Patrol loss of power

[stefnie]

I have a 1998 Patrol 4.5 E GL ( Y61 series )
Everything checks out fine but there is a loss of power and uneven ride. Feels like engine runs uneven on acceleration. Any suggestions on possible remedies?

[G-MAN]

When last has it had a service? Start with simple things, fuel filter!

[stefnie]

Thanks for reply! - Serviced about 600km ago. Maybe they did not do a proper job. Will start with fuel filter and plugs as DIY project. I installed a BMC FI Filter ( oil bath type ) Should I return to previous paper element filter?

[Peter Connan]

Hello Stefnie

I have just had a look at the BMC website, but could not see any oil bath filters, only oil-treated foam filters, perhaps I looked in the wrong place?

An oil bath filter is really old-tech, it features an oil pan and the air is forced to turn sharply over the oil, the theory being that the dust particles will bash into the oil because of their higher inertia and will then be captured. The usually had steel wool as a secondary filter element. If you have such a filter on your car, please throw it away immediately. These are the worst filters ever made, and are definately not suitable for 4x4 use as the oil will probably run out on steep slopes, and they are the least efficient filters ever made anyway.

If the filter you have is an oiled foam filter (which I suspect) then you need to think seriously about how you use the car. They are good for performance (when they are clean) as air passes through them more easily. Unfortunately they will usually allow more and bigger dust particles through, and this is bad for engine life, and Patrol engines are expensive! So if you drive a lot of dirt roads, I would recomend removing it, but if your patrol spends it's life on tar or in mud then by all means keep it, but make sure it was properly cleaned during the last service.

Cheers

[stefnie]

Thank you Peter, It is in fact an oil treated filter! My ( Klein Duimpie )- nicname for my Patrollie, spends most of the time in dust roads so I will follow your advice and return to factory fitted air cleaner. Unfortunately the guys that did the conversion buggered up the inside of the filter housing so it is impossible to use with paper element filter again.Nissan charge R3000 only for the air filter housing! Additional R 8000 if you need an air flow meter.Does anybody know of a used air filter housing for sale?

Regards.
Stefnie.

[stefnie]

Problem sorted!! A set of new plugs and replaced filthy petrol filter - car runs like new!

Thanks for all the help.
Christo.