Hyundai iLoad Problems

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.

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!

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.

The key to getting a decent run out of the iLoad is to change the oil more frequently. Change it every 5000 km. But if you’re not sure about its reliability certainly walk away. The HiAce is probably the best bet for you, but you could consider a VW Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito or Renault Trafic.

The iLoad was plagued with turbocharger problems, but that was put down to inadequate servicing. It was determine that more frequent oil changes were needed to avoid the problem. Check the car you’re looking at to make it has been regularly serviced, and preferably every 10,000 km at the maximum, not the 15,000 km that was recommended.

The problem was caused by sludge building up in the oil and starving the engine and turbocharger of oil. It was recommended that oil changes should be done much more frequently than the recommended 15,000 km/12 months to keep the oil fresh and clean.

Buy the latest model you can afford and have it serviced every 5000-7000 km. Do that and you should have a good run.

There are no major problems to be concerned about, the iLoad is generally sound, but the vehicle you are thinking of buying has done 200,000 km in three years. That would suggest it has been used as a delivery vehicle, so look closely at its history and the possibility that it has had a hard life. Before doing anything make sure it has been regularly serviced. Given regular servicing there is no reason the iLoad won’t do 400,000 km.

You took a share of the responsibility when you went to a clutch place and had a non-factory clutch and flywheel fitted. By doing that you opened the door for Hyundai to walk away from the problem. Had the dealer done the work they might well have found the gearbox problem and could possibly have fixed it under warranty. The only thing you can now do is to go to Hyundai and request goodwill assistance to fix the gearbox problem.

What you bought is a 2012 model car, because that's the year it was built. Even if it is called an MY13, the clock starts from the day it was finished on the production line and stamped with its VIN plate. The confusion comes because lots of car companies now have specifications that change earlier than January 1, a practice that began in the US, and which they refer to as Model Year this or that.

If you've got a big budget you could go for a European van like the Mercedes-Benz Vito or VW Transporter, but it's hard to go past the Hyundai i-Load. It's well specced, comfortable, you have petrol or diesel engine options, and it's a no-brainer.