Info please on Nissan Patrol 3.0LT Turbo Diesels???

Try searching the forum for ZD30. There's been plenty of threads about the 3lt Patrol motors.

Graeme

just goin
Many, by no means all, suffer from turbo over-boost that burns out pistons, mine included. Very expensive to fix.

The new Common Rail system in latest models MAY have fixed this problem ?????

Read all you can before making your decision, including the Patrol Forums, it may just save you from an expensive repair bill.
Cheers, Colin.

Don't do it - even the newer ones are blowing as they reach 100K+ kms - it is just not worth the risk.

Garry

just don't go a nissan and you will be a happy man for ever

G'day Just goin,

We are just about to go around Oz and have picked up a Nissan Patrol 4.2 Turbo Diesel 2001, it has nearly 230,000 on the clock and goes like a dream. Our mechanic has gone right over it and he said that it was a good buy for the price, (His a member of the Nissan 4WD club, Knows his stuff!!) A lot of my mates told me to stay away from 3.0lt, as they will end up costing me a lot of money, due to motor problems. Being new to this, i did a lot of homework before i handed over my money,we have had our rig since NOV 08 and all is well, We are towing a Jayco Expanda 18 footer, so the extra power is good. We average between 17 to 20lt per 100klm's, depending on the travelling conditions.
I hope this helps.

HAPPY DAYS,
Troy and Kate.

Hi just goin

I bought a 2003 ZD30 Patrol with 100K on the clock three years ago. Did 50K towing 2500kg caravan and never had one problem with it. Just sold it this week for $19,500.

Last October I wanted to upgrade and bought a 2005 ZD30 Patrol with 110K on the clock. Travelled less than 2K when I blew the motor up. There is a couple of threads on this forum started by me titled "Four Cracked Pistons" this will give a completely unbiased view from an owner from both sides of the fence.

I rebuilt the motor myself and, with the help of patrol4x4.com/forum now understand what causes these engines to overheat (and burnout pistons). Fit an Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Gauge and watch the temps.

Just yesterday I did a test towing an empty car trailer at 100 km/hr both in and out of overdrive. What did I find - and I have been guilty of this as well - using overdrive is most probably what caused my piston to blow - DO NOT TOW ANYTHING WITH OVERDRIVE ENGAGED !! The exhaust temperatures was going over 500 degrees C lagging along at 2200 rpm in overdrive. Shifted out of overdrive and rpm went to 3200 and temps dropped back to around 440 deg C.

Overboosting is what causes these engines to overfuel causing the higher EGT.

Link on ZD30 Engine Problems posted by Chaz. He has helped me to understand that these engines are not as bad as some people make them out to be.

One things for sure, you'll certainly notice the difference when you are filling up at the bowser. I get 10 litres/100km running in and out of town in mine.

Next Thursday I have a 5000 km round trip down to NSW and back towing a camper trailer with my rebuilt engine. Good test for it.

Malcolm

Howdy Just Goin.
I have one for sale. 2004< lots of good stuff. Let me Know where u are if u want to have ayarn.
Regards
Greg

Just Goin,
We have owned a 3.0 litre Patrol for about 4 years now (Series 3) after having owned Patrols since 1987.
The GU is the best of all and they have all been very good.
I became sick of the rantings of some of the contributers (Kiwi Grenade particularly) to these forums and began questioning 3 litre owners that I met in car parks, tracks and trails as to how they felt about their vehicles.
About 79 owners later they all enjoy their trucks and one had his Series 1 motor burn out a piston and stop. He commented Nissan had picked up the bill in full (out of warranty) and he knew of 3 other owners with similar stories. All repaired by Nissan.
I believe the problem revolved around insufficient oil and an over rich run on high speed lengthy stretches.
My mechanic, who owns one, says we all need to watch the Mass Air Sensor (or thereabouts) and do not use non Nissan air filters. CRC make an aerosol spray to clean those sensors and the necessity to keep it clean it applies to ALL turbo diesels.
If you have a bloke come up to you and ask if you a happy with your 3 litre it may well be me.
Bilgolabands