatures.
Maybe the thicker oil will work. It does seem to run contrary to the too few/too small oil ring return holes theory. Then again that is only one theory.
I vote for a new PCV as they are cheap. Have them at least inspect the EGR to see if it needs cleaning. I would run a couple of tanks of Techron fuel system cleaner just to try and get the engine as clean as possible. I would not use anything higher than 10/40 in your climate. I would also go no longer than 3k miles on dino oil and stay away from anything but 87 octane gas.
Be sure to mention the oil usage to the dealer and get him to do a consumption test. That way if you have a serious problem Isuzu should pick up the tab.
I would also do the coolant change if the fluid is more than about 18 months old. Make sure they don't put in too high a percentage of anti-freeze as that will make you run hotter. Also ask them if they use tap water. If they do, take them some purified water instead.
Guess what... I changed the oil 2,000 miles ago when in North Carolina with 10W 40 and the vehicle has slowed oil consumption even though I had to drive 800 miles home. So far, I've added one quart. 50%-60% of my driving is now in town.
As for the coolant, I got stuck in a 5 minute stop-and-go situation yesterday in Providence, RI. Temperature gauge didn't budge from 1/3 normal. I've been watching the needle whenever I drive around town and it never moves. Only moved while under greater stress.
I've got a scheduled oil change with my mechanic for 8/7/03. He thought the thicker oil was a good idea. He's been my mechanic for nearly 10 years now, so I trust his judgement. I'll definitely have him check the EGR and change out the PCV. My mechanic already asked about the percentage of antifreeze in the cooling system. I'll have him reflush it anyway.
I'd go to the Isuzu dealer, but I would imagine that since I bought the Trooper used, the warranty is shortened, correct? I've got nearly 90k on the thing. I guess that's the downside of buying used, you are never quite sure what you're getting.....
Boxtrooper, good thought on the timing belt. No idea whether it's been changed. I would assume so, but it scares me to make that assumption. I will probably have my mechanic change it, especially if the water pump needs replacement.
Overall, though, I am very impressed with the Trooper. Very tight with no squeaks and rattles. I really love it!
A little strange Trooper story far ya:
It was Trooper, name-calling, bashing time at Car Talk this past Saturday (one of their reruns, I guess) and my wife heard it as I was slowly waking up. She seemed concerned and I told her that those guys didn't know jack about brands other than Hondas and Toyotas (though they mentioned old Troopers made them a fortune), we had breakfast, and then drove downtown for a swim at our university pool. Once we got on the highway we saw one of those older square looking Troopers and (as always) tried to be the first one to notice it and call out its name. A moment later that Trooper pulled over to the side with his emergency lights on... A few miles later we got passed by this crazy lady (with kids inside) doing 90MPH in her 3.2 liter Trooper with heavy smoke trailing 1 mile behind her across the four lanes of traffic. I almost called 911 'cause she drove like she was on drugs but then she disappeared in the cloud of smoke. Once we got inside the perimeter we saw another older black Trooper on the side of the road with its emergency lights on. It was all so weird... I had to rest my case for that day :-(
1984 4-speed Trooper power steering tensioner pully bad bearing, water pump seal slow drip, throttle plate worn to air leaks past throttle shaft but always driveable.
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1995 5-speed Trooper power steering hose failure slow leak, lifter ticking under control, rear ended totalled by air bag deployment, but always driveable.
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2001 5-speed Trooper, my first used Trooper, no trouble yet. 2001 will be in for changing all oils includes brakes, power steering, engine, transmission, transfer case, differentials to keep it trouble free. Maybe I'll make it to 30 years with this 2001 Trooper.
I hardly see Troopers around here and it was just an amazing and creepy coincidence that following the radio broadcast and our discussion we saw three of them in the row having some types of issues - that's all... We left our Trooper in the garage that day :-)
Hope it might help.
-mike
You are right, I brought the trooper to the dealer, they check and replace the pressure regulator. It works fine now.
They explain that if the pressure regulator failed, some gas will dump into the intake and flood it. It may be fine in the winter when it needs more gas but not in the summer.
Did anyone here do such a work?
Where is the filter located?
Your inputs would be valuable to me, thanks.
The intake manifold gaskets and fuel pressure regulators seem to be the weak link on 99s. I have had both go out on mine (IMG twice). Fortunately, neither problem renders the vehicle undrivable...
Lessons learned: 1.)although spare tires on the back of vehicles can be ugly, man they're practical, no climbing under a messy vehicle to get the spare. I'm in work clothes back at my desk looking the same as when I left this morning. 2.)check the spare tire pressure regularly, it could have been alot worse if the tire only had 10 or so lbs. in it.
-mike
Hey Mike, off topic here, but I have to share this with you. I know you and the Subie gang are into racing cars, so you might appreciate this. Last weekend I tried something out that is an absolute blast, Indoor Karting! They just opened up one here in S.D. http://www.miramarspeedcircuit.com/
I'm currently recruiting people from work to get private track time.
The best one in the country, is kind of close to you guys http://www.f1boston.com/ if it's not too far and inconvenient, you should get a group together and give it a try. I haven't had this much fun since my Motocross days
I think on the jack I'm gonna remove the stocker from the truck and use that as a storage compartment. I actually did some upgrades over my vacation:
Electronic Brake Controller for the car trailer
55w Halogen Lights in the rear bumper step for loading the boat and car trailer at night.
Working on hooking up a 1200w/600w power inverter and outlets in the truck. Can't wait to be able to use the full impact wrench at auto-x off the inverter
-mike
The Edmunds Maintenance Guide
Steve, Host
Then I would add a few "optional" things that aren't necessarily recommended at 30K. I would do a tranny fluid swap, radiator fluid swap, and put in new plugs (the plugs are a VERY easy DIY project you could do for peanuts compared to what the dealer wants).
I'm curious if you considering a dual battery set up.
Lee
-mike
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MPG was highway until the needle was at half, miles at indicated half tank level are 230 miles or so, then around town short 10 minute trips and even at idle several times for 20 minutes each.
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If I were wanting extra battery capacity for occational use I would go to a larger battery such as the AGM 105AH LifeLine deep cycle battery from Concord, it has 1100 CCA IIRC, and 105AH is about twice the juice of a regular car battery. The 105AH AGM batery weighs around 70lb, but is normal car battery size except about 2 inched longer, It would fit with at most a battery tray adjustment. Note: AGM starting batteries can withstand deep cycling much better than old "bucket-of-acid" style batteries. The Optima Starting battery is rated for 50 deep cycles.
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Fluids: I am going to use all RedLineOil for transfer case, tranmission, axles, and power steering, but what fluids are best for coolant and brake fluid?
For brake fluid I've been using the valvoline syntec semi-synthetic dot3/dot4.
Also had good luck with the yellow containers of Delphi DOT 5.1 fluid.
-mike
At a minimum I would also swap out the antifreeze. If you want to baby your AT, assuming you have one, you may also want to have them do a fluid swap on it. Same for the brake fluid.
Steve, Host
Thanks
At the time, mine had a blown brake light bulb. Paisan on this forum had the same thing with his and it turned out to be a brake light fuse.
I did check the brake lights and they work fine. I will check the other electrical items though. I saw a post on another site mentioning hard shifting happening on a Rodeo and cause was altenator voltage spikes. Other than this problem the Trooper has been the best car I ever had.
Just figured I'd drop a quick line to let you know that I dropped T-3 (my 2001 Trooper LTD 4WD) off for his 60k service this am....only at 59k right now, but brought him in early b/c he was lunging at lights - sit there w/the brake on and he'd kick up to 2k rpm....which makes for an interesting drive to work...
Anyway, initial estimate is $450 for the 60k service, but I held off on doing the timing belt which would've been another $380...will let ya'll know how it goes...
-Cobbo
Here's the announcement on the new Holden Adventra - http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/news?categoryID=5&- articleID=895
Holden Jackaroo (Isuzu Trooper) is still there, now being built by Isuzu plants in Thailand and the Phillipines.
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replace fluids:
Brake Fluid
Rear Diff 80W140 Redline
Front Diff 75W90 RedLine
Transmission MTL RedLine
Transfer Case MTL RedLine
Power Steering High Temp ATF RedLine
Engine Oil 10W30 Valvoline Synpower
Coolant with Water Wetter RedLine
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Then do the 1st time in this state Emissions Test.
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Check front wheel bearings, if loose repack, if not leave them alone.
Thanks in advance
Of course, the decision is yours.
Tom
They are anxiouxly awaiting the arrival of the GDI (direct injection) Axiom. (Me too!)
Here's some info:
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/inter/technology/GDI/page2.htm- - l
This lower-MPG, higher-horsepower engine technology will also be an option on the 2004 Rodeo.
The Isuzu dealer also mentioned the proposed 7 passenger, 3rd row seating SUV due out in 2006. It will also have the GDI V6 and I was told it will essentialy be an import of Thailand's "Panther". Whatever they call it, it will fill the gap left by the Trooper.
Panther info:
http://www.isuzu.co.jp/world/product/suv/panther.html
Other encouraging Isuzu gossip is this article which shows that Isuzu USA won't go away without a fight.
http://waw.wardsauto.com/ar/auto_isuzus_turnaround/index.htm
Cool stuff!
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Mine had overhead cam and rockers with manual adjusters to limit the ticking, mine never had the ticking, I checked the clearance a couple times anyway to make sure it was OK.
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A friend of mine back then, had an older Chevy LUV truck with the same 1.9L engine. He rebuilt his heads only and the engine ran like new, he was amazd how nice it ran.
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My 1.9L had crankcase pressure after all those miles. Once I left the oil fill cap off, and the oil mist shot up and coated the open hood.
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My 1984 had a manual 4-speed transmission. It was the best shifting car I have ever shifted.
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I bought mine new with an extended engine warrantee because I thought there was no way the little 1.9L would hold up to pulling the 3000 lb. Trooper all over the place.
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I once when new tried to start the engine when it was already running, it was that quiet.
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Things that wore out: the water pump got a slow drip after only 140K miles, so I changed the belts forthe first time even though they looked fine. Later the alternator stopped having high enough output, so I put in a rebuilt one. The under carburator throttle plate developed enlarged holes where the shaft went through, I put on a new throttle plate.
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Oil consumption: At first none. Later after 30K miles 1qt. in a 3000 mile oil change. Toward 200K miles 1qt. in 1000 miles.
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Despite the little engine, the 1984 Trooper felt rel peppy, kind of eager to go. Off road it took me everywhere I wanted to go. I probably put several thousand mile off road on that Trooper all over the western USA. The feel off road was like a tightly suspended bicycle, light and happy to go not heavy and slogging like some cushy SUVs.
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I drove it to Alaska once. I put 6000 miles on it in 2 weeks. The windshield got lots of chips, but the PVC and screen over 1/2" square chicken wire "brush guard" I made for it and painted to match the unpainted bumper worked great.
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Top speed down hill with a tail wind and several minutes to build up to it was just beyond the speedometer's peg of 85 mph. I did that twice both times while passing.
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I had it up to the doors in mud/sand/edge of a drop off into a lake and the tires were already deflated for traction, I had so much traction at the tires that I could not turn them at all, the clutch started to smoke, so I traded ice water in the desert for help from a guy with a big GM Blazer at noon, after going door to door 25 miles away asking to borrow more chains etc.. my 1984 Trooper was agian free. Stuck at noon, working hard on it until midnight, then I drove 4 hours to sleep in a barn on top of peach boxes.
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THat's enough wonderful memories from a trusty old Trooper to hold you for now. Sorry for the long post for those of you who like them short.