Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

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Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

Post by Deblank »

Hi ALl members of Patrol4x4.
I am a new member - joined today - and I already have a question. My apologies.
I wish to purchase a 2001 Patrol 3 litre diesel with auto gearbox and 240'000kms on the clock.
I am sure this question has been discussed over and over again but unfortunately I cannot read all the threads at the same time and seller is wanting an answer. Sorry to be so pushy.
The vehicle looks good but everyone is calling it a "hand grenade". Wow!! From what I have read I see that the motors blow up hence the nickname. So I would really appreciate some info from the specialists on the forum who have knowledge or experience with this model of patrol:
1. What are the reasons the motors blow up?
2. Is there a 10 point plan (or even 20 point plan) of remedial action I can take. In other words, What should I do now to help it from blowing up in the future?
3. How expensive is it to fix the problem before it blows up and after it blows up?
4. Is it possible that only a few of these vehicles have blown up and the rest (maybe the majority) have endured the nickname "hand grenade"?
5. Should I worry about the Auto box?

Currently I drive a 2011 Disco 4. I want to build a camper/off-roader for me and my dog. I want to drill holes in it and cut pieces off without feeling guilty. Hence the reason to buy such a big but old 4x4.
Please give me some direction.
Thanks to all of you in advance.

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Re: Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

Post by SCUBA Patrol »

Welcome Deblank,

Compared to a Disco...... you are on the right track! :biggrin:

It is hand grenading due to a couple off things but the main reason is the over-fueling of cylinder 3 or 4 (I stand corrected). This can be due to a number of things even the LR's, Miths's, Toys, etc are having these problems.

If at this age it has not grenaded, or grenaded and was properly repaired, there should be no further problems. Get a EGT-monitor like a "MADMAN" installed to monitor the EGTs and you should have plenty of hassle free km's.

Bare in mind that with a second hand car you should be prepared to take monitory risks! Have a chat with "Juice" on the site he has a Patrol about that age that he has bought second hand and as far as I know he is a very happy camper with it!

Take the plunge and join the Partol- brotherhood! QQQ
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Re: Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

Post by SJC »

If you don't mind me asking, how much does the seller want for this vehicle?
‘96 GQ 4.2 SGL
‘01 GU 4.5 GRX
‘08 GU TD42 BAKKIE
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Re: Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

Post by ricster »

PM me if you want Juice's ( Greg ) number. I think his is also a 2001 and has 400 000Km on it. Yes care needs to be taken with a second hand vehicle. If it has an EGT (Exhaust Temperature gauge) already fitted, then I would say go for it, as that shows that the previous owner was aware of the "hand grenade" issue and has most probably looked after the vehicle. If not, and this is purely my opinion, I would open up the motor and have the pistons well checked or even replaced, as 4 pistons and rings and new bearings with a good quality ( Nissan original preferably) head gasket will at least put my mind at rest. I would also block off the EGR ( Exhaust Gas Reticulation ), and do the Dawes valve thingy ( I am not too clued up on that part ) to prevent overboost, and send it off to Steves Auto Clinic in Boksburg as he has done a lot of 3.0 Patrols and has quite a good knowledge and understanding of how these motors work ( or don't ) from what I hear from fellow Forum members.

I think you will then have a great relationship with the Patrol. How much this will cost ..... I cannot say, but I would guess a lot cheaper than replacing a whole motor. Even the "after opening up the motor" expense from what I hear is not a huge expense, and one can afterwards start playing around with a bigger intercooler to get better efficiency and cooler air into that motor, as the standard intercooler is in my opinion way too small.
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Re: Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

Post by Alex Roux »

Hi Des

Welcome to the forum.
Personally I would not buy a ZD30 engine from 2001 with 240,000km on the clock. Just the worry while on a trip that it might bomb on you, is enough to convince me not to.

Some on this forum may consider it though, but only if it had been driven with a Madman or similar system that sensors the exhaust gas temps.
The damage that could potentially have been done is cumulative in nature and depends on how it was driven its lifetime.
The EGT sensor would have alerted the driver when to take the foot of the pedal to avoid that damage.

That car is rock solid otherwise, though.
And price will matter.
If it is dirt cheap I may consider it, but only to do something interesting as an alternative power plant.

The similar age and model 4.5 petrols are very reliable.
People don't like the consumption, but given the price they go for, the additional cost of petrol will take decades to catch-up with the difference in purchase price.
Skilpad, Shortie, Toro & Masewa
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Re: Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

Post by Tinus lotz »

Hello have a look here http://patrol4x4.co.za/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=7119
Good car good value for money
30l auto is not a pleasant drive .....really this is the way forward if you wanna go with feul efficiency
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Re: Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

Post by Picasso »

Welcome Des, to the Patrol Forum

I am by no means a diesel expert but I will give you my view on some of the points: :mytwocents:

1) I guess that one of the things why you are interested in this specific vehicle is the automatic gearbox ....?
I have a 4.5 with the same box and I can not fault it provided that you have a relaxed driving style. When I was about to purchase my car I could find virtually no write ups / information on that specific gear box. I than discussed this with Prof. Graham and he said that the reason that I do not find any write ups is, because they are not known for giving trouble. What is obviously important is that oil changes for the gearbox are done every 50.000 km.

2) If the auto box is no issue for you and you are equally happy with a manual box than go with Tinus's suggestion.


3) Don't be pressured in making a purchasing decision. I have done this mistake a few months ago (not with a Patrol but another Nissan vehicle)....... with lots of regret.

4) If you consider buying a ~ 15 year old Vehicle you need to ask the seller if certain (preventive)maintenance has been done. I.e. Radiator houses, Radiator, Viscose coupling (Fan), water pump, plugs (or injectors).
You need to clarify this with the seller. if not done you need to budget this in.

5) I personally would only buy this vehicle if the price is reaaaaaaaly low so I can possibly do a 4.2 td conversion without exceeding ~ 130 -140 TR after everything has been done.

6) Consider a petrol Patrol version. Perhaps an early 4.8 which you can get for ...... say 120 TR upwards

:salute:
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Re: Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

Post by Deblank »

Thanks to everyone who responded and gave me advice.
Not sure if I am better off or worse off.
My personal view is that while there are an equal number of good and bad comments, it is the negative reviews that stick in my mind. I don't know anything about the vehicle I want to buy, except that it is in a good condition - according to the dealer seller. I was under the impression that if a vehicle manages to do 240'000kms then it is unlikely that it will "hand grenade", but after these posts I am reviewing my opinion.
And yes, Picasso, I am chasing the auto box. I have not driven a manual box in years and in off-road conditions you cannot fault the auto - well not the D4 auto anyway. So I may be wrongly influenced to go after this particular Patrol.

Thanks Tinus for your offer but I will be afraid of the fact that your car has just started using oil. This could escalate. Your honesty may cause you to lose a few deals on this car but I appreciate it all the same.

To everyone else that responded a big thank you. I will keep trawling thru this forum - the knowledge and experience of members is very valuable - and not only about Nissans.
In conclusion I may re-look at the Cruisers again and maybe I can find a good 76 or 100 cruiser to mess around with. I apologise for making this declaration on this forum. I may never carry it out.
BTW SJC, the dealer wants R100k. To my mind not toooo bad.
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Re: Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

Post by Tinus lotz »

I have a good 4.5 auto for that price in good nick if you want to give it a go ...
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Re: Help with 2001 Patrol 3 litre Diesel

Post by Picasso »

Tinus lotz wrote:I have a good 4.5 auto for that price in good nick if you want to give it a go ...
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :mytwocents:
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