Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Two years I bought a 2004 3.0 D with 125' ks on the clock. The car was apparently well looked after and my first trip took me to the Zambezi valley. No problems other than a slight loss in cooling liquid. I had the vehicle checked for a leak in the cooling system but everything seemed to be ok. 2 years and 15' ks later the water loss got serious, starting problems and about 2 liters per 1000km. I had the head removed to check for cracks, Bingo a hairline crack in the head. I took the vehicle to SAC in Centurion and further cracks were identified in the pistons. I decided to go for a total overhaul (did not have much of a choice). When the engine was removed I got the bad news that the flywheel was totally worn. That set me back another R 25' (flywheel only), a real bargain I must say. Anyway, SAC did a great job and also installed an EGT gauge. The engine runs like a dream but there was an annoying drone, engine vibrations were transmitted to the chassis. After installing new engine mounts the drone was diminished but it is still there. Has anybody come across the same problem? Any advice would be welcome.

What did I learn: never buy a used 3.0D Patrol with a tow hitch, especially if you do not know who the previous owner was and how he treated his vehicle. If I would have joined the forum before I made the purchase I could have saved an awful lot of money

Well now that you have a "new" motor in there.... and an EGT monitor.... 500 000km here you go..... many trips to Zims on that!!!!

After all is said and one about the ZD 30 enin. If I can exchange the Prado today for a post 2005 Patrol ZD30, I would do so - even though the Prado has only 10,000km on ..
BUT I now know how to protect that ZD30 enjin -- ask BOEZMAN the H/B abkkie standing outside, all smiles, with 226 000 km on the clock - and still going places where others fear to follow.

Jefe - pleased to make your aquintence - and all the best with your Trol

Hi do you mean R25 000 for the fly wheel only , if so you got wripped off badly. I just replaced my dual mass fly wheel with a Solid fly wheel which cost me around 10k including new clutch kit and labour. A new DMF will cost 16K at Nissan. With the solid mass flywheel you do have more vibration but only at very low revs.Maybe confirm whith SAC if they replaced with a DMF.

Welcome Jefe.

Did they do any compression and carbon tests before the head was removed and the cracks were discovered?

Hi, does anyone have a damaged d/m flywheel or solid flywheel? Id like to take a few mesurments off of one.
Thanks

Yes a carbon test was done. The flywheel is a DMF (I was charged R 22000 ex Vat by SAC). I considered getting a solid flywheel but the reported vibration put me off.

I think oom Mac should be delegated to have a chat with SAC Pretoria. If they charged R6000 profit just to supply a Flywheel I will seriously reconsider before I ever take my Patrol to them again.

All stories have two sides so before they are labeled lets have their side of the story.

Jefe wrote:Yes a carbon test was done.

Was the result negative or positive for carbon?

martyn wrote:Hi, does anyone have a damaged d/m flywheel or solid flywheel? Id like to take a few mesurments off of one.
Thanks

I have a DMF that you can sample , contact me on 082 448 1075 im in kempton park.