Hyundai iLoad FAQs

Check out real-world situations relating to the Hyundai iLoad here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• Are there any problems with the diesel engines in the 2017 Hyundai iLoad?

  Hyundai’s diesel engines are generally regarded as being among the better ones on the market. That’s probably because the South Korean domestic market has been switched on to small capacity diesels for decades and, as a result, Hyundai has been building them just as long.

  But, like any modern turbo-diesel, the iLoad’s diesel can be prone to a build-up of black gunk in the intake system, a result of diesel soot and oil mist mixing as part of the vehicle’s own emissions-control systems. The other problem that has cropped up a few times now is a failed turbocharger unit. Generally, this has been the result of a blocked oilway that feeds lubricating oil to the turbo’s bearing. This is a narrow oilway and any sludge in the engine can block it and starve the turbo of its oil. Which is when the turbo itself fails.

  That’s far more likely to happen in a vehicle that has not had the correct maintenance with regards oil changes. So check the service handbook before handing over the cash and only buy a second-hand iLoad with a full and correct service history.

   

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• What is the best van for a camper conversion for less than $15000?

  The Hyundai iLoad/iMax is a great buy for what you intend to use it for, as they're big, robust and roomy boxes on wheels. Not especially quiet, refined or car-like, but well suited to a camper conversion.

  However, you must ensure that the example you are looking at has a full and regular service record. This is because the well-known diesel engine and turbo failures are connected with lapsed servicing. It seems oil sludge builds up, thus starving the engine and turbo of sufficient lubrication.

  But here's the tricky bit. Hyundai recommended that all scheduled servicing was carried out every 15,000km, when actually 10,000km maximum was closer to the truth for vans that were driven regularly or had a hard life. Which is most of them.

  So, you need to buy on condition as well as service history, to ensure you get the promised long-life out of the iLoad/iMax. If that's the case, you can expect to hit 300,000km without any major issues. Just get that oil changed regularly!

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• Hyundai iLoad 2009: Can I replace the engine?

  I don't believe there is one, but try the Castlemaine Rod Shop (03 5472 2853) as they do a lot of that sort of thing and might have something they could help you with. If they don’t you could have the conversion done by a Vicroads accredited engineer, but it would an expensive exercise and I would think it would be more economical to buy a replacement diesel engine for your van.

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