Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Thanks guys - no money to do exhaust now, but once the running in has been done, and we have a couple of thousand km's under the belt I will look into it! Ceramic coating of manifold?? Is this something that a lot of guys do? I will find out about it - and yes Ricster I will certainly not push EGT's just because the pistons are ceramic coated - that will be an insurance policy in the event that the temp climbs a little higher than normal (or when SWAMBO is driving!)
Cheers.

Tony hope all goes well keep us updated

Ok, just spoke to Steven Green this afternoon - good news is that it looks like all the parts are available.

The next snag, however, is that the engineers have discovered that the head has been skimmed previously ...... and yep, you guessed it, it was'nt done straight, so they are now looking for a thicker cylinder head gasket so that the head can be skimmed more in order to get it even. The other option is a new head. (We can lay our hands on a brand new one at half the dealer price.)

I am thinking that after all this work, and all the part replacing we're doing, maybe it will be better to replace it and be done. I will save something on the engineers account if the head does'nt need to be worked on.

ALERT ENGINE SPARES [ - Kerk Straat - Pretoria West .. They have a JAPANESE [not China] head for the ZD 30 engine -- at 1/3rd of price of agents [AND it carries a one year warranty]

Thanks Oom, but do you agree with me - it's better to replace and just maybe this will be the LAST surprise i'm gonna get!!

While you are at it ?? Of caurse you must replace -- and that is why I give you Alert's info [they have branches -- google them for nearest address to your'n ]

While the engine is apart - I would still opt for the branches [ceramic coated] and the free flow [ask VIPER Exhaust and Wild Cat Performance for prices ??]

Tony just a suggestion. ....try to get hold of the old engine that was in alex car if the head is ok you can get a lot of bits and bobs of it?

I think Lasarus' head is busted -- remeber he ran waterless and onsly stopped just befor the engine ceased.
I would rather pay the R3500 at Alert and get5 a brand spankin NEW head [with a 1 year guarantee]

Tony.... please take note of my issue of replacing the head with a NON Genuine head, I speak from experience here on this !!!

I bought a new head from Alert Motor Spares, from a guy named Michael, who miraculously doesn't work there any more (but that's a whole different story). If you do buy a non genuine head, please make sure ALL the water ports are open and clear, and that there is correct flow of water through the head. The head I bought (yes it was for the TD42), had water ports that were not drilled through completely on some of the cylinders. I still have the now fishing anchor in my garage that cost me R6000. I landed up buying a Genuine Nissan Head for R 12K, but I know in my mind that it is PERFECT !!

So in hindsight there probably is nothing wrong with the generic head.... as long as you test and check EVERYTHING !!! ( even general finishing off of the Genuine Nissan head was amazingly better quality!!

Thanks, but with all the sh1t that I have found with my motor, I am rebuilding it entirely with original parts (unless I run totally out of funds). I do have time on my hands, so I can save up as I go. So far its new cylinder head, new oil pump & the cover, new pistons & rings (ceramic coated), all new bearings, gaskets & seals. I will take Oom Mac's advice, and also ceramic coat the exhaust manifold. The clutch will also be done and is also original.
Injectors were done around 50 000 km's ago, and glow plugs about 30 000 km's back - so they should still be fine. Cooling system (radiator, visco fan/water pump and thermostat) all original & all replaced a year ago. Turbo & boost control sensor replaced in feb when madman was installed. Alternator replaced in April (not original but cannot pay 18k for one of those)
So gents, I ask you, what else is there that needs to be replaced at this time - or should I say - what else is left to replace, besides the electronics??