ANSWER

Hi Jonathan,

There are two industry standards for measuring engine life. These are called B10 and B50. Each uses statistical methods to estimate engine life. They are not generally quoted for light-duty vehicles, but that doesn't mean they can't be quoted.

Many people think the B10 standard means the point at which 10 per cent wear will take place, and the B50 standard is the point at which 50 per cent of wear occurs. This is not the case at all.

The B50 standard relates to the analysis of when (in distance) 50 per cent of engines will require major repairs, an overhaul, or replacement. B10 is the same thing, only the point when these repairs/replacement are required on 10 per cent of engines.

Major repairs or overhaul means any repair that requires removal of the cylinder heads and/or oil pan.

Obviously the standard is a statistical, standardised analysis which is good for comparison purposes - but it's not a guarantee of how long your particular engine will last. That depends significantly on operational factors.

In the quote above Isuzu has 'sexed up' the language of the B10 standard, by putting a more positive spin on it. Instead of saying 10 per cent of engines will require a rebuild or major repairs by 500,000km the company has stated instead that 90 per cent won't require major repairs/replacement by that distance.