Desperate!!!!

[Spoons]

Tony, anyone,

I really need some help on this.

Some time ago (about 18 months to be precise) my diesel Rodeo ute developed a problem. It sometimes absolutely refused to start. It would wind over every time but not fire. Took it to my mechanic who decided the lift pump was not working and replaced it. Still not fixed. Next time he replaced something (that long ago I cant remember what it was). Still not fixed. This went on for quite a few months. He would replace something and declare it fixed. Still not fixed.

At about this time I decided to take the ute to the local diesel expert. He had about four goes at it. One effort saw my self installed alarm and central locking controller ditched (in the bin) because he reckoned it was an immobiliser. I had already explained on several ocassions it was nothing of the sort as I had installed it and knew what it did and didnt do. He also had an auto elec work on it who put a switch in to control the glow plugs, even after I told him I never, ever use the glow plugs. It is still hanging out of the dash by it's wires, where I found it when I picked the ute up. His last effort was to put a high pressure in line pump in the fuel line before the lift pump. Diesel knock was horrendous. It soon came out and is still sitting on my bench in the shed.

After all of this and about $2,000 I decided to try and figure it out myself (should have done that in the first place). After a lot of trial and error I figured it must be the fuel cutoff solenoid because every time it wouldnt start if I tapped on the body of the fuel pump it would start immediately. Back to the first thief who took my suggestion and replaced the solenoid. Hey presto, starts every time.

Now, here comes my problem. It starts every time but has no power. Yeah yeah, I know, it's a 2.8 Isuzu thats 14 years old and done 280k. It used to run like a bought one, not great on power but still plenty for what I use it for. Now, if I want to get up a hill (and I'm not talking that big a hill) I have to turn the A/C off, otherwise it really dies in the bum. Overtaking is OK if I turn the A/C off and have a dead straight road where I can see for about 5 clicks with no one coming. Flat stick with A/C on gets about 110 km/h max. A/C off maybe 115. Driving where I drive if your not sitting on at least 110 you will get driven over, apart ftom the frustration of driving up hills. Once the turbo spools up it has more power but nowhere near what it was.

Anyone, to save me curling up in the corner in the foetal position and sobbing uncontrollably, have any ideas? Anything? I am desperate. I have replaced the fuel filters (one on the lift pump and another straight after it), new air cleaner, fuel appears to flow well.

I know, it's a Patrol forum and we are talking about a Rodeo but I figure you lot probably have, collectively, more knowledge than the 2 thieves I have been to.

[YNOT]

A few questions first;

1, How old is the fuel in the tank? I get the idea it's probably reasonably fresh if you're still driving the car.

2, Have you checked the fuel pick up strainer in the tank?

3, Does it still have the original exhaust fitted?

4, Does it blow any black smoke under load?

Having spent $2k on this car already it seems like you're keen to hang on to it. I would be investing in boost and exhaust temp guages, these will tell you a lot about what your engine is doing.

The first thing I would try (because it costs nothing) is to drop the exhaust before the first muffler and go for a drive. (Note-You may need to knock up a small deflector/heatshield depending on where the exhaust is pointing so you don't start a fire under the car). If you have a blocked exhaust this will make a big difference. After that you really need the boost and pyro guages to diagnose further.

Tony

[Silver]

I googled turbo diesel rodeo lost power and got a few hits that looked interesting - I suppose you have done that already.

All I can add, not knowing nuffink about oil burners (apart from clapped out petrols with oil ring or valve stem seal issues :-) )

[the ferret]

have you had a good look at the aircleaner?

[Silver]

have you had a good look at the aircleaner?

Good points made by others above - and on the aircleaner issue, does it have two?

[Spoons]

Guys,

Thanks for the input.

Easy one's first. New air filter (singular), new fuel filters (plural).

1, How old is the fuel in the tank? I get the idea it's probably reasonably fresh if you're still driving the car. Fill tank every second day, drive nearly 200 km every week day. About 40 km of 60 - 80 km/h, the rest 100 km/h (or whatever the old girl manages).
2, Have you checked the fuel pick up strainer in the tank? Noo, not yet. Remove the plate which houses the sender unit ?

3, Does it still have the original exhaust fitted? No, 2 1/2 all the way through.

4, Does it blow any black smoke under load? Not great clouds, but some, especially when foot is flat to the floor trying to maintain speed.

Tony, I would agree with the boost and pyro guages but not on this old clunker. Just had them fitted on the Patrol. Much easier to see what is happening with the engine, especially when towing. Pyro does scare me sometimes though when I forget I'm towing the van. I now drive to the guages and get whatever speed it gives me (towing the van). Great investment. Will look at the exhaust on the weekend.

The problem only started as soon as the fuel solenoid was replaced. The thief obviously didn't take it for a drive or, if he did, couldn't care less.

[YNOT]

The problem only started as soon as the fuel solenoid was replaced.

This would suggest a fueling problem - lack of fuel. A pyro guage would be reading low if this was the issue.

Tony