Nissan Patrol Problems

DRIVING around Australia today is a very different proposition to what it was in the 1970s. The roads are much better, communication has improved out of sight, and there are more dealers and service agents on the route you're likely to take. Back in the 1970s you went in a big Aussie six because they were tough and unlikely to break down. They were also easy to fix on the side of the road, and parts were relatively easy to get in the middle of nowhere. Today, if you're sticking to the blacktop, I would take a Commodore or Falcon and there are plenty available within your budget. But if I were going off the beaten track I would think about a four-wheel drive with its higher ride height for ground clearance, its ruggedness, and its drive system. Early Nissan Patrols, like an MQ, or early LandCruisers would be good, reliable and tough transport.

IT MAY well be the computer, but I would be checking for an air leak. The way the idle speed is varying suggests there's an air leak into the intake manifold.

I HAVE heard many theories about the cause of the piston problem in the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, but it's the first time I have heard that the problem is caused by the thickness of the pistons. A dealer mate says he has rebuilt many early Patrols after they've suffered a blown piston like yours, but he says the later ones have been fixed and don't suffer the same problem. Nissan's offer to supply the parts to rebuild the motor is standard industry practice, but I fully understand your frustration at being out of pocket. The best course of action is to hound the company in the hope they will relent and cough up the rest of the money.

BLOWN pistons are a common problem on the 3.0-litre turbodiesel Patrol, particularly those early ones like yours. I recommend you contact Nissan Customer Relations, ph: 1800 035 035, and ask them to rebuild your engine.

THANKS, Ross. It seems Nissan was quite forthright with you and I'm pleased you feel comfortable with its work. This should help reassure others with suspect Patrols that the problem has been resolved.

YOUR Falcon does seem to be using more LPG than it should. Have it tuned to make sure all is well with the LPG system and the ignition. I would accept 18 litres/100km on LPG as reasonable given the Falcon would probably be getting about 14 litres/100km on petrol, but 22 litres/100km on LPG, if that's correct, is too high. Look for a modern gas-injection system for your Nissan -- it will use less LPG and you won't lose as much performance as you would with a Venturi/mixer system like the one I suspect is fitted to your Falcon.

THERE are too many reports circulating about the 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine and Nissan won't discuss them, so it's hard to recommend the engine to anyone. If you're thinking of the 4.2-litre I would suggest you go for that and stay away from the 3.0-litre engine.

THIS is one of those situations that calls into question what is reasonable use. My guess is Nissan is saying your use falls outside what is reasonable, but I would think that it is quite reasonable for you to take your car on to corrugated roads and not have it fall apart. Keep the pressure on.

IT SOUNDS as though Nissan needs to do some work. The Patrol has a reputation for being tough and able to stand up to the rigours of the bush. Maybe it's gone soft.