3L GU Engine Probs

Hi Tim,

I just purchased one and are quite pleased. I think you will find enough info on the topic via a search which will answer everything plus more.

Leroy

G'day tim, I have a 2000 3lt and it's great no real problems with it well none that were not my own fault. Just get one that was built on or after November 2000, as the ones before that had the recall to get the sump upsized, and you dont know what damage was done before the recall.

I don't have one but have been following the issue as my next vehicle will likely be a Patrol. I won't be getting the 3.0l TD. I just don't trust the motor, or Nissan - they have been far from open and honest about the problems.

I was just talking to a fellow on Tuesday that has one and is looking to ditch it in favour of something far more reliable (like a new Pathy) as he has had a miriad of problems including a blown turbo and most recently an intercooler burnt out.

Tim.
The problem is not completely resolved but the number of major blowups is less than 1% in vehicles that are resonably treated. It is a small risk, as at this stage most of the early ones have servived or been fixed. Eric.

I've got a 2000 3L Turbo and have clocked up 140K+ and have had no problems other than a blocked fuel filter, courtesy of some 'bad' fuel.
Mike

My info is that truobles can arise if the 3.0TD is driven hard and then just switched off to let the turbo and intercooler cook. A turbo timer might be the go. This seems to be very comon in NT where the little turbo will easily push the big nissan upto 150+ KPH at about 4000RPM. Ive not heard of many problems from those who drive sensibly and maintain the vehicle appropriate to its useage. Ive got one myself and couldnt be happier.
If you want real trouble cheack ot a 100 series cruiser!

I have recorded on this site my own 3.0 litre failure (fourby in JAN 2003).
Nissan replaced the engine although I was the second owner and the vehicle was out of warrantee.
The truck had done 105,000 km when purchased and failed at 118,000.
I had previously written to Nissan asking about the problems,with them not providing information requested (they just do not respond).
Since the new engine was fitted,I requested by letter and through the local dealer information on why the engine failed,same response, nonreply.
I am grateful to Nissan for replacing the engine,but cannot understand why they will not reassure me that the later engine is free from defects ( it only has 1 year warrantee which is one third of what you get with a reco engine from a engine re builder)
In the Melbourne Herald/sun readers wrote in enquiring about 3.0 litre failures,I had hoped this source would have extracted a reply from Nissan, only a brief reference to sump recall was the reply.
My understanding from web sites is that the early 2000 model was recalled for a larger sump fitment,this did not solve the problem!.
Pistrons continued to fail due to poor quality and lack of lubrication to the top end.
Later engines from mid 2000 had modifications to overcome this,I would not consider anything but a 2001 onwards model.
If the engines are Ok they are a great truck,performance and economy are excellent,but steer clear of 2000 models unless they have been re engined under warranty.
Hope fully someone will break the silence soon and we will all finally read the full story.
Regards

I did much investigation before buying a 3.0TD Navara in Jan 2004. The issues was lack of oil feed to the motor. The recall did increase the oil capacity but engines manufactured after early 2001 have 2 oil feeds instead of 1. I am not sure of month or if the engine has a different model designation. This has fixed the problem. I spoke to many happy owners who use them for work and play and have no problems at all including 1 bloke who carries 1500kg nearly 7 days per week and has done 140k and swears by it. I am very inpressed with mine and nothing else on the market is close to it for performance and fuel economy.
I would be very careful about buying one manufactured ( not plated) before 6/2001.
I have been told that if there is a problem with the pre mod motors they are replaced with the new motor, but if the k's are up and they are getting older they will probably expect a contribution from the owner and I believe a new motor is $10000.
My advice is buy a later model one if you can. You will be very happy.

TOB

On the engines that had the oil capacity increased on a recall, did they actually fit a new deeper sump or just replace the dipstick with marks higher up it?
I heard that holden did the dipstick swapperoo with a commodore a while back.