GU 3.0 engine failure owners.....

Very good point.
It will be interesting to see what we find out.

All the best
Eric

Hi cokeaddict
I have noticed that on some later ones there is an extra oil sensor under the turbo. It screws into the banjo bolt that secures the oil feed to the turbo. I initially thought that was the easiest sign that it was a later engine however
the last one we had changed for one of our customers, it had a new engine fitted earlier this year, it didn't have that sensor so I'm buggered if I know.
I have a few customers with later models and one with an early model. I just need to fluke it and have both in on the same day so I can study them both.

If I find out I will post and let everybody know.

In NSW, if you have an engine change, you have to get a blue slip which is an inspection done that leads to the RTA endorsing the Rego with a new engine number. Ask to see the rego slip for evidene of a change in details - probably would only work the same year as the change was made.

Last year I made some comment about a 2003 3.0l. motor (from Gunnedah) which had blown, this year followed a 2004 3.0l towing a horse float up the Devils Pinch, north of Armidale blowing massive clouds of smoke at about 15kph. Stopped in front of him to ask could I help, was told no, he would get to Qld. somehow, these engine failures seem to keep happening.
I also have made comment regarding what Nissan might do with these low km. blown motors, surely they (at 20 grand a pop) arn't just chucked on the closest landfill?
Well, talking to a local last week, an independant self employed motor mechanic, he told me he rebuilds plenty of these particular engines, strips them down, makes a list of replacement parts required, gets O/N courier delivery, rebuilds, couriers back to destination then awaits the next! Simple isnt it.
Woudn't it be nice to see an official explanation from Nissan Au?
If you had a 3.0l. with a replacement motor, can it be identified by its engine number, prefix etc. or is it all a pig in a poke?
I looked at one last year in an Inverell car yard. It was ex govt. and was (albeit reluctantly) told it had a new motor, but the new number had not yet been ratified by RTA
Quite a whiffy business all round.
kesh

Someone once posted a link to a website with a few features to identify which series motor is which, tail lights and oil sensor included, and i think a few more things. I have lost the link as it was on my computer that died. Can anyone find it for me again please?

Ange,

If the car has logbooks surely the engine no. would be diff to that in the logbook, other than that I couldn't tell the exhaust manifold from the inlet manifold :-)) (almost that bad anyway).

Cheers Trevor.

Hey Ange.. Dont be so silly!

Anyway start the car, see if its bleep out smoke out the back LMAO!

Easiest way is to look at the owners manual. Or more correctly the service book. When the vehicle was sold new the engine number, Vin number, original owner and registration number should be in there. Also a good way to see if it was a rental car company that purchased it! Compare this to the engine number stamped on the block. (Of course if the books are missing or the details are missing be cautious) Also a good way of checking the service history actually relates to the vehicle you are buying.

Just something to consider. Aren't the body numbers and engine numbers the same or very similar in new cars. If so, you won't need any paperwork to verify an engine change.

Otherwise, wouldn't the State RTA keep a record of engine changes for the vehicle. This info may be available on request.

most times, the vehicle handbook is in the glove box. The new car dealer may have stamped the relevant info in the front cover of the book. It might be worth looking.

Cheers

Hello

I own a March 2001 GU 3 litre TD Automatic. Just rolled over the 120,000 kms. The truck runs better than new, no smoke, easy to start and no oil usage between changes. My Patrol has been totally reliable.

I use CF 15w-40w multi grade diesel engine oil, which is always changed with a new oil filter at or before 7,500 kms or at 6 months as recommended in the owners manual for vehicles working in hard conditions. I assume that hard conditions include short stop start suburban driving, idling at traffic lights and not always allowing the motor to reach full operating temperature.

I have also done some real 4wd work, but not near enough!

I know of three other GU 3 litre TD vehicles that have completed over 150,000 kms with no engine failures.

I wonder if some of the rumored failures are because SG engine oil has been used. SG or better (SH) must never be used in a GU 3.0 Litre TD, see the owner’s manual. I also wonder how regularly the engine oil and filter have been changed in some vehicles and if a failure to regularly do this has caused some engine failures.

It always pays to check what has been done if you trust your servicing to your friendly mechanic at the service station down the road. Dare I say it but it has been my experience that some Manufacture Dealers have been known to not always do what the book says should be done.

Any one able to comment?
Regards
Phil

Hi 120scruiser

Thanks for your comments.

Firstly, I will use 10W 40 CF synthetic blend at my next oil change which is due within the next few weeks and I should have said that the oil that the book says must not be used is CG not SG.

Re: the Nissan branded lubricants and coolants.
I have had a similar experience with a Nissan Dealer spare parts section.
They that Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid and Engine Coolant were so expensive that customers would not be prepared to pay the cost. They didn't even stock it and the Parts Manager could not remember when it was last in stock or how long it would take to get it. He told me that they purchase equivalent products from the big oil companies for their vehicle service and repair section.

It makes me wonder if the Vehicle Manufacturers will ever wake up that customers are not stupid and know when they are being ripped off for genuine parts.

Regards
PhilZD30Patrol