Nissan Patrol Problems

WE RECEIVED quite a few emails from readers who have experienced the problem or know of it. Nissan released a service fix for it that appears to do the job.

I CAN'T give you a definitive answer, but I can tell you Nissan is so concerned about all the negative publicity it has received over the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that it has agreed to sit down with Carsguide and give us a rundown on the problem so we can, hopefully, give you the answer you want. Stay tuned.

I HAVEN'T heard of rust spots as you report, but maybe our readers can help. Certainly you need to have the paint repaired and Nissan seems to be willing to come to the party.

THE Nissan letter we received was referring specifically to the engine failures, not to a lack of performance you refer to, though there may well be an issue with the performance of the ZD30 engine, as you suggest.

THE meeting didn't happen, but Nissan corporate affairs manager Jeff Fisher sent me a letter that may ease your mind. I quote: "We acknowledge that we have received the occasional call relating to ZD30 diesel engines and that each received prompt attention from our customer service representatives in conjunction with the Nissan dealer network. "In each identified instance, where we have seen some form of product defect, Nissan has worked to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of the owner according to the terms of the Nissan new car warranty (three years, 100,000km). "In that context, Nissan also maintains a pro-active support to owners of vehicles during ownership periods beyond the standard factory warranty. "The circumstances surrounding product comments, (such as those made by your readers) in our experience, usually involve older vehicles (often second and third owners, out of warranty and often with high mileage and unknown usage patterns). "We encourage owners to maintain their vehicle in partnership with manufacturer's guidelines and its dealer network. "This is especially in the knowledge that advanced diesel engine technology can be vulnerable to failure should it be subject to misuse or neglect. "Alternatively, we are quite prepared to discuss technical and operational details directly with customers, owning either new or older Nissan products, before and during their period of ownership. "Our national Customer Service Centre number is 1800 035 035. "I hope this has illustrated how we deliver prompt and results-based outcomes with our customers in attending to specific product matters as they may arise.'' Unfortunately the letter doesn't indicate that the problem, which has been acknowledged in the letter as existing in older models, has been fixed. If you have any doubts, take up the offer to phone Nissan.

THE 3.0-litre turbodiesel is notorious for burning pistons. It usually happens to No.4 piston first, but you seem to have all at the same time. It is not acceptable and Nissan hasn't handled the problem well at all. The best thing to do is approach Nissan and ask for compensation. The most likely offer you will get is to cover the cost of parts to rebuild your engine, leaving you to pay for labour.

THE factory clutch is a bit marginal and usually starts to shudder before actually failing. Most people replace it with a heavier-duty aftermarket clutch, which seems to last much longer than the original.

THERE were problems with the GU Patrol when it was first launched, but Nissan claims to have fixed them by using a new dipstick and an increased oil fill. Any that failed were fixed by Nissan, as you say, and there are still occasionally reports about problems. But the Patrol is now probably at an age and mileage when those that were going to fail have, and they have been rebuilt. For more information, contact the Nissan Customer Assistance people.

I'M GUESSING Nissan covered the cost of the parts and you paid the labour, which is the normal deal with most companies once the warranty expires. Most people accept the offer for the same reason you did -- it's the easiest thing to do.

Did they hone the bores in the rebuild? If they didn't, or even if they did, I would be suspicious that the rings are not properly seated on the bores and the smoke is blow-by. The problem could also be because you didn't run it in properly after the rebuild and the bores have glazed.