HARD STARTING 1996 PATROL 4.2 SGL WHEN HOT OR STANDINGON A

[Keith]

Hi all, this is my first post on this forum but follow all your ideas and suggestions religiously. My son, Killian, has a 1996 4.2 Petrol SGL (carb version) which is difficult to start after the Patrol has been running and the engine is hot. After switch off, and standing for some time (15 mins...) when you crank the engine it is really difficult to start. It takes some 30 seconds or longer to fire. Almost as if the fuel has evaporated out of the carb. bowl. Has anyone out there experienced anything similar, have any suggestions to fix it or where we can find a good carb shop who can help? We are in the northern Suburbs of JHB.

I also drive a 2015 Patrol 3.0 D GX which I use to tow our Explorer caravan with. I would like to find out if there are any suggestions out there on after market suspension mods that I can fit that can soften the suspension. Most of our driving is in an empty Patrol. My previous 4.8 GX had a much softer and more pliable suspension. When towing, we don't really have a lot of weight on the rear suspension. There are so many different after market suspensions and shocks out in the market on offer that it is difficult to separate good equipment from marketing or spin doctor hype. Has anyone out there got any good suggestions on aftermarket suspensions and shocks based on your personal use and experience? And where/who is the suspension guru's to take the vehicle to for fitment?

Lastly, has anyone any good advice on solar panels for fitment and charging of my Jürgen's Explorer deep cycle batteries? I am an ignoramus when it comes to electricity and again cant work out who the guru's are on Solar in SA that can help me and supply the right solar panels and fit them properly. I have heard about a new development with paint on solar panels - anyone heard anything about these panels or anything similar? your suggestions/comments/advice and chirps are appreciated.

Thank you for a great website. we have picked up some great ideas on it.

Regards

Keith Dell

[Kagiso II]

Hallo Keith and welcome among us
May I suggest that you start THREE different threads [freds :-D ] on your questions else the topics will vanish in translation

Peter Connan and Graham will know best on the 4.2 carburetor GQ 'Troll's behavior

Is the 3.0 Diesel of yours a ZD 30 engine or the newer CRD engine ? [two complete different hero's]

On the Solar panels etc I am also all ears -- although I planned mine and had it done MY WAY ..

Then please keep track of the INFO Day I will be arranging [27 May thus far] where we will mainly have experts on SUSPENSIONS / ELECTRICS [like batteries & solar panels etc] Drawer systems / Canopies / Roof Racks .. and SPOT LIGHTS

[Stefaansie]

Hi Keith,

I know SP Carbs in Kempton is the go-to guys for carburetor kits etc.

[Peter Connan]

SP carbs in Kempton do indeed stock carb kits for this carb, but please do not actually ask them to do anything to your car. My experience with them is all bad.

The hard starting after a longish stand seems to be a common problem, and the only "solution" I have found is to let it stand with the bonnet open. Fitting an electric fuel pump has helped a little bit, but has too many disadvantages to make it worth while.

As for the suspension on your 3l: what does it have now? I doubt you will find anything softer than standard. If it currently has aftermarket, there is a good chance you could find somebody willing to swop you.

[Michael]

Carbs are not something anyone can fix......you need you know your story there.

But from what I know the float level is very important, if too low it might have this effect.
I have also seen on other vehicles how they put a piece of bacolite between the carb and the manifold to reduce the amount of heat tfansfer from tbe engine to the carb.
In some cases the heat transfer is so bad that the fuel gets really very hot in the carb and evaporates real quick after standing.

[ricster]

Carbs.... I know diddly squat about.

3.0 Diesels..... very limited knowledge, BUT..... I do know you MUST fit an EGT gauge to it before even thinking about anything else to do on those Patrols...... just my 2 cents worth, that may be invaluable..... but on a suspension note, I have a OME 2" lift on my Patrol, and also have 2 air suspension bags on the back to assist when carrying heavy loads or when loaded and hauling the old Barakah camp trailer around. This works extremely well and is pretty cost effective too and doesnt affect the ride quality when not no load is present. Unless you want to do some offroading where ride height is an issue, then look at soft coils in the back with air ride bags to help when loaded. Otherwise, keep the standard suspension and fit 2 bags on the back to level the Patrol out when loaded or hooked up. BUT again if you are towing a trailer..... please at least make sure you have an EGT gauge

Solar panels.... hmmm.... I will learn from the info posted here

[Keith]

Thank you for all the good advice and prompt replies. I shall modify my questions into different categories.

Last question: My 3.0 D patrol has the new CRD engine - do you still think I should be fitting an EGT gauge? I see various comments of concern about the older diesel engines and EGT? If you guys think I should install one, and I do tow a heavy Jürgen's Explorer, who are the best guys to take the vehicle to who can install an EGT?

Last comment: I miss my old Patrol's 4.8 L engine- that is a boss engine for towing!

Regards, Keith

[ricster]

In my opinion, I think all and any diesel engine should be fitted with an EGT gauge. The Patrol is a heavy beast as it is, and the 4.2 diesel old school motor and the latest 3.0 motor all work damn hard to get that weight up to speed. Towing a trailer will make you cringe once you have the EGT gauge fitted and you see what those temps quickly get up to. Yes there is electrickery on your motor to help prevent it, but piece of mind is a blessing in disguise for sure.

The 4.8 is probably the best towing vehicle, but I think that the 3.0 diesel will be more than good enough to do the job, but a little extra care is, again in my opinion, definitively needed to ensure longevity and reliability.

Where to fit one.... hmmmm... not sure in Lesotho/Maseru area. Maybe one of the Free State guys know of someone. I know Marinus is that side of the world, maybe PM him and ask him to have a look at this and offer any info if he knows of someone.

[Tinus lotz]

Thank you for all the good advice and prompt replies. I shall modify my questions into different categories.

Last question: My 3.0 D patrol has the new CRD engine - do you still think I should be fitting an EGT gauge? I see various comments of concern about the older diesel engines and EGT? If you guys think I should install one, and I do tow a heavy Jürgen's Explorer, who are the best guys to take the vehicle to who can install an EGT?

Last comment: I miss my old Patrol's 4.8 L engine- that is a boss engine for towing!

Regards, Keith

Can speak to us if you are in the centorion area ....i also have joshj old plug and play chip that increased his power to 480nm and 160kw mabe you must look at that
If you are willing to fit a madman yourself we can help you also

[Keith]

Many thanks Tinus,

Have you, or any other members, have any experience or advice on chipping the new CRD 3.0 diesel engine? My Patrol should benefit from an after market chip for towing our heavy caravan. Any advice on makes (I see Tinus suggests a Madman), what does it do to the longevity of the engine, fuel consumption? Any adverse effects on the gearbox? Are these chips easy to takeout if your Patrol goes for a warranty service so that the OEM/dealer cannot detect an after market mod? Or do the OEM's allow these after market chips to be fitted?

Or is the advice to keep it standard and go a bit slower?