Jackaroo problems.

Joined: 12 Jan 2010 Location: Melbourne

Hi everyone I'm new to the forum and from what I've seen I like it. Maybe some of you more knowlegable folks can help me out here. I have a 1988 DLX Jackaroo with a 4 cylinder Isuzu motor, the motor has a big mileage (325.000) but until recently was going well, not burning or leaking oil. Last Easter my YB and myself done a 7k round trip to Northern SA and the old girl performed perfectly until we got 50ks from home when it started to over heat. Got home and parked it and let it sit for a few weeks as I use my Motor bike for day to day transport. Then I used it for a few local trips with no drama, it would still run hot but not off the guage, it would blow steam back into the overflow bottle and various mates told me the head gasket was stuffed. There was no water in the sump or oil in the water so then it was decided my thermostat was stuffed. Before I could investigate a strange thing happened, after a short local trip to the shops I reversed into the drive way and switched of the ignition, when I tried to start it the next day all I got was a strange, horrible noise from the starter motor. I tried to tow start it to get it into the garage but when I dropped the clutch it locked the back wheels and snapped the tow rope. Now it feels like the motor has siezed but how can this be, it was idleing perfectly the day before when I turned it off. I have had engines lock up on me before and you usually know about it so how can this happen sitting in the drive way overnight. I will have to get it going soon as I will be needing a 4x4 from next month onwards so before I start pulling it apart has anyone any idea's, how hard is it to find a replacement engine or what transplants are available at reasonable cost. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

Joined: 18 May 2009 Location: mornington

The cylinder has filled up with water. Hydraulic locking the engine.

Joined: 14 Nov 2003 Location: Roma Q

I'll watch this thread with great interest, mate has a Jack with the same motor. Had major head problems, rebuilt under partial warranty, diesel leaking into the cooling system through faulty o rings in the fixed head. Trying to find a suitable replacement motor.

Joined: 09 Nov 2004 Location: Lilydale

Remove the glow plugs under the foam between the inlet manifold and rocker cover. Hand crank it over and see if anything comes out.
Becareful, the glow plugs have a habit of breaking when trying to undo them.

Andy