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.

NO CARMAKER I know covers the clutch under warranty. It's regarded as a consumable item, so I'm not surprised Nissan has refused. But at only 40,000km I would have thought it would have come to the party with at least part of the cost of replacement. It would be a tough battle, but if you feel aggrieved, pursue it further with Nissan. You could go to VCAT and get a ruling, but again, it's unlikely to be worth your while.

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.

IT'S NOT a common problem. Have an auto electrician check it for a leak that might cause the battery to drain.

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.

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.

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.