Nissan Patrol 2001 Problems

IT MAY well be the computer, but I would be checking for an air leak. The way the idle speed is varying suggests there's an air leak into the intake manifold.

I HAVE heard many theories about the cause of the piston problem in the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, but it's the first time I have heard that the problem is caused by the thickness of the pistons. A dealer mate says he has rebuilt many early Patrols after they've suffered a blown piston like yours, but he says the later ones have been fixed and don't suffer the same problem. Nissan's offer to supply the parts to rebuild the motor is standard industry practice, but I fully understand your frustration at being out of pocket. The best course of action is to hound the company in the hope they will relent and cough up the rest of the money.

BLOWN pistons are a common problem on the 3.0-litre turbodiesel Patrol, particularly those early ones like yours. I recommend you contact Nissan Customer Relations, ph: 1800 035 035, and ask them to rebuild your engine.

THERE were problems with the GU Patrol when it was first launched, but Nissan claims to have fixed them by using a new dipstick and an increased oil fill. Any that failed were fixed by Nissan, as you say, and there are still occasionally reports about problems. But the Patrol is now probably at an age and mileage when those that were going to fail have, and they have been rebuilt. For more information, contact the Nissan Customer Assistance people.

THE 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine had problems early on that Nissan claims were fixed by the revised dipstick and extra oil fill. Yours should have had that fix, but it's worth checking that with your dealer. The problem seems to be worse when highway driving, and becomes worse still when towing or at high temperatures. It was thought to be a piston-cooling problem, and the extra oil fixed that. But there are reports of failures of the mass airflow sensor, which seems to tell the engine computer to run the engine lean.

THE quote should be about $1600 to replace the clutch. A factory Nissan clutch kit costs about $600 and there would be about 10 hours labour, Nissan specialist Jerry Newman says. The gearbox is difficult to remove. Nissan allows more than seven hours to do it, so 10 hours is normal. Your Patrol does have a dual mass flywheel, but it can be machined for about $50.

NISSAN assures me the problem was fixed when it changed the sump and dipstick, but I have had some reports it wasn't totally fixed. I've been unable to verify those claims and can only take its assurance at face value. I wouldn't worry. If it does occur, you'd have very strong grounds to make a claim against Nissan.