Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

I usually have to drive for about 10 minutes before any noticeable increase in the temperature. Now that's its winter i normally run the engine for 2 -3 minutes before driving off, and don't drive hard at all until the engine has warmed up. I've seen the needle move up by simply starting the truck and letting it idle.

Once warm it sits just below half way and never really moves from that spot.

Thanks

David

The temp gauges in Japanese cars are typically very insensitive until the temperature is quite high: it is more of a warning device than a thermometer. I think they do this to prevent drivers from being alarmed when they see the temp needle moving in response to variations in engine heat load.

I prefer to drive off soon after starting the engine, albeit gently. This allows the engine to reach operating temperatures more rapidly, which minimizes the time spent in the high wear, cold engine regime. This also warms up and lubricates the rest of the drivetrain in preparation for the time when the engine has warmed up and more of the engine performance will be called upon.

I'm with Gerrit on this one. Let it idle for a few seconds and then ride it gently for the first bit until the engine temp is up just below half. You have a turbo on if I remember correctly....that needs nice warm oil too...

Don't know about the TD42, but on my 3.0, I always let the glow plugs get nice and hot (let the coil light go out 3 times and then wait for the 'click' (about 11 seconds after the coil light went out the 3rd time) before starting. Only after starting do I open the electric gate, reverse out and wait for the gate to close again, then drive away gently.

Hallo Davejones.
Wat die manne praat om hoe jou kar te ry wanneer koud is heeltemal reg.
Jou kar klink egter of hy te lank vat voor hy tempratuur kry.Ek het al met twee gevalle waarvan my 4.2 een is gekry dat die "thermostat" oop hang.Dit is nou koud en le op die werkstafel.Die oop stat gaan veroorsaak dat die water te vinnig sirkuleer en die enjin langer neem om op tempratuur te kom.
Ek het gesien op al twee stats dat hulle wel werk(oop maak) as ek hulle toets,maar hulle sluit nie reg toe nie.
Sal nie skade doen om na joune te kyk nie.
Groete
Frans

Hi Dave,

Ja, I agree with what other have said, re warm up. Also, I think Frans is spot on in terms of the thermostat. If I were you I would replace the thermostat for piece of mind.....they are cheap enough and its a very easy job to change. You may as well do a good radiator flush while you`re at it, and re-fill with a good quality anti- freeze.

My 2c!!

Mine once started starts to get up to temp after about 5km of gentle driving after starting. BUT...I battle to start mine in the mornings. I cant fit the Patrol into the garage yet with the roof rack on. I'll have to get around to taking it off one of these days. I'm going to try what Stephan says, let the glow plugs get nice and warm first.

Thanks chaps - I'll replace the thermostat and do a radiator flush.

Do you buy the genuine Nissan thermostat?

My Patrol starts first time

yeah yeah....rub it in....ha ha

For the stat.Agents only.R400.00