I have over the last 12 months had coolant loss from 3.0 ltr Patrol and was unable to trace any leak,
The vehicle is July 2002 series 3 and has travelled 90,000klm
Each time the vehicle was put in for service (10,000klm ) I had the dealer pressure test the system and no leak was evident from these tests
As I was planning holidays I got the dealer to check the system again and as a result of investigation a leak was found indicating a suspect head gasket
The gasket was replaced and the head checked for cracks etc and refitted
I travelled to
Mildura and again noticed coolant loss from header
tank (300ml)and topped up again
On return home again same loss of coolant was evident
This loss was greater than had been leaking over the last 12 months
Contacted dealer and left the vehicle with them to investigate and rectify
Head was removed again and checks were made in Consultation with Nissan and put back together again but checks again indicated loss around no 1 injector
Head again removed and sent away for more rigorous testing but unable to find any cracks or leak
dealer was recommending new head to be supplied
Nissan made desicion to replace motor with a new long motor and after approx 3 weeks I now have the vehicle back and all running
well
I guess I am disapointed that I have had this problem but issue has been resolved favourably for me without any angst
I believe that this may be an isolated problem as I havent heard of this problem arising on all the forums I have read
I had fitted a Heat exchanger shower last year and had kept an eye on coolant level as I had disturbed the existing heater hoses in case of any leaks from hose clamps
As a result of this I managed to pick up this loss otherwise more serious damage may have happened
Also the smell of exaust fumes from this motor always smelt different to normal diesels
This may have been a result of the coolant being burnt through the exaust
All in all a happy ending with a little bit of inconvenience