smokey patrol

Doesn't say much for the integrity or capability of the Nissan dealer, but then again it possibly says quite a lot.

A second opinion is also advised for human internals, especially if they smoke too much.

Hi Bruce,

had a very similar thing happen to us recently. Hubby was driving home from work when our ranger suddenly overheated. Hubby let it cool down as you would normally do and ensured there was enough water in the system. He drove another 10 clicks and it happened again but this time with loss of power. Towed by RACV to nearest service centre. We were charge $125 dollars to investigate and diagnose. Fair enough. Was told that more than likely it would need a new head and caskets, check and inspect injectors and at worst case a reconditioned engine. Estimated cost at 5 to 6k.
Decided to have it towed elsewhere to our local Ford dealer at our cost, and guess what, the only thing that was wrong was that the ERG cooler needed replacing. That was changed for a total of $500 including labour. It sure does pay to get a second opinion.

Cheers Kerry

I would have thought that most mechanics could tell the difference between the blue smoke that indicates valve seals or other major engine woes and the black smoke that results from overfueling when injectors go wrong.
Glow plugs are normally indicated by hard starting especially when cold and black smoke only until the engine warms up.

I feel sorry for Bruce , the 4.2 was 5 grand more than the 3 L . My 4.2 hasn't cost a zac in ten years other than normal servicing and an alternator failure earlier this year. 360, 000 ks and still the original clutch. It's been a terrific vehicle. Nissan backup and service is very poor. Michael

That is a bl###y disgrace on Nissans behalf, the blokes told B/S enough to cause him to sell a very prized possession. For a $278 fix.

Hi Fence,

I can vouch for Outback 4WD. Great advice and service. As Paul says "his guys are mechanics, the Dealers have technicians". I know that I want a mechanic looking at my car.

Regards

Great outcome, good luck getting your guns back.

sorry but his doesnt make sense?

glow plugs not fully working is common and even if they start ok they blow a big cloud of white smoke after a cold start. This quickly stops though as glow plugs only provide intitial heat for starting to be abel to occur and do nothing after the vehichle is started

if your saying your patrol was blowing black smoke even with it fully warmed up

then thats not a glow plug issue no matter what you say fixed it