TIPS - How to Deal with the Miss-Positioned Inclinometer

For the 1988 and above Trooper owners, surely are familiar to the case which oftenly occur to the indicator panel located at the top center of dashboard, that serves as thermometer, altimeter and inclinometer. But these indicators, especially the inclinometer, sometimes get us into trouble when the ball position stays in the wrong position so it shows only a white area instead of the actual inclinometer indicator. For some people, it doesn't really matter at all, but for others it is quite disturbing. So what is the solution to this problem?

One solution to overcome this problem has been posted by Stephen Ellim, one of the KTI member in the mailing list, with steps as follows:

1. Remove the panel fromthe bracket and dismantle the inclinometer indicator.
2. Try to shake/move the panel to move the ball in the correct position.
3. There is small hole at the back side. Fill it with oil until full (we can use baby oil)
4. At ball, there is small groove. If the indicator position is correct, the groove will be located just below the hole.
5. Use pin or paper clip, bend it, and close the hole
6. Close it by using epoxy glue or other adhesives that are resistant to oil.

This condition normally occurs when the indicator panel is placed or hanged when we remove the panel during the body painting process, or at the time when we disassemble the dashboard for a particular reason. Therefore, to prevent this happen, we should always put the indicator panel in upright position.

Happy trying!!

Source of article and photos: Stefanus Ellim, Trooper Indonesia mailing list, 05-2010

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Ball Joint Flip - Overcome the Front Ground Clearance

For the Trooper owners who need more ground clearance in order to use larger tire size (eg. 31 x 10.5 or bigger), ground clearance of the factory default standard will be an obstacle. The most easiest way to overcome this without any additional modification is to rotate the front wheel torsion suspension, and to press the rear leaf springs. This is to gain more enough ground clearance so the bigger tires will not bump to the fender. 

However, based on experience, both solution are not effective enough. Turning the front torsion suspension will sacrifice the comfortability of the suspension system due to the reduction of the torsion margin, also technically will make the high slope angle of the axle which can reduce the lifetime of the axle and the free hub. Pressing the rear leaf springs will also affect their strength and reduce the level of comfort.

One solution to overcome the ground clearance problems especially for the front tires is the ball joint flip method.  Ball joint method is a method where recently is considered most appropriate, economical and effective, and has been applied by many colleagues who join the Indonesian Trooper Community, especially those who often go for light off-road. In addition, this method will compromise the Trooper's standard suspension system, considered safe and not sacrificing the strength of the standard suspension system. 

The detail 'How-To' of the Ball Joint Flip can be seen on article wrote by Tad Gosvenor at Planet Isuzoo.Com.

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Aluminium Window Frame

For the Chevrolet Trooper, especially the 3 doors version  of both Short Wheel Base and Long Wheel Base, the rear-side window frame is one of a rare component. If you have these frame rusty or corroded and need to be replaced, you will have a difficulty to find the brand new item in the market and if these component exist, the price will be very expensive. 

There is one solution that can be considered to overcome this. It is by using the window frame made of aluminium which is anti-corrosion material and the price is still relatively affordable. Mr. Hari Hananto from Surabaya on his posting on the Trooper Indonesia mailing list, mentioned that he was able to make this aluminium window frame for his Chevrolet Trooper with only 600 thousand Rupiah which was manufactured directly in one of the aluminium factory in Surabaya.

Article source: Hari Hananto, Trooper Indonesia mailinglist

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Engine and Frame Number on Chevrolet Trooper 1984 - 1995

For Diesel Engine

On Chevrolet Trooper with C223 Diesel Engine, the engine number is located between the cylinder block and the water pump, right below the power steering pump bracket. In Indonesia, the engine and frame number are required when we need to extend the vehicle license by swiping the paper above it. So to make it easier to swipe, the power steering bracket need to be removed and also the pulley and the fan.

For Gasoline Engine

For the Trooper with gasoline engine, the location of the number is located between the engine block and the transmission block head. It is on the left side below the spark plug no.4

Frame Number

The frame number is located on the back side of the chasis near the arch of the frame. The position is covered by the rear tyre, so to make it easier to swipe, the tyre need to be removed.

Source: Trooper Indonesia mailinglist

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Diesel Fuel Heater

The imperfect combustion process will be a problem in the development effort of diesel engine's performance. Non homogen air-fuel mixing process is one of the factors which cause the imperfect combustion.

Diesel fuel heating can improve the combustion process to increase the power and decrease the fuel consumption optimally.

Complete article (in Bahasa) can be downloaded at: Mechanical Engineering Journal, Petra Christian University

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Some E-Book Links for the ISUZU 4J-Series References

Some reference links about ISUZU 4J-Series engines

ISUZU Workshop Manual for 4Jxx Series (Caution! 9 Mb files)

ISUZU 4J Diesel Engine - Part 1 (Page 1 - 60)

ISUZU 4J Diesel Engine - Part 2 (Page 62 - 114)

ISUZU 4J Diesel Engine - Part 3 (Page 115 - 123)

ISUZU 4J Diesel Engine - Part 4 ( Page 124 - 184)

Automotive Timing Belt Product List

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