Isuzu box truck sitting for about 2 years, what issues will I find?

Christopher

Christopher

Moderator
I did some heavy equipment washing for a contractor yesterday and found out that he has an Isuzu box truck that has the Diesel engine, tommy lift and the box is either 14' or 16'.

It has been sitting for about 2 years as he does not use it anymore but he is interested in selling it at a good price.

It has about 200k miles and I am worried about the engine.

He told me that the engine runs great and he would take it out of town no problem but it has been sitting a while now.

Not sure what transmission it has.

Have any of you bought trucks that have been sitting for a while and got them running and used them?

What kind of issues do you think I would have if I bought this truck?

Thanks.
 
Chris you would need to change all the fluids and filters and flush the fuel tank. Check the air filter canister for dirt the turbo diesels need clean air if it has been run alot with a dirty filter it could have a bad turbo. Check around the boots on the turbo look for any leaking oil thats a tell tale sign of a blown turbo. 200,000 isn't nothing for a maintained isuzu diesel engine. When you get it running pull the oil fiier cap put your hand on the opening to see if you have alot of blow by thats a good indicator of a worn out diesel. Dont pay more than 1500 dollars.
 
$1,500! Wow, that's cheap. Isuzu says you should expect 300k miles before an overhaul. I've seen them with 550k before major problems. However, apparently there is a problem with the rod closest to the turbo.
We are in the market at the moment as well!
 
Thanks for the info.

He mentioned about $2500 but it has been sitting and I am thinking that sitting around here close to the salt water it is probably very rusty as I have not seen it.

I am having a bad feeling just thinking about this truck.

Thanks guys.
 
Chris my old isuzu had 27500 when i sold it and its still being driven from time to time now.The transmisson could be a weak link if its not been serviced.Come to nc my nieghbor has one in great shape he retired and just parked it .I like it but since i already have one it wouldnt go over well if you know what i mean.
 
Kiloman said:
Chris my old isuzu had 27500 when i sold it and its still being driven from time to time now.The transmisson could be a weak link if its not been serviced.Come to nc my nieghbor has one in great shape he retired and just parked it .I like it but since i already have one it wouldnt go over well if you know what i mean.
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Hal, I might have to take you up on that. I'm supposed to visit the Charlotte area before the year ends.
 
Transmission should shift very smooth. If it jumps between gears, you will soon need to change the solenoids or replace the entire tranny. I had a bad tranny recently due to abusive driver. I paid $1800 for a good used one including labor for same day service, it may be cheaper if you have time to find a better deal.
As Greg said, around 200k miles usually turbos may have issues, EGR valve may go bad but its easy and cheap fix. If EGR valve is bad you will see it covered with black smoke due to getting stuck open and truck can stall and lose power and the exhaust brake will not work (it will shut the engine off before stopping) if that's the case. The EGR valve is right on top of the engine.
Remove the air filter and touch the walls of the filter housing if there is a lot of dust or dirt built on the bottom that may be a bad sign. Also check for oil in the overfill water tank and creamy water condense on the oil cap. In that case stay away..
Another common issues at this mileage:
brakes: rear need re adjustment or shoes replacement. If rear brakes are not adjusted in time, fronts will do all the work and will wear out prematurely. Damaged brake calipers/rear drums are pricey replacement and labor cost.
front wheel king pins: they get loose, once you lift up the cab you can see if they are worn. This will make tires wear much faster and alignment will be pointless. In this case you will feel steering quite loose... Labor for this is very pricey, however truck can work like that for a while.
The rest issues I have encountered are not essential.

D.
 
Thanks Dimitar.

I think I will pass on this truck and keep on looking.
 
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