Nissan Patrol Problems

IN THEORY they're a good idea, but the reality sometimes isn't that great. These systems substitute the cheaper LPG for some of the diesel, so they run on a mixture of diesel and LPG, and they develop more power as a result of that. The idea is that the driver is then able to use less throttle for the same performance and reduce the fuel consumption, but some owners tend to make full use of the extra performance and sometimes damage their engines. I wouldn't recommend it in this case, because the 3.0-litre Patrol has a propensity for holing pistons anyway, and adding the system might only make it worse.

The Nissan Patrol 4.8-litre can be successfully converted to run on LPG, and many kits are available. The LPG Warehouse has two vapour-injection kits available, and is developing a liquid-injection kit. A rebate of $1750 is available.

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.

YOU NEED to be very careful when having your diesel converted to dual-fuel, converting diesels is quite a new science compared to the conversion of petrol engines and there isn't the same level of experience there to call on. It does work, and can cut fuel consumption, but It's also quite easy to increase the engine's power to the point where the engine can be damaged. Speak to the converters involved and ask them if you can talk to other owners who have made the conversion so you can get their opinion.

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.

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

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.

Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a poor quality job, but you do need to be careful about selecting an installer. Find out what brands of system you’re being quoted for and talk to the manufacturers of those systems to confirm the competence of the installers involved. I would choose a well-respected brand of system and a well-established installer with a good reputation, and it might help if you could talk to other owners who have used those installers.

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.