Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'89 Isuzu Pick-up, Gross Polluter
Q:
I have an
89 Isuzu pick up which burns a quart of oil every 300-400 miles,
does this mean I need to rebuild or replace my engine? What could be the
possible causes? This truck is now on gross polluter status.
A:
A
vehicle as old as your Isuzu could be in need of a rebuilt engine. Oil
consumption of the level you mention is a good indicator of internal engine
wear. Before you think about investing in a rebuilt engine youd
better do two things. First, check on the market value of your Isuzu,
sadly a vehicle of that age has a low market value. Such a low value that
a rebuilt engine alone will likely surpass the value of the vehicle. Then
youll have labor and many parts that do not come with a rebuilt
engine. Second, if you really need to go with a rebuilt engine then have
the vehicle inspected for other possible service needs. Add the two costs
together and youll have a good idea what its going to take to revitalize
or recycle your gross polluter.
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