Isuzu Trooper Owners Club UK™

RTTT265 · Newbie Joined: 30 Aug 2011 Posts: 1 Location: New Zealand

Hi,

Im new to the forum and Isuzus, probably should post a new topic, but I have found this one the most informative on the net with regards to the SOTF.

I have a 97, 3.1 manual diesel trooper, SOTF, and lever actuated transfer.

Since I have had the truck you have to stop to select 4H, having all the wheels of the ground, I came to the conclusion that the front actuator
was stuck engaged.

2H rear wheels only spin, 4H front wheels spin. I broke a CV 4 wheeling, the 4wd worked fine and did seem to go in and out of 2H and 4H
as long as you were stationary.

My problem started when I removed the fixed flange front hubs and went to manual hubs, still in 2H driving around, every now and then a loud grinding noise would start
from a few seconds to maybe 30 seconds. Then quiet again, sometimes not at all, and seemed more likely when cold.

I realised in the last couple of days that, running in 4H in stopped the noise hubs unlocked, or 2H is quiet hubs locked.

If the transfer case is not spinning the front shaft ( 2H ), and hubs are unlocked, why would it grind, maybe a stupid question, any help much appreciated.

I was thinking maybe it is not coming out of 4H until the front actuator is out, since mine might not be working properly, the front shaft may still be spinning
in 2H, and now the actuator is randomly still trying to disconnect the front axle, but with manual hubs they are not up to speed? hence the grinding? I dont know........

Chris, NZ

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mojo353 · Newbie Joined: 26 Sep 2011 Posts: 1 Location: Ireland

steviebax · ** Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 118 Location: Wiltshire

Hi.

I have a trooper with SOTF 4x4. When driving in 2wd mode the 4x4 light on the dash flashes. When you press the 4x4 light it turns solid however the front axels aren't engaged.

How can this be ?? I thought the front axles had to be engaged so the 4x4 ecu would get the signal to turn the dash light solid ??

Can anyone suggest what the problem maybe ??

Steve

Rhanagar · Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 14:40 Post subject:

The front drivers side axle is always connected to the front dii. The front wheels have fixed hubs to the axles. The front passenger axxle comes in 2 halves and is disconnected by the front actuator (pictured earlier) in 2wd. When you go 4wd the front actuator connects both halves of the front passenger axle. What you most probably have here is either the switch on the front actuator is jammed, or the washer (Vauxhall sump plug washer from halfords) is missing, or the front actuator is jammed knackered.

To check the switch get yourself a 24mm ring spanner and take it off. It is a 2 wire lead from it. Disconnect the lead and remove the switch taking care not to lose the washer if it is there. Claean it up using WD40 especially the ball on the end. Check it makes/breaks continuity with a multimeter when the ball is pushed in. Replace once your sure its working fine aking sure you use the washer. If you stil have issues then I would investigate the actuator itself.

To check the actuator is working fine jack up the front passenger wheel and rest the truck on an axle stand. Double check the truck is out of gear and turn the front passenger wheel. Look at the front propshaft and it should be stationary in 2wd. Start the truck and select 4wd and do the same. The front propshaft should now turn. If the results are different then your front actuator is faulty.
_________________
1990 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.I 2.8TD Manual Lotus Edition
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto Lotus Edition

Deceased
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto LS

steviebax · ** Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 118 Location: Wiltshire

Thanks.

I'll try all those tests.

I have however just checked to see if there is any vacuum at the actuator pipes and l can feel nothing on either pipe. I removed both pipes from the actuator and put my finger on the end of each pipe in turn and l can't feel a vacuum on either of them?

Could this be the issue cause the actuator test won't work if l don't have a vacuum to begin with.

Maybe l should replace all the vacuum piping but l dont know what mm size l need or length - any ideas ?? For a 98 trooper.

p.s l also checked the vsv valves with a vsv from the engine preheater within the engine bay (next to brake reservoir driverside) Just took blue one off but because l'm and idiot l forgot which pipe goes to which connector on the blue vsv. Can someone send me a piccy of theres or a description. I have one pipe with a stripe on for starters.

Cheers

Steve

Rhanagar · Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 20:12 Post subject:

I would say then on of your VSV's is jammed. There is a piping diagram on the first page.
_________________
1990 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.I 2.8TD Manual Lotus Edition
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto Lotus Edition

Deceased
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto LS

Rhanagar · Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 20:14 Post subject:

Oh and you would need about 6 metres of 4mm ID silicone hose to change the lot.
_________________
1990 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.I 2.8TD Manual Lotus Edition
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto Lotus Edition

Deceased
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto LS

steviebax · ** Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 118 Location: Wiltshire

Cheers. I'll get some piping off eebuygum.

I followed your procedure and checked the vsv's - they seemed fine. As l mentioned l replaced them with the working (known to be working vsv's) from inside the engine bay. But had the same result.

Then l checked the vacuum on the pipes going into the vsv's using the manual instructions ( which is on this website somewhere) Put a vacuum tester on a pipe going into the blue vsv and blocked off a pipe going into the grey vsv etc. Still no vacuum registering.

Think l'm going to have to replace the piping. Could it be the vacuum tank ?? Where is the vacuum tank ??

Steve

Rhanagar · Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 20:53 Post subject:

I would start with the pipe coming off the altenator (if a diesel) or the inlet (If a petrol) and work your way along the system. Each time check for vacuum.
_________________
1990 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.I 2.8TD Manual Lotus Edition
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto Lotus Edition

Deceased
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto LS

steviebax · ** Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 118 Location: Wiltshire

Will do.

Thanks very much.

Steve

steviebax · ** Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 118 Location: Wiltshire

Hi.

I keep hearing that the vacuum pump is on the back of the alternator ??

I have a 3.0td trooper citation 4JX1

steviebax · ** Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 118 Location: Wiltshire

Sorry - pressed submit by accident.

Anyway. I have a 3.0td citation s reg DIESEL - UBS73 4JX1 engine.

Trying to find the vacuum pump for the 4x4 system ??? I have no vacuum in the 4x4 system and am replacing all the pipes.

People have told me its on the back of the alternator ?? Well my alternator doesn't look like there is anything on the back of it at all. Could the pump be somewhere else on my engine type ?? Where is the pump ???

p.s - someone also asked me if my brakes were working ok - they are working fine.

Steve

MikT725 · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 20:50 Post subject:

Just a quick note not sure if its already been clarified but both the VSVs on axle have 12V to them when in 2WD and both have 0V in 4WD

(apologies if someone has already pointed this out)
_________________
1999 3.1td SWB Trooper. RIP
2004 3.1td LWB

Rhanagar · Posted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 12:08 Post subject:

BabyBella · * Joined: 18 Jul 2011 Posts: 11 Location: Worcestershire

hi everyone!!!

wondering if anyone can help....?

Ive now got a 3.0 dohc 2001 trooper commercial, 4wd light flashes when in 2wd constantly, but it is in 2wd........ i believe?

When you press the 4wd button the 4wd engages and the light stays on.

So the problem is 2wd witth the 4wd light flashing......... what and where can this problem be? i am a girl so please be nice!

Smile