Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Hi there,

I am importing a stock std 3.0 DI SVE Patrol manual 2005 from the UK to SA. I assume that the UK spec may differ from the SA spec? Or not..?

1: What are the key areas regarding the engine that i should consider modifying/changing focusing on reliability/durability etc?
2: I am based in Durban. Who would you recommend as a good service provider to assist with these issues?
3: Are there any other issues to consider?

Further to this, i would really appreciate comment on the following:

1: I have been told that changing the radiator thermostat is important. Is this true and if so, why?
2: Engine monitoring systems (EGT, Oil pressure, Turbo boost) - are these essential? Why is there so much sensitivity around the 3.0 DI engine? I understand the patrol to be extremely reliable. I have read that pre. 2003 engines did have issues.

Many thanks

Regards
Mark

Hi Mark

Better safe than sorry.
I would consider the EGT essential for any ofthe ZD30 engines, even post 2003. Mine was 2004 and handgrenaded.
The post 2003 engines are better, but not fulproof.
In other respects I think the engine is robust.

Further mods: There are may threads on this, on this forum:
The larger intercooler & Oil catch-can are mentioned often.

Sorry, I do not know of anyone to personally recommend in the Durban area.

Yeah ... agree with Alex... First thing to do .... basically from the customs yard en-route home, go to a reputable Diesel specialist, and get the computer remapped for SA conditions. I believe that this is CRUCIAL!!

Thermostat.....hmmm I doubt it as the motor must operate between certain temps. so whether its -10 or +30 deg C outside you motor thermostat will only open to allow water to flow through the radiator once operating temps are achieved.

But having said that.... I would probably do a full once over. Replace all oils ( diffs, transfer box, gearbox, steering and motor). Repack wheel bearings and Definitely radiator antifreeze, but with either genuine Nissan or Silverton Radiator antifreeze. Check the radiator hoses too, as the antifreeze ratio in the UK might be different to SA, and possibly from extreme temp differences compromised the pipes.

Isn't there a SAC in durban????they can help !
Get the mapping done for hot sa summer and egt or just a madman will do the trick

Oh yes .... EGT gauge is as important as the remapping of the computer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! temps must be kept below the 650 deg C mark ( MAXIMUM )... I try never to let mine climb over 600 deg C for safety. Pistons melt at about 700 deg C I'm told.

Sjoe -thanks Gents. I feel like i really have some support here, and really appreciate it. I'm sure i can find a SAC in Durban.

Feedback from research done thus far is as follows:

1:Fit EGT monitor
2:Problems that occur with dirty dawes valves and faulty MAF sensors effecting boost, therefore fit a boost monitor.
3:Make sure MAF sensor is cleaned/checked on every service
4:Remapping of computer essential for SA conditions
5:I would assume that the vehicle has an EGR, thus a blow buy catch can is another prerequisite.
6:A clean of the intake manifold would also be required (throttle body and inlet of the intake manifold can be accessed and cleaned without too much difficulty apparently).
7:Make sure that you don't use one of those oiled filters as the oil fouls the MAF and the engine management gets incorrect info which might result in a bang.

One area of contention seems to be the blocking of the EGR valvue to assist with longevity? What do you think?

Regards
Mark

Welcome Mark

I believe a good study of the workshop manual should tell you whether the thermostat is different for different markets. You can get one on CD from Kobus Pienaar (forumname Herrie). However I would not expect them to differ.

You seem to have a good handle on the other things already.

Blocking off the EGR does seem a very contentious issue.

The only thing I might want to add is that one of the modifications done to the engine post-2003 was to increase the sump capacity. Perhaps monitoring how much oil you need at your first service can help determine exactly what spec your engine is?

Hey man, Are you sure you can imporet this vehicle into SA?
I was of the opinion that second hand cars are banned from registering in SA, albeit people were talking about Japanese imports.

Secondly, have a look at this forum, there is weeks worth of info re ZD30 and the grenade effect.
Here's the link: http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/nissan-patrol-gu-gr-10/

If you go through the threads you will know all about the preventive measures and remedies to safeguard this motor.

Be warned, this OZ forum is addictive, there is so much info to work through.

Hi Walter

The car has to be above a certain age (and owned by the same owner), then it can be imported without the whopping tax being slapped on to it.
The cost of the shipping was around R20,000 about 6/7 years ago.
Still, given how cheap second hand cars are in the UK, once the car had been owned and driven by the user in the UK (for, I think a minimum of 1year+), then shipped down, it is still worth while.

Hi Walter

Thanks for the link - will definitely check it out.

Yes, Alex is correct. There are conditions under which the vehicle can be moved, but it is possible. If i compare what i would pay for the same vehicle here, i am bringing it across for well under half the price, in fact, closer to a third of the price - but be warned, it is a mammoth paper process.

I did it as i owned the vehicle in the UK and was comparing costs vs purchasing one here.

Sjoe - we pay alot for vehicles in SA!

Regards
Mark