Nissan 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.

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.

YES. It is a low-ethanol blend and will do no harm to your car. The problems that can occur with ethanol blends, and they have to be high blends, mostly afflict older cars. New models have seals etc. that won't be affected by the ethanol.

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.

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.

NISSAN claims the diesel auto will do 9.5 litres/100km unloaded, so yours is doing well over the odds, but finding the answer isn't easy. The tare weight of the diesel auto Navara is about 1950kg and you reckon yours weighs 2900kg with all you have added. I reckon that's the reason for your high fuel consumption. Yours weighs 50 per cent more than the standard ute and your fuel consumption is about 50 per cent more, so I would start by taking everything out and off and driving it in the as-built condition. If your consumption is still high, then you have a case.

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.

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.

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.