TD5 head gasket gone at 230k - embrace the TD5 life or jump ship to the Isuzu board?

[Fubar]

I was hoping this would be a an easy choice....230k on the clock for 99' 130, the head gasket goes. "Hmmmm probably warped head I was thinking, will need a full mid life rebuild (coolers, hoses, etc the lot) while I'm in there. I'll be up for a few grand in parts....."

Well not quite...the heads straight and dandy. The plastic dowels show the shift and the coolant leak is visible between the block and the gasket on pot No 1. A $1000 bucks will see it doodling around again....$3000 in parts will see it sitting pretty for another 150-200k.

Sitting in front of the computer tonight pondering options....go all in on the TD5 for another 200k's or say thanks for the good times and jump ship to the Isuzu crowd.

Where was that post about just how much trouble the 4BD1T's are....?

[trout1105]

3K is pretty cheap or another 150-200k's of reliability

[Fubar]

What if I said I will be taking it for a lap of Oz next August-December and 6 months Europe & Africa in 2021?

[trout1105]

What if I said I will be taking it for a lap of Oz next August-December and 6 months Europe & Africa in 2021?

At least you will know that your engine won't give you any grief and you will also be aware of any other "quirks" that the truck has

[rangieman]

230K it aint even run in yet
Spent the bucks and keep it

[Fubar]

So upon close inspection the No 1 piston is 60 thou lower at the rear than the front, and 40 thou lower than the block.

It should sit level and proud of the block....so that's probably going to be a top to toe rebuild, the whole lot has to be pulled. I'd be mad not to rebuild everything while its out.

Still leaning towards keeping the TD5...we depart for a lap of Oz Sep 18 so other than the great annoyance of having the 130 laid up it is not an emergency yet.

I'm off to Camden on Sunday just to look at Defenders and contemplate my options.

Damn it.