More bad luck! Excavator engine refresh doesn't go as planned (Isuzu 4BD1T)

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

Forgot to mention it, but these are thin walled chrome-plated liners on this engine and are not meant to be re-honed.

[@ChuckThree]

Well that sucks. I know there are specialists that can machine out plasma arc transfer (harder than chrome lined…?) cylinder liners on certain automotive examples (ie. Nissan GTR R35, Ford GT500 5.4, Ford Gen 3 Coyote, etc). *BUT* I’m fairly certain those aren’t done on an individual job basis. And are small batch machining operations using a core exchange program. Sooo probably not applicable and almost certainly not financially logical in your case. Ummm LS swap?!😅

[@TKM1951]

I watched you pulling that motor apart ,thinking no way I would tackle that . I look forward to more in your series

[@bruceslattengren8587]

Awesome video can’t wait for the next video 😊

[@aubreytycer8708]

At least it has sleeves.

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

You are doing a good job trust your instinks

[@TheHandyHam73]

Cams and tappits are case hardened so when they start to show signs of wear they must all be replaced. New tappits on old cam lobes will destroy the lobes. I recommend replacing the cam and tappits as a set.

[@carlthor91]

Also, rebuild the injection pump. I didn't catch if you where going to or not. Do not just have redone injectors, what went through the injectors had to go through the pump first. The crap that tore up the injector tips, did a number on the pump plungers and bores. Best wishes from the far North.

[@Mad.Man.Marine]

Why not have them reground then? They all looked to be in good enough shape that I’d think it would be worth a shot for the machine shop to try it. If there was damage then ya toss them. But the case hardening, as shallow as it is, is still deep enough to be ground once.

[@SuperSecretSquirell]

@@Mad.Man.Marine the lobes are already under spec, so grinding them is just going to make them even smaller. Plus, who knows how much of the case hardening is left after the wear. Could get into the "soft" core and things will wear down really fast and trash the engine.

[@verteup]

​@@Mad.Man.Marinewhy trash the engine on the off chance a cheap part is still good?

[@TheHandyHam73]

When you grind metal it heats it up and removes the hardening... you would have to re-harden all the lifters and the cam lobes and bearing surfaces.This would require special equipment that would cost many times what a new cam and lifter set would cost.@@Mad.Man.Marine

[@ronaldheit196]

Well Matt, consider yourself lucky that cracked piston didn't grenade itself after you bought it. I've seen that on some engines where a cracked piston was the culprit in destroying a block itself. Not to mention the piston rod, main journals and pretty much the entire engine. You're definitely developing into a very good diesel mechanic and old excavation equipment refurbisher. Can't wait for the next episode and see how you're doing. Especially how the block turns out. Keep up the good work.

[@jstar1000]

You and the guy from Farmcraft are beasts. No way I would ever tackle a job like this but I sure love watching you do it.

[@timderks5960]

I know right? The things these two guys do with just basic tools and equipment is insane.

[@LisaMedeiros-tr2lz]

When you get into machines this size, you mostly need other large machines to work on them. So far that overhead crane has paid for itself. It was interesting to see the cab come off by the clearance measured with a micrometer.

[@carlaustin7398]

Just to agree with what others have said "new cam new lifters ". Great content, no disappointment here. Just to let you know from my perspective your luck is very good; great wife and kids great home and property, and a strong work ethic. As the old saying goes " be careful what you wish for "

[@additudeobx]

Don't forget, "The Grass is always greener on the other side"....

[@RonaldMayDMD-nt3fd]

Carlaustin excellent comments- as a long time viewer and fan of Matt’s meticulous work and attention to detail, I would opine that he creates his own “luck” by his determination and positive attitude! 👍I have pondered how I would really enjoy being able to be a free work assistant/apprentice for him…….. except for the weather! I’m a retired Dentist/contractor in SoCal 😃

[@carlaustin7398]

@@RonaldMayDMD-nt3fd agreed 👍

[@wingman358]

​@@additudeobxI prefer "the grass is greener where you water it"

[@thomasschleis2545]

I pee on my grass.

[@jeffh5664]

I'm a little worried about that $70 turbo replacement wheel. Hope it works out OK. Keep up with the great content Matt.

[@einfelder8262]

That's the least of the worries - the pump is going to be the expensive bit......

[@LisaMedeiros-tr2lz]

At least it is reasonably accessible, plus he is not going to use the excavator for a living (all day, everyday), so maybe he will luck out. It is getting harder and harder to find US and Japan made parts anymore. NOS stuff is disappearing on the older iron.

[@wingman358]

If the turbo CHRA blows up it could take out the engine with it. The turbo is in-line with all of the engine fluid systems (intake, exhaust, coolant, and oil) so if the turbo grenades your engine is going to eat metal bits

[@davidmiller9485]

@@einfelder8262 Area Diesel Services can do it for a reasonable price. Plus he could most likely get a bit off as a colab. ADS likes to put up videos where they repair YT'ers equipment.

[@johnvaluk1401]

If you end up getting new cam get new lifters. Those cam bearings along with cam bearing journals did not look good. Glad you are getting piston and liners complete. Wise choice. If your into it this much. Maybe magnaflux the crank? . Thanks for video.

[@craigdreisbach5956]

Best teaching ever. I hope 1st cylinder of block is not cracked. I have 2 "Charlies" at home. I cannot living without them. Kind Regards/ Craig

[@chrisj2848]

Awesome Matt 👍 Love this series.

[@imleetsometimes]

Matt, your content is never a disappointment! I watch a ton of KZbin and your videos are some of the best! You're super thorough, meticulous, and you do a great job of explaining things that I know little or nothing about! Doing what you do in your work space is beyond impressive. I can't wait to see what this machine looks and runs like when you're done!

[@darren8517]

Reminds me of rebuilding my Isuzu G-180 for my '77 Chevy LUV. Good times.

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

The engine is from a standing machine, unlike a road going machine like a truck, so you don't need to give it a near full overhaul. Piston #1 and its sleeve need renewing, sleeve #2, 3, and 4 would do with just a light hone. And renew all the rings, and this should give a balanced compression on all cylinders. The cam bearings, if cheap renew all otherwise just a polish on the rough one(s). The engine will get new, good oil, so the mating parts will just bed in with time.

[@philjohnson2611]

Just a suggestion Matt....On inline engines I usually turn the block so the cylinders are horizontal. Makes tapping the pistons out a bit easier and you don't have to worry so much about them dropping. Great vids though...don't stop now, you rock!

[@firewalker1372]

This thing will be running like a brand new rig when you get done with it. Really enjoying the video man. After this project, you need a really good dump truck and heavy duty trailer to haul this stuff around.

[@benmilson8211]

Here in New Zealand we get water in the tank if the tank is empty and the sit for a while they get condensation in it

[@rtz549]

Seems the cam should work. Those journals ride in an oil film. Contactless. Lift specs could be made up for in shims?

[@shk2564]

Don’t feel alone with bad luck friend. “It rains on the just and the unjust”. 😊

[@davidwindsor4632]

Looking good. And right into all of the engine. 👍

[@TheHandyHam73]

Great series Matt, Thanks

[@Mickeymotormount]

Matt, as always, I love your videos and content. Good luck with the rebuild. I will be following along.

[@roberthocking9138]

Great job Matt, at least you found the source of the metal in the sample, a shame poor maintenance ruined a good engine, but it’s not too bad. Good to see Charlie looking well again, beautiful pup.

[@JFirn86Q]

Those piston rings snapped when you were taking them off. Now you gotta weld those back together before you reuse them.

[@stuartgelinas]

definitely would recommend replacing the stretch head bolts. if they recommend it do it! not just one or two all of them! It's not a length problem,it's a stress thing with the bolts. everyone I ever heard of that did not replace the head bolts with new stretch bolts regretted it.

[@oldironfarming5804]

Keep in mind the cam only turns at half the crankshaft. Would probably go a long time yet as it is. Idler gear is probably a non hunting gearset so marks will likely line back up after so many revolutions. You’re balancing budget vs what absolutely needs to be replaced and its never an easy call. Myself Id probably change all 4 pistons for peace of mind.

[@erik_dk842]

Non-hunting = having a prime number a teeth, so the same pair of teet only engage every N1times N2 revolutions , for instance 37x41=1547 revolutions.

[@deannajoseph]

Enjoyed that, thank you Matt.

[@randyschield2515]

Matt, the piston wrist pins are bronze.

[@richardmiller4104]

Really enjoying this project. Thanks again.

[@billhartsfield424]

I would think the way to go would be a complete rebuild kit. Should be cheaper than piece by piece.

[@tsirron]

If your going to replace 1 piston for a crack,replace all would be best thing to do, also those are full floating pins. rod bushing “worn” piston is worn. Replace camshaft and lifters Great job as always ps have the injector pump gone through

[@darellsunderlin4670]

Well, not really any surprises when you buy someone else's problems, it's to be expected. You'll catch a break once in a while and find equipment that was taken care of , but not often . 😊

[@mikesmith8952]

Matt, I implore you to please replace all the Head bolts now as trying to save money on such an important part could cost you dearly in the end. Consider all the time, labor and stress if something goes sideways, wrong after all's said and done! Guessing is playing the odds, IMHO. Be safe and do the right thing. 😮.

[@harkbelial]

Over-under on extra parts at the end?

[@lucienyelle750]

you r a genius buddy unreal

[@willbran2887]

Great show. Thanks Matt.

[@3gunshooter60]

Hang in there, Matt. It'll be a great machine when your done, for sure

[@henkweurding3339]

Brons is used in sliding bearings.

[@darren8517]

Yup. That's a bad piston. The crack on one side allowed a swell on the other side causing the score line. (I think so)

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

As always, great video! Much appreciated!!

[@fabiancanada8876]

I find this rebuild fascinating. I have recently looked at an older (80s) huge 30 t excavator for 23k CAD. The motor ran good and the thing was working. The teeth on the bucket were gone. When he ran it the excavator bogged down a little when reaching out and picking up some rocks. It hadn't ran in a while and probably not seen any oil changes, etc. for years. Anyway, I just didn't want to take the risk and we decided to start with a new 6 ton excavator with a thumb+push blade which should arrive next week!! It can easily be transported (especially compared to the 30 t, 11'7 wide) and I think/hope that we can do work for other people as well and hopefully get the money back while having an excavator for ourselves (we have 25 acres and I am tired of doing it all by hand, hiring people, doing it with the wheel barrow..). Thanks for sharing your journey and I wish you all the best. Greetings from Nova Scotia

[@tom50mg]

Stand the crank vertically...like now!

[@matthoward923]

You put my back out picking up that block

[@Scott-bw4og]

Super video.

[@robertschmidt6383]

That's the journey. Good or bad. It is what it is. Keep going. 👍

[@gullreefclub]

The most common reason you have rust in the tank of a piece of equipment is that at the end of the day the fuel tank of the machine was not refilled. The reason you should fill the fuel tank on a machine at the end of the day is because as the fuel circulates in fuel system it will heat the fuel in the tank up to or close to the engine oil temperature especially on a hot summer day. The hot fuel in the tank will naturally draw condensation as it cools and over time that condensation will cause rust / corrosion. If you fill your tank at night there is no air pocket in the tank for moisture to reside in.

[@teckjoe]

if the lifters has a worn face your cam shaft is bad also. If you are replace liners replace all the pistons also. from what I am hearing you will be pulling that engine back out. PS you need to have the injector pump check also.

[@51ubetcha]

I agree with new lifters. I view any wear or pitting as replacement. 37 years of wrench turn experience speaking

[@jacquesdeschenes6449]

I don't know if these engine have wet sleeves? But if they are, then you'd be better changing the "O" rings sleeves. It would be desapointing having to tear the engine for a coolant leak in the engine. If they are dry sleeves, forget my coment. On another note, did you remove the two plugs at each end of oil galeries. It will help cleaning all oil passages. Good job.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Something to be said of your video: it is 44:55 in length. You had 258 thumbs up 17 minutes after it was published which means 258 people like it before they watched it even half way through! Me included! Oh, yeah and 12 comments posted before the half way mark!

[@garywormsbecher2370]

Never do you want to put old lifters on a new cam, also don't short cut on the head bolts. Most pump shops have rebuilt pumps and injectors on the shelf and normally are cheaper than wanting your originals back, you get the full bill for everything when you rebuild yours. I would at least get the crank measured, it looks to have had very minimal maintenance by look of the cam bearings (moisture and acid damage). With a new cam you probably want to match up a new oil pump drive gear as the original is worn to match the old cam and will probably eat the new cam quickly. Best of luck with the project.

[@DragonFlame0909]

i would say you are lucky.. think it this way IF you havent chek things ..what would then happend ... so i think you are wery lucky ... love your videos.. and greetings fro Estonia ..

[@Highlordratick]

Just weld it; that piston will be fine.

[@curtfreeman7066]

“Pure desperation “ describes most all of my projects…

[@katmandu8208]

👍🏻🍻

[@silasmarner7586]

"Other people" : LIve in mommy and daddy's basement, pink dyed hair, badmouthing the villain of their choice to make them feel better. Matt: Works a busy job FULL TIME, does a complete teardown, analysis, and rebuild of a diesel engine in his spare time (read: AT NIGHT).

[@kristerbagenholm3670]

👍👍👍👍

[@nathanpratt4146]

What machine shop do you use? I am in Oregon, in the Gorge and looking for a good diesel machine shop, there are none in my area. Thanks

[@andrebots4224]

Bronze is probably from the small end bushes

[@danielyoder5928]

Matt, things did go right. The oil analysis came back showing possible problems , you investigated the possible instead of ignoring it. Saved the block. Crank and other high dollar items which would have been destroyed if that piston had let go. Replace the camshaft and lifters cheaper now then down the road. You are too far into it not to replace it.

[@justjoe7313]

I love your videos to bits and back! You are a fantastic presenter. Making no fuss with the engines and all the other stuff. No dissapointment on this side, just a great, peacefull entertainment. Thanks a lot for letting us into your workshop and thanks for making great content. I don't have a TV, youtube is my primary source of video entertainment and you are at the top of the creators with what you're doing here. Kudos!!!

[@92fsoakcreek]

Bronze = valve guides. usually. Babbitt bearings = journals, rods, usually tin/lead/copper alloy, could be a source of "bronze" in oil analysis. Oil analysis is good if repeated on a periodic interval. Waiting 10 years and then looking wont tell you anything useful. Your best bet is to do what you're doing.. tear down, inspect, Replace as needed (IRAN). carry on! :) As overhauls go, this is not a bad one. It looks like you're well on your way to a great rebuild. Kinda envious. Wish I had one. :)

[@budlistar5312]

You might be able to take the fuel tank to a body shop and let them put it on their frame puller to get it mostly straightened out.

[@ToddTalksTech]

Good or bad, your diligence of getting right down to the bare bottom and checking every part is amazing. It would be so easy to shortcut a step, then have to go back to it a few years on. The perseverance showed on the dozer. But I get a feeling an engine rebuild is a cakewalk vs hydraulic control and electric harness replacement. Crossing fingers on the machine shop report!

[@garydavis4982]

What is your vocation? Mechanic, engineer?

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

electrical engineer

[@Darryl603]

If you get a new cam, you need new lifters. You never did show the crank thrust bearings. How did those look?

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

they looked really good. This is just a guess, but I would thank there isn't nearly as much thrust running a hydraulic pump than you would see in a car

[@Darryl603]

@@PacificNorthwestHillbilly Good point. I was thinking about how the governor acts on the engine under load.

[@brianelliot2719]

Thanks Matt! You’re very calm, patient, and excellent at diagnosing problems. I look forward to future Matt with 1 million subscribers in a nice big barn garage with long runs of tables to spread parts out on! I don’t know how you put all that back together.😁

[@manfromthemist1958]

Hi Matt, great video as usual, re your timing marks on your left you had two teath marked C (creating a valley) and on the right you had one tooth marked C, the one tooth fits between or in the valley created by the two C's, This may sound strange, but every full 360deg rotation doesn't mean that all your marks will line up, I've just rebuild my DB990 and it took 17 full rotations to realign the marks, which is why they tell you once you've timed it in the rebuild do not rotated it untill you've got it all back together. Charlie likes to get involved, it's great the way she lies there and just raises her eye browes many thanks Barry

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

thanks, good point!

[@dquick282]

Good call Matt on replacing all pistons. Excellent video. So cool you are going through this thing.

[@plafee2]

Hi Matt some times when you have a close to empty tank of fuel, over night the water in the air inside the tank can condensate and build over time a substancial amount of water in the tank. Filling the fuel tank after work is a great practice to prevent this issue. Can't wait to se this machinew working. Keep the good work

[@larrybolhuis1049]

Especially true for machines not used a lot. Always good practice to keep the tank mostly full for this reason.

[@kirk467]

I hope when you get the excavator going that you will have some videos of you clear the property by your pond and on your property Matt! The dozer and the excavator!

[@canadianpopeye8066]

Best rebuild videos out there prove me wrong.😊

[@leestrobel-ly8ne]

the diesel cap has a vent in it tank needs to breath

[@1ronco]

Great videos Matt, I really enjoy them. You forgot to mention the injection pump. You're sending that out for rebuild hopefully.

[@goodness-mercy]

You are an absolute pleasure to watch working and planning! Thank you!

[@davebrittain9216]

Lifters are junk too. Replace them.

[@ronaldclark1178]

I would also have the injection pump checked. With all the wear in the injectors there could be wear in the plungers, at least that was the way it was with my tractor. Love your videos!

[@enchantgy]

I hope that you won't regret cheaping out on the turbo cartridge... I enjoy watching your videos! Thanks!

[@mikestarkey7989]

A replacement part made in China? Have you got the spare to replace the new part that you've just bought? It's going to be more likely to fail catastrophically than it is to have a good working life! Before I forget thanks for doing these videos I really enjoy watching your work!

[@hrxy1]

no, no, no I disagree, last week's episode was not rubbish, I enjoyed seeing the cab come off and all the intracases, that's not spelt right, of all the fittings. also glad that Charlie is still alive and did not die in the workshop. Great vid, quality workmanship, thank you.

[@PilotMcbride]

Going through my time as an apprentice (50 years ago), one of my senior tradesmen told me, “if everything is going smoothly, go back and check your work.” Pulled me out of the pooh a couple of times. Good job, thanks for posting.

[@uldrickedwards4031]

In my humble opinion, it is obvious that this machine has NEVER had any serious effort at preventative maintenance. On systems that I've managed, the numbers in the analysis are distorted as contaminants accumulate instead of being flushed out by filter and fluid changes. I'll bet that someone bought this machine used and never did anything but crank it up and go to work. That's why so many good machines end up sitting abandoned. Trends in the measurements will reveal what's going to happen in the long and short run. You have a fan club here in Georgia.

[@bobsch-gd6ze]

Your channel is completely underrated in my opinion. 100K subs are obtainable and look forward to that day for you and the Shop Foreperson who always has your back ;)

[@hamongog]

I'm asking my physician for an Olanzapine prescription. Mostly because this stuff makes me dizzy and thinking about putting this back together makes me sick to my stomach. I can't put together IKEA furniture without having spare parts leftover. Good luck, Matt. #thoughtsandprayers

[@biguglydog3646]

Be sure to fill that turbo with oil before use. Love the videos.

[@treasurex6943]

Checking and checking and checking for next video. AHHHHHHH. Love your channel now that you are doing an excavator. The dozer is something everyone does and doesn’t really draw my attention but when you do an entire excavator its gold. It’s just yu renewing everything and then prolly painting it at the end which will give you the most views you ever had. Love the channel please upload next part not sure how much longer I can wait lol 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@donwilson6617]

Go through that injection pump...!!!

[@johncooper4637]

It is funny, I could smell the engine as you were tearing it down. Diesels are the nastiest to work on - the soot NEVER comes out of your clothes.

[@erik_dk842]

Me too.

[@Dan-ud8ob]

Do it right and you'll never be sorry..You got this..I've been watching for quite a while , and i'm sure you'll get it right..love this channel

[@vinnyhern]

If you had good luck we would have less content, it's a double edge sword... however, that is reality, we can't all be winners 😒

[@terryrogers1025]

I was setting here listening to your explanations to things only to see a commentary briefly explaining a difference in your thoughts coming across the screen and grinning because its a relief to know I am not the only who does that sort of thing. You stated that you were disappointed in some of the issues you finding in engine components and the cost of needing to replace them, and I commiserate with you on that, but I have witnessed guys trying to skate on not replacing components only to have catastrophic failures down the line, and true to your nature, doing things as right as you can as you always do, is one main reason I watch your channel sir, thanks for the update, enjoyed the video as always,

[@colin8532]

Your luck must be the same as mine, because this is exactly how things always seem to go for me too. The up side is that, in the end you're going to have a much better end product, and you're going to know exactly what you have. Nice work Matt, great video as always!

[@davebrittain9216]

To me the cam looks like junk. Yes it is a lot of money but with how decent you do things in the end it would only be suiting to have a rebuilt engine in it for the many years of service to you.

[@michaelovitch]

Why this very high molybdenum content ?

[@gregorythomas333]

I think you are right on how the ingress of water into the fuel tank occurred...are there replacement caps that do not have this "feature"? Between you, John from Farmcraft101 & Andrew Camarata...I really get some excellent knowledge on these machines...thank you for bringing us along :)

[@mrpesky163]

Agree! South Main Auto and Watch Wes Work are really good too.

[@wyrdlg]

Nope not disappointing. But sorry 'tis costly for you...

[@theladyjaiproject576]

Good video Matt. I am never bothered by unfortunate discoveries. I've come to expect them in everything I do. Better to find them now, then half way through a reassembly. Just sorry yours will be so expensive. But at least you'll know you'll have a good engine when you're finished. Take care.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

TDO4 H = same as a subaru = in size - WRX model . a big help for me = thanks Matt - you rockin hill billy . Some times things just need a clean ? machines need love also !

[@Agirhydro23]

The cap has to let air inside the fuel tank or the fuel could not drawn through

[@jsbsmdauto]

I can't even remember why I walked into a kitchen nevermind 1000 pieces of engine apart.😉

[@donwilson6617]

Great video...might be the time to face the music and do a complete rebuild...with all the other work you will eventually do on the hydraulics and electrical systems...you will have a great machine...

[@jerryglenn7323]

Area Diesel have them rebuild that pump. Worth in the end Pacific Northwest Hillbilly😊