100/105 (1FZ-FE?) engine longevity?

[ISUZUROVER]

Some friends have a 100/105 series petrol (dual fuel) - pretty sure it has a solid front which would make it a 105 series.

It has done 230k km. It has been serviced regularly while they have owned it.

Their mechanic says it needs a full engine rebuild. He knows they have NFI about cars, so I suspect he may be pulling their leg...

So - how long would you expect from one of these engines used mostly for short trips and run on LPG?

How easy is it to do a compression test on one? (i.e. how easy is it to access the plugs, and is there anything special, etc...).

The only problem they have noticed is the economy (on LPG - haven't checked petrol) is worse - but that could be any number of things...

[PGS 4WD]

The heads do fail on LPG, valve recession and and guide wear, but the bottom ends go and go, watch for the integrity of the deck when removing the head as they can be pitted. I'd think at those klms all your issues will be in the head.


Cheers

Joel

[xxxhilux]

its very hard to say how long an engine will last as there are may things that can go wrong.
if they are unsure they should take it to another machinic
a comprestion test is not hard to but it can take some time to get to the glow plugs and u need the proper equipment to test this. probly should get it gone by pros

[dumbdunce]

...
a comprestion test is not hard to but it can take some time to get to the glow plugs and u need the proper equipment to test this. probly should get it gone by pros

it's a petrol engine. the plugs are easily accessibe by removing the plastic covers on the top of the rocker cover. air intake pipe has to come off.

they do suffer horrendous valve seat recession on LPG if they don't have an upper cylinder lubrication system installed. at those km it should be rectifiabe by adjusting shims to spec and fitting a drip lube system. a full rebuild is a big call just on spec of it using a bit too much fuel. probably just needs a tune. That said, the 105 is a big vehicle and the 1FZ-FE is underpowered for it, if it has been used for towing especially if it's an auto it could be near worn out.

[RUFF]

its very hard to say how long an engine will last as there are may things that can go wrong.
if they are unsure they should take it to another machinic
a comprestion test is not hard to but it can take some time to get to the glow plugs and u need the proper equipment to test this. probly should get it gone by pros

Its a petrol engine it doesnt have glo plugs.

Ben as Joel said the bottom ends rarely have issues. They are good for 500K+ But on gas the heads do have issues. The Valve guide seals also suffer from premiture failure commonly on these with or without Gas. I would get a second opinion.

[ISUZUROVER]

Thanks guys - much appreciated!!!!

Had a look tonight and it is a 1998 model 105 series. Seems they got lucky when they bought it.

I suspect it just needs the valve stem seals done. I assume it will blow a bit of smoke on startup if they are worn???

How easy is it to replace them in-situ???

The owners are keen to learn how to maintain/work on everything themselves. So I will probably give them a hand/show them how to do it. Where is the best place to get a workshop manual from?

[4by]

I have the same engine that's done 320,000k. 150,000k of that on LPG.

First make sure there is a problem and get a second / third opinion.

The head will eventually suffer problems being on LPG, but I would have this fixed by a professional. Get a reco LPG head and all is okay. I've heard it can be done for $2,000 - $2,500. Some say up to $3,500. Doing this yourself can be pretty tricky.

[dumbdunce]

...

The head will eventually suffer problems being on LPG...

not necessarily. running LPG without an upper cylinder lubrication system may cause problems. trying to run the LPG too lean for better economy will definitely cause problems. if the LPG is tuned properly and an upper cylinder lubrication system is installed, the engine should not wear any faster than it would on petrol.

by far the largest contributors to engine life are the driver's technique and maintenance habits. this goes for any engine, not just a 1FZ.

[4by]

...

The head will eventually suffer problems being on LPG...

not necessarily. running LPG without an upper cylinder lubrication system may cause problems. trying to run the LPG too lean for better economy will definitely cause problems. if the LPG is tuned properly and an upper cylinder lubrication system is installed, the engine should not wear any faster than it would on petrol.

by far the largest contributors to engine life are the driver's technique and maintenance habits. this goes for any engine, not just a 1FZ.

I hope your right, cause that should mean I shouldn't have any problems with mine.......don't like the idea of spending a few thousand on a head.......