Nissan Patrol Diesel Problems

The 3.0-litre turbo diesel Patrol is renowned for blowing pistons, but you’re talking about a car that is up to 10 years old. The best you could expect is for Nissan to cover part of the cost of rebuilding the engine, something they have done with some other owners.

Given the history of your car I would hope that Nissan would come to the party with assistance in rebuilding your engine. If there is no offer forthcoming the only course left open to you is legal action and I would consult the fair trading people in your area.

Yes, it is a well-known issue with the 3.0-litre turbo diesel, one that we have publicized in Carsguide a number of times. Nissan has in the past offered assistance to owners who have suffered this engine meltdown. I would suggest you present your case to Nissan and request they come to the party as they have done with other owners, and if that doesn't work consult your state government consumer affairs people.

Under the Australian Consumer Law introduced in January 2011, a consumer can request a refund or a replacement for persistent problems if the car doesn’t do the job it’s supposed to do.

You’re buying a high mileage car so be careful to check the condition of the engine and driveline and walk away if there’s any suspicion they’re close to worn out. There’s little difference between the Landcruiser and the Patrol, but avoid the 3.0-litre turbo diesel Patrol as it has engine issues.

It’s quite common for Patrol owners to turbocharge the 4.2-litre diesel, it gives the best bang for your buck of all the available performance enhancers available. You could fit a better exhaust, a chip, or a cold air intake, but they would only give you a modest improvement, whereas the turbo will give you a decent increase in performance.

Take to the pulley with some emery paper to take the gloss off them, if that fails consider replacing the alternator pulley.

I will assume you have a 4.2-litre non-turbo diesel, which can be a little gutless. But they are a tough old engine and will cope pretty well with a turbocharger. There are aftermarket bolt-on kits available, generally at a cost of about $3000 or so, and will usually boost the power by about 20 per cent. Before you do it ensure your engine is in relatively good shape, there’s no point in fitting a turbo to an engine that’s on its last legs.

I’ve been told the problems don’t affect the later models, but I can’t categorically say they don’t because I haven’t been able to confirm it with any confidence.

I have to assume you are talking about diesel engines here and want to swap a 3.0-litre turbo engine for a 4.2-litre non-turbo. In that case it is possible to make the swap without major surgery, but it is likely to be hard to find a decent 4.2-litre engine and gearbox. You might be better to install a 4.2-litre turbo diesel, that way you would get the better performance, but again finding an engine for the swap would be difficult. It would be more economical to swap your car for another one with the engine and gearbox combination you want.

They can give trouble as you have been told, but it’s not possible to say if yours is likely to blow up. Have a mechanic with knowledge of Patrols check it over before you go, you should have it serviced in any case before a long trip as you plan and a check on the engine would be worthwhile.