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Welcome to 2022 - What Have We Been Up To

It has been a while since I posted and here is an update on what we have been doing lately. Firstly, the Isuzu MU Wizard has been grounded. There is a leak in the head gasket which is forcing pressure into the cooling system. This has resulted in radiator bursting.  After repairing the radiator for a second time, I decided to ground the vehicle. However, we have also purchased a Toyota Hilux LN106 double cab.  The truck is a base model and does not come with the extra features you might find like air conditioning or cup holders...but it is one of the best light trucks ever. Anyway, back to the MU Wizard, we are hoping to put some work into the truck this year and hopefully get her back on the road. This will include replacing the head gaskets ( or we might just do a rebuild ) and getting its four wheel axles (front axles) back.  I've also set my eyes on putting sound deadener and getting the air condition control unit fixed.  Its a lot of work, but we already have a sponsor willing
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Service Data for the Isuzu MU Wizard

While doing research for my Isuzu MU Wizard (UCS69), I found that there was not that much information freely available online. It was also very difficult to find the owners' manual. In the end, I downloaded a PDF copy of a scanned manual which was shared on www.planetisuzoo.com . If you are new to Isuzu vehicles, then this is best place to start.  Anyway, I've decided to share the basic service data from the booklet here in the hopes that it will make your life easier when doing service for your Isuzu.  This is basically for the 4JG2 engine model.  Item Capacity Replacement Period Recommended Brand Brake fluid Below maximum level on the tank Every 2 years   ATF 8.0L Every 2 years   Transfer oil 1.45L Every 40,000 km (2 years)   Front differential oil 1.5L Every 40,000 km (2 years)   Rear differential oil 1.8L Every 40,000 km (2 years)   Wheel bearing grease   Every 40,000 km   Engine oil Approx 7.3L Every 5,000 km   Oi
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The Cost of Replacing Ball Joints and Wheel Bearings

In my last post I shared about replacing the ball joints and outer wheel bearings for the Isuzu MU Wziard. However, I forgot to give a run down on the costs. In this post, I share how much it cost me to get the job done - especially the parts.  The main cost associated with this was the parts. I sourced all the parts from Pacific Engineering & Repairs Ltd; they have lowest prices in town (IMO) - and no they are not sponsoring this post.  So here is a run down. The ball joints cost the most at K352.00 (US$80) for bother right and left.    Then the bearings came at K77 (US$18) for both sides, and I also had to get some grease at K27.50 (US$7).    I also had to spend around K50 (US$12) for food, drinks etc so in total I spent around K506.50 (US$117). Mind you, this is just an estimate because labor basically free.  Anyways, I just thought I'd share that with you.  Lukim yu!  
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Ball Joints and Wheel Bearings Replaced

So after a long hiatus we have finally started some work on our Isuzu MU Wizard. The first thing we did was replace the ball joints.  The ball joints had reached the point where it would fall off any time. It would squeak whenever I hit a hump/bump or turned a corner. This led to me grounding the Wizard for almost 6 months.  I know its a long time but I was caught up with work that there was very little time during the day to work on the SUV. Fortunately, I'm starting 2021 with catching up with the vehicle's maintenance.  Last week we replaced all the ball joints and outer wheel bearings. All parts were sourced from Pacific Engineering in Port Moresby.  The ball joints did not require special tools - ball joint puller, etc - but it did require some elbow grease and breaker bar.  While the ball joints were out, we also decided to check the wheel bearings - and yes - they were also kaput. We ended up replacing them as well. We have also identified that the tie rods need replaceme
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Replacement Parts List Update

So I am updating the list of replacement parts that I need to get for my Isuzu MU Wizard. Most of the priority parts are suspension parts. Here is a list. Suspension parts rear coil springs rear shock absorbers full suspension bushings (front and rear) The reason I am putting suspension parts as a priority is because I can hear squeaking when the vehicle drives. I have already replaced the front and rear shock absorbers but I had to modify the later because the bottom bushings did not fit. I had bought a part that would fit an Isuzu pickup. The front I used shocks for the Trooper (Bighorn) which fit perfectly. I have also been thinking of getting used coil springs from Trooper wrecks. However, I am reluctant because I think it would be worth putting in new coils - they last longer. I'm going to try and get my hands on new ones - wreckers will be a last resort for suspension parts. I am also going to replace the rear bump stops. I only noticed a week ago that they
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A Trip to the Baruni Wreckers

Last weekend I visited Baruni Wreckers to find parts for the Isuzu MU Wizard. The vehicle has been sitting at my office car park for months and its about time I resumed my journey into making her beautiful again. My ultimate dream is to restore her to her former glory. Unfortunately, there are other expenses that need to be considered, parts to be sourced and time to actually do the work (which I don't have much these days). Anyway, it was my cousin Daniel who took me to the wreckers. He has been there several times sourcing second hand parts for his Toyota Hilux Surf (2.8 Turbo Diesel) so when he suggested we check the wreckers, I immediately jumped at the idea. It was disappointing that I could not find any Isuzu MU Wizard or Holden Frontera in the yard so we had to improvise and I bought parts from an Isuzu Trooper. The parts we purchased were a torsion bar on the driver side and the rear sway (stabilizer) bar which is broken. The wreckers is a treasure trove for
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I Am Starting a Video Blog (Vlogging)

So recently decided to start a video blog for repairs on the Isuzu MU Wizard and writing can can be a bit time consuming. I am using a Lenovo K320t smartphone which does not have the best camera - but should do for now. I am also using FilmoraGo to edit the videos on my phone. Here is my first video.
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