The Isuzu 4JB1 2.8-liter diesel engine is assembled in Japan. This engine was used from 1988 to 1998 for popular Isuzu models: Trooper, Wizard and pickup Faster. Today on the market you can find a lot of its clones, produced by Chinese companies.
Isuzu is one of the oldest Japanese engineering plants with more than a century of history. Among the company’s products, diesel engines are especially distinguished. They are in demand in both automotive and shipbuilding industries due to their quality and good technical characteristics.
Application of the 4JB1 engine
The 4JB1 engine with a displacement of 2.8 liters is suitable for the following vehicles:
Isuzu:
- Elf
- Faster 3 (1992-1998)
- MU 1 (1989-1998)
- Trooper 1 (1988-1991)
- Wizard 1 (1992-1998)
Opel:
- Frontera 1 (1995-1996)
Also this engine can be found in some Chinese SUVs.
Engine characteristics
| Characteristics | 4JB1 unsupercharged | 4JB1T or 4JB1-TC |
|---|---|---|
| Modification | 4JB1 | 4JB1T or 4JB1-TC |
| Determined displacement | 2771 cm³ | 2771 cm³ |
| Power system | direct injection | direct injection |
| Engine power | 87 – 90 hp | 95 – 115 hp |
| Torque | 180 – 185 Nm | 220 – 235 Nm |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 | cast iron R4 |
| Cylinder head | cast iron 8v | cast iron 8v |
| Cylinder diameter | 93 mm | 93 mm |
| Piston stroke | 102 mm | 102 mm |
| Compression ratio | 18.2 | 18.1 |
| Engine Features | OHV | OHV, intercooler |
| Hydrocompensators | yes | no |
| Transmission of the timing gear | pinions | belt |
| Fasoregulator | no | no |
| Turbocharger | no | IHI RHB5 or RHF4 |
| What oil to use | 4.2 liters 5W-40 | 4.2 liters 5W-40 |
| Fuel type | diesel | diesel |
| Environmental class | EURO 1 | EURO 2/3 |
| Example service life | 450,000 km | 400,000 km |
Main features of Isuzu 4JB1 engine:
- The special shape of the combustion chamber ensures easy starting and high fuel economy.
- The pistons are made of heat-sensitive material to maintain optimum clearances both when the engine is cold and when it is hot. The pistons are cooled by direct oil flow.
- The engine is designed to operate for up to 20,000 hours (according to the data sheet), and overhaul can be accomplished in one day.
- Cylinder grinding is prohibited, as the wear on the pistons is minimal and they are suitable for re-installation. Only ring replacement is required.
- Crankshaft grinding is also undesirable because of the wear-resistant coating applied to the journals. It is sufficient to replace the aluminum liners.
For smooth operation of the engine requires compression of 31 bar and oil pressure of 3.9 bar.
The advantages of the 4JB1 engine
The positive qualities of this engine include:
- Simplicity of construction.
- Reliability in operation.
- The absence of unnecessary holes and milled channels.
- Low price.
- Fast and easy repair.
- Budget-friendly maintenance.
Despite the fact that the engine was developed more than 30 years ago, it remains relevant and in demand.
Disadvantages of the 4JB1 engine
Among the disadvantages and frequently occurring breakdowns can be distinguished:
- Problematic spare parts of the fuel apparatus, despite their durability.
- The need for constant monitoring of the state of the timing, as in the case of a break in the belt is possible bending of the rods.
- Incidents of shearing of oil pump gears and destruction of the crankshaft keyway.
Adjustment of thermal clearances should be carried out every 40 thousand km.
Common Faults
Despite the high reliability, the Isuzu 4JB1 engine has vulnerable places where failures can occur:
- Pistons
- Cylinder head (Cylinder block head)
- Flywheels
- Shafts
- Valves
- Cooling System
- Gasoline Timing Gear (GTG)
- Fuel assemblies
One of the most common failures is the pump, an important element of the cooling system. There may also be problems with the timing mechanism and turbochargers. The main elements of the engine rarely fail, but even small malfunctions can lead to loss of compression and unstable engine operation. To prolong engine life, it is important to follow operating instructions and avoid excessive loads.
Recommended Oil
5W-40 oil is recommended for the 4JB1 engine. Examples of popular brands:
- Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40
- VAG Special G 5W-40
- ROLF 5W-40
The average cost of oil varies from 450 to 1000 hryvnias.
Owners’ feedback
Owners who have been using the engine for more than 5 years, note its reliability and resistance to loads. The advantages are also low maintenance costs and the possibility of quick repair, which is especially important for working cars. In the network there are practically no negative reviews about this engine, which confirms its high quality.
Cost of the engine
The price of a new 4JB1 engine starts at $3,840. Used variants can cost less, but their purchase is associated with risks, so it is recommended to turn to trusted sellers.