Isuzu 4HE1 VS Isuzu 4HK1 VS 4M50 Fuso engine. What truck to buy?

[nic.lac]

Hello,

I'm hoping I can trouble you for some insight on a new project I have.
After finding a lot of information on here and online I have settled on an isuzu platform.
I've finally found 2 crew cabs (mandatory for me) and am contemplating which one to go with.
Condition wise they both are very simillar.

A 2005 GMC W4500, 210k km, 20K$ CAD Comes with a 12" flat deck and 2500lb crane.
or
A 2003 GMC W5500, 250 k km, 10K$ CAD. Just Cab & chassis.

I'm only interested in Cab, chassis and engine, so the second one saves me some hassle.
I know I'll recoup a tiny bit of money from the 2005 truck, but that will still leave a big difference in the 2 purchase prices.

2005 was the first year with the 4HK engine and i seem to be finding very few complaints, but I was wondering if anyone on here had some insight on the 4HE version?
Unfortunately, one truck is 370km away and the other is 750km away from where I live, so I'm not sure I'll be able to test drive both to compare drive-ability.
Any insight on maintenance etc. is also welcome.

I was leaning towards the 4HK engine considering the huge parts availability locally, but with this new older truck popping up at that price, I'm second guessing myself..

Reasons for going with the 4HK:
-Better torque
-Better fuel economy?
-Better parts availability
-Option to bolt on a 6sp transmission to it ( has anyone done this? what's involved from an electronics standpoint?)

Reasons for going with the 4HE:
-Cheaper
-No hassle of selling off flat deck + crane


What would be your choice and why?
Am I overthinking it or missing something?

Thank you for your time.

Nico.

 

[SPF40plus]

Hi Nico,
I know your question is a couple of weeks old, but I'll provide the info I have.

I don't have experience with either, but I did some research a few years ago as I was looking at putting one of these engines in a landcruiser as part of a complete rebuild.

In Australia, there was a big difference in the pollution gear that came on the engine, inclusion of the DPF, and EGR systems and the scope of accessories and sensors that were monitored and controlled by the ECU. When I looked at repair and maintenance costs, both were costly if you had to do any significant maintenance. From the feedback I received from others, both engines were solid, but its the rubbish attached to them that makes the difference (think DPF, etc).

Also, because the HE1 is no longer current, it may be possible to buy a scanner second hand for a lot less, if that is something you want to do.

There is a guy on Ih8mud.com that used a HE1 in his landcruiser, and he has included a crazy amount of information about the engine, but it is all about putting the engine in his landcruiser. Google ih8mud astr he1 and it will be the first result.

I hope that helps.

 

[nic.lac]

@SPF40plus Thank you for your reply.

All vehicles I am looking at are pre 2008 as to avoid all of the emissions stuff. Yes you can take it out on newer models, but would rather not have so since that's another cost + risk of fines if they check.

My question was more geared towards the way they drive. The 4.8l is (mechanical?) Injection, whereas the new 5.2 is a common rail system.
So i was interested in knowing if someone had first hand experience on how they drive and if there was any noticeable fuel consumption issue.

Since you looked into it, which was your preferred choice and why?

Thank you for the link regarding the ih8mud forum, great resource!

On another note, maybe you have some experience with the 4.9l Fuso?

I am debating between:
2004 GMC W5500, 200k km, 4HE1 engine, 4sp auto Aisin Trans 20k$ CAD, Interior is OK, chassis has some surface rust.
2005 Chevy W4500, 210k km, 4HK1 engine, 4sp Aisin auto Trans, 21K CAD, Interior is bad (needs to be reupholsered) and dash needs to be repaired, but chassis is immaculate as it's an old nevada truck.
2007 Fuso FE145, 210km, 4M50 engine, 6sp Aisin auto trans, 32k $CAD, but best shape of all 3. Downside is Fuso pulled from the North American market, so harder to get parts/service? Don't want any Fuso with the Duonic transmissions as they seem to have caused many issues, and since I live in North America, manuals are non existant.

All engines/transmissions seem to be OK, but dealerships won't perform a leakdown/compression test from fear of breaking the glow plugs as they are all older vehicles. IE i would be on the hook for any repairs even if I don't buy the truck.

What would be the better choice?

Not sure it matters but all trucks will be converted to 4X4.

 

[SPF40plus]

HI Nico,
I was going to get the HE1, but for no other reason than the ECU was not tied to the sensors in the wheels, gearbox, and emissions gear. This meant that I could transplant it without endless trouble from the ECU going into limp mode, and having to put dummy sensors or electronics in to fake normal sensor feedback.

From the feedback I was given the 4HK1 is an awesome motor, and if you can get one which is early enough to avoid the DPF then that was touted as the best option. I know this is irrelevant for your decision, but in Australia at least Isuzu has now deleted the DPF and is no longer using ad-blue either on the 4HK1.