Isuzu Diesel Engine

[EvanCole45]

Hey guys,
I know this isn't the best website for this question but there are a ton of knowledgable people on here that give quick responses. I was wondering if you all could give me some knowledge on the Isuzu 4LE1 motor. It's the 4 cylinder 2.2L diesel and I have the opportunity to buy one for cheap from an 87 Isuzu pickup with 170k miles. I have no clue what I would do with it but I'm intrigued by diesels even though I don't know much about them and it would be cool to have one for a future project.
Is the 4LE1 a reliable engine?
Is there/ where could I find aftermarket support for it?
Is it simple to work on?
Has anyone swapped this into a Ranger?
Thanks!

EDIT: the engine I'm talking about may also be called the c223. It's a 1987 so I'd appreciate if someone knew which one.

 

[Curious Hound]

I don't know anything about that engine. I would think Isuzu probably makes some decent stuff. Pair that with the right manual transmission backed up by a doubler and transfer case by Advance Adaptors. Then put a Dana 35 in the front and 8.8 in the rear, both with 5.13 gears and lockers and I think we could go somewhere - almost anywhere - just not very fast.

 

[EvanCole45]

I don't know anything about that engine. I would think Isuzu probably makes some decent stuff. Pair that with the right manual transmission backed up by a doubler and transfer case by Advance Adaptors. Then put a Dana 35 in the front and 8.8 in the rear, both with 5.13 gears and lockers and I think we could go somewhere - almost anywhere - just not very fast.

That would be sweet with an emphasis on not very fast. I was also thinking it would be cool in a flat bed Ranger as a farm truck or something.

 

[Dirtman]

Its an 80's Japanese diesel. Might make 75 horsepower. Id consider one for a standby generator but for a truck... eh... why?

 

[EvanCole45]

Its an 80's Japanese diesel. Might make 75 horsepower. Id consider one for a standby generator but for a truck... eh... why?

Actually it makes 56 horsepower. I'm just really interested in the mechanically injected diesels and commercial diesels from that era and I can get a deal on this specific engine. There doesn't seem to be many parts available for them so I'm thinking its not such a great idea. Maybe it's a little gutless but some guy on YouTube seems to have fun with his Predator 212 swapped Dodge Ram lmao

 

[JMF661]

I’m fairly certain Isuzu was/is known for at least making dependable Diesel engines, outside of that anecdote I have no idea or experience with their small engines.

 

[bobbywalter]

Had one in a luv. Bullet proof.


Slower the steam off shit.

 

[Ramcharger90]

You can most likely use a GM transmission behind it maybe a 4L30E izuzu used that 60° gm corporate bell for alot of North American cars and suvs same as the 2.8 s10 bell. so maybe if its geared correctly it could get up and go of course if its a turned up it should be mechanical instead of computer controlled.

 

[19Walt93]

I've never had good experience with anything Isuzu built. One of our fleet customers had a bunch of Isuzu cab over diesel trucks that were unreliable money pits.We sold a few used Isuzu's that we took in trade and had nothing but problems with them. If you can attach it to the bed floor so it doesn't move around it might make good ballast.

 

[Blmpkn]

I've never had good experience with anything Isuzu built. One of our fleet customers had a bunch of Isuzu cab over diesel trucks that were unreliable money pits.We sold a few used Isuzu's that we took in trade and had nothing but problems with them. If you can attach it to the bed floor so it doesn't move around it might make good ballast.

Tell him to service his trucks more? We had 10 or so Isuzu cab-overs at work and they certainly weren't unreliable money pits. They more or less got replaced for superficial reasons..they looked (were) old as dirt and the company couldn't have that. So we wasted a ton of money on all new Chevy 4500s which get 8 miles a gallon, get blown all over when your behind a tractor trailer on the turnpike, and have a mile larger turning radius than the old trucks.

We miss them. We do like the a/c in the new trucks though so

 

[EvanCole45]

You can most likely use a GM transmission behind it maybe a 4L30E izuzu used that 60° gm corporate bell for alot of North American cars and suvs same as the 2.8 s10 bell. so maybe if its geared correctly it could get up and go of course if its a turned up it should be mechanical instead of computer controlled.

It would come with the Isuzu 5 speed behind it so I’d be set for a transmission

 

[Dirtman]

Isuzu is a fun word to say.

 

[bobbywalter]

Well what are you waiting for.