Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Peter Connan wrote:The chassis seems to be a hybrid, modified from a 3l or 4.5l chassis, and not a production 4.8 chassis

Peter, as a matter of interest, what are the differences between the chassis of these models?
I was under the impression they are the same, but that the diff boxes differed in size (mainly depending on whether it is a manual or auto model)

Alex, the 4.8 has an extra cross-member, situated just in front of the radiator and at the back ends of the crumple sections. It is a square-section tubular member with bends at the ends to drop it down below the level of the chassis legs at that point, by about 50mm.

On Adrian's car, they just welded a straght tubular cross-member in there.

Morning Guys!

Ja, as Peter says, I managed to buy the only weirdo out there... But the rest of the car seems exactly the same as everyone else's.
The front bash plate the you all have on your 4.8 fitted straight onto my car without any issues, except that mine is without so much room around the strangely placed cross member.
Also, all parts bought from Nissan S.A. have been on my VIN and there has been no issues with non fitment or wrong model for this region...

Pete, the back was running around 92 degrees and the front was around the 82-85 mark. Interestingly, the temp on the side of the head where the water leaves to make its way to the top of the radiator was the hottest with a constant temp of 103 degrees...

Small update, the water fluctuations between the overflow bottle and radiator has now stabilised completely and there is absolutely no bubbles showing up. So it seems that the self bleeding system does work, albeit over a few days...

Oh and Cedric china, that lorry of yours is looking menacing!

ha ha.... thanks bud !!.... was that you I passed on Michelle Ave yesterday??.... I waved but wasn't sure if you saw me. I think I was behind you too a few weeks back on the same road for a few meters before I turned off

Adrian, that sounds OK to me

So it seems there are residual issues from my failed water pump.

My beautifull lorry has popped a head gasket!!

I am flipping upset! This should never happen to a motor that hardly ever goes above 3000 rpm.

But again, I seem to have caught it before it caused any serious damage, but I will only know for sure once the head is off.

Reason for my post is I was wondering if anyone that has done a head gasket on a 4.8 has any tips, suggestions or important things to look out for that I should be aware of?
And also, is there any worth in cleaning the ports on this head? Nothing serious, just a light clean up to improve efficiency?
Not sure if she needs a skim either, but will let you all know the outcome once the head is off and I have heard back from the engineering.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers that everything goes smoothly and that there are no hidden suprises...
Eish!

Damn Adrian, that's a crappy one !!!

I'm not sure about the petrol motors, but generally the manifolds are a bastard....need fingers like ET ( phone home) to get to some of the bolts.

There is an engineering shop in Alberton North .....
Willem at Engine Reconditioning Centre - 011 907 9476

He did my diesel head and checked my Father in Law's Kia Sorrento's head. Tell him Cedric sent you, and he will look after you. And he's a straight up guy so won't bullshhhhhhh you.

Thanks Bud!

Yes, we use Willem for all our engineering work!
Been using him for the better part of 13 years now! One of the true gentlemen!

Flipping bleak to say the least

Thanks for the info!

My only other suggestion would be to use a genuine Nissan head gasket. This may not be a major thing on a petrol motor as the compression ratio is probably half of a diesel ( 22.1 : 1 )..... just my 2 cents

Roger that!

I was leaning towards the original anyway.
Will also replace thermostat and radiator cap with originals. Will also be having the radiator cleaned and checked for flow and also looking at all water pipes.

Any other goeterjies I should inspect and or change while its all open?