BajaNomad

Mary Ann Humfreville stuck in Cataviña (but it's all worked out now)

David K - 7-12-2008 at 11:54 AM

Mary Ann on her way north for summer from Bahia de L.A., driving in 'POT II' (Isuzu Trooper) is broken down in Cataviña.

Kevin called asking about where to rent a trailer that can be taken into Mexico to bring the Trooper back, as the mechanic in Cataviña can't repair it.

Any Nomad have any input? I suggested he call rental places and ask, as well as to be sure he gets insurance that includes a trailer being pulled.




[Edited on 7-13-2008 by David K]

Diver - 7-12-2008 at 12:09 PM

If the drive train is OK, he may be better to use a tow-behind set-up.
Troopers are pretty light.
He may be able to buy/rent a "clamp-on" set like the auto re-sellers do.
That way he won't need to worry about trailer registrations,etc.

Glad to here she made it safely to town !!
Also glad to hear that she's still keeping on - in Baja.

David K - 7-12-2008 at 12:22 PM

Sounded like a head gasket issue, but not that simple... Thanks Diver... I will ask Kevin to check the board before he goes south on a rescue.

Pescador - 7-12-2008 at 01:35 PM

If it is a 4 cyl trooper, they were bad for blowing out the head gasket and breaking the aluminum head. I rebuilt two of the darn things and both times they went out in Canada and I had to haul it back to Colorado. It is very easy to just put a bumper tow bar and hook it up and go. Probably easier if you disconnect the driveline even if it is not an automatic.

Barry A. - 7-12-2008 at 04:49 PM

Pescador is totally right. I also own a 4 cyl Trooper ('89) and Isuzu recommends disconnecting the drive line, but I don't think it is absolutely necessary. I have towed mine many times without disconnecting the drive line, and mine is a manual tranny.

However, if he has the time and money, the trainler idea is probably best.

I put a custom made 3 row radiator in mine, to avoid the cracked head and blown head gasket (all caused by overheating)--------but it STILL managed to blow our the gasket, cracking the head, etc. even with the huge radiator----you just cannot allow them to overheat, AT ALL!!!! In my case it was a failed radiator fan that stopped working before I realized it.

The towing problem with manual tranny is complicated by the "transfer case" not having a neutral position, so it is always turning----a minor problem, in my opinion.

My Trooper is still running strong, even with 150K on it. (23 mpg, too)

Barry

[Edited on 7-12-2008 by Barry A.]

Russ - 7-12-2008 at 05:33 PM

After two rebuilds I sold my '89 4 cyc. But it was the best exploring car I've had.
Oops I think it was an '86

[Edited on 7-13-2008 by Russ]

[Edited on 7-13-2008 by Russ]

Trooper.jpg - 46kB

I have seen towing trailers in El Sauzaul

Keri - 7-12-2008 at 06:02 PM

at the pemex closest to El Trailero. Maybe easier to rent one here in Mexico. Just a thought,k PS Mike says it's a dolly. it's one of those 2 wheel things,k

rts551 - 7-12-2008 at 06:24 PM

Keri is correct. Two wheel dollies. And that would get you North to where you needed to go.

David K - 7-12-2008 at 07:35 PM

Okay gang, after some phone calls from Cataviña what MA did was contact Sammi Diaz and she is having the Trooper towed (local tow truck) back to L.A. Bay... They will fix it there and MA can stay at Casa Humfreville.

I told Kevin that you all were posting ideas... and it is appreciated!

[Edited on 7-13-2008 by David K]

Paws Up for the Nomad Help for Maryanne

Gypsy Jan - 7-12-2008 at 08:24 PM

Very truly yours, Kapu, (baby Great Dane).

Paulina - 7-12-2008 at 10:19 PM

Mary Ann is back home in Bahia with her Trooper. It's at Sammy's shop. She thanks everyone for their concern. She's doing great.

P.

David K - 7-13-2008 at 08:03 AM

Thanks Paulina!:biggrin:

Debra - 7-13-2008 at 11:06 AM

Dang! That trooper is the same one that broke down a few years ago in San Ignacio..it spent 2yrs. there and then was towed home (LA) and got a new engine. Glad to hear MA is all safe and sound! What is is with them a rigs? :(

Barry A. - 7-13-2008 at 11:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
Dang! That trooper is the same one that broke down a few years ago in San Ignacio..it spent 2yrs. there and then was towed home (LA) and got a new engine. Glad to hear MA is all safe and sound! What is is with them a rigs? :(


They tend to "overheat", as stated. Otherwise it is a fine vehicle. Mine is 19 years old, and I love it.

Barry

David K - 7-13-2008 at 09:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
Dang! That trooper is the same one that broke down a few years ago in San Ignacio..it spent 2yrs. there and then was towed home (LA) and got a new engine. Glad to hear MA is all safe and sound! What is is with them a rigs? :(


Just a hunch Debra... but, based on what I have experienced with Mike's vehicles in the past: The oil must be changed every 3-5 thousand miles and kept full in between changes... on any car, but very much so on Baja cars!

I am just happy that MA is back at one of her homes!

Heather - 7-14-2008 at 10:19 AM

Glad to hear Mary Ann is OK. I´m sure they´ll get the Isuzu up and running in no time!

When I first drove my brand new Isuzu Rodeo down to Cabo in 96 everyone wondered what that car was. Now they´re everywhere down here, and ours made the journey one more time, without problems (knock on wood), too. I was thinking we´d retire it down here this year, but looks like my daughter will be going to a private kindergarten next year (better hours for all concerned than the 3 hour public kinder), so we need the Isuzu for one more year! Then the child care payments can stop and the new car ones can start!