Advice on buying a 2000 GU DX

[Rapson]

Hi There,
I am looking to buy my first Patrol and am seeking some advice from those who know Patrols.

The vehicle I am looking at is a 2000 GU DX 3Lt, 154000km. Recently had new turbo and new head installed. It comes from a dealer with a 5 year warranty for $18000. The warranty will pay up to $1000 for any claims.

From what I have found out the 2000 was the worst year for the dreaded 3Lt exploding.

What I would like to know is if the new head would have fixed this problem?

Thanks in advance.

[YNOT]

Welcome to the forum Rapson,

Check this thread for more info;

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?479-3.0lt-GU-Patrols-Grenade-Facts&highlight=grenade

The new head and turbo won't stop the engine problems, but install the engine saver mods and the engine should have a long life.

Tony

[Rapson]

Thanks for that YNOT. I dont have eneough posts yet to download but have read up on it and would plan to block the EGR and install a boost gauge. Also a Turbo timer to look after the new turbo. Do you know what length the dipstick should be to measure 8.2L in the sump? I would like to measure it to see if it is reading 8.2L.

[YNOT]

I'll measure the dipstick on mine later and get back to you with the length.

Blocking the EGR on it's own will cause more problems that what it solves. The ZD30 engine is very sensitive to airflow changes so you need to install a dawes valve to control boost if you're going to block the EGR.
The other main problem is crankcase ventilation oil vapour fouling the mass air flow sensor, causing it to send false readings to the engine computer. To stop this you need to fit a catch can or PCV filter.
I would also highly recommend you fit a pyro (or exhaust gas temperature) gauge, as high exhaust temps are the first sign of trouble.

Tony

[Rapson]

Thanks for that Tony I have found a DIY instructions on a catch can set up and it looks pretty straight forward. I do like a bit of a project so adding these mods could keep me out of trouble for a while.

[macca1]

Hi There,
I am looking to buy my first Patrol and am seeking some advice from those who know Patrols.

The vehicle I am looking at is a 2000 GU DX 3Lt, 154000km. Recently had new turbo and new head installed. It comes from a dealer with a 5 year warranty for $18000. The warranty will pay up to $1000 for any claims.

From what I have found out the 2000 was the worst year for the dreaded 3Lt exploding.

What I would like to know is if the new head would have fixed this problem?

Hi Rapson, Would just check how mods will affect the warranty you are given (read fine print) they will try anything to get out of paying these days, Don't trust anyone out there in the car world particually Nissan not facing up to Known problems like grenade engines & 5th gear stripping the main shaft on those models.
Cheers hope you have a good run with the new aquisition
Macca :oops:

[Rapson]

Thanks Macca1. I gave it a good run on the highway, in and out of 5th a number of times and the gear box appears to be all good and did all the things it is meant to with out any unushual noises. Any pointers on what I should be looking for?

[macca1]

Thanks Macca1. I gave it a good run on the highway, in and out of 5th a number of times and the gear box appears to be all good and did all the things it is meant to with out any unushual noises. Any pointers on what I should be looking for?
Hi again, Check if it has or not had the 5th gear mod usually fail 60 ~100k /k's believe me you won't know there is a faulty box until it goes Zrrrrrrrrr ( no 5th) :blowup:
If it has not been modified the gear oil will be a rusty colour (baby poo), the shaft spline where 5th mounts is longer & spline is extended on the gear smaller spacer fitted behind.
Will cost approx $2,000 to get repaired by specialist trans repairer (the will have done plenty for the experience) Thats with all new bearings ,seals R&R ect.
Cheers Macca

[Rapson]

Hi again, Check if it has or not had the 5th gear mod usually fail 60 ~100k /k's believe me you won't know there is a faulty box until it goes Zrrrrrrrrr ( no 5th) :blowup:
If it has not been modified the gear oil will be a rusty colour (baby poo), the shaft spline where 5th mounts is longer & spline is extended on the gear smaller spacer fitted behind.
Will cost approx $2,000 to get repaired by specialist trans repairer (the will have done plenty for the experience) Thats with all new bearings ,seals R&R ect.
Cheers Macca

Thanks for that, I will check it out. Gonna try and locate some previous owners to find out a bit of history.

[YNOT]

Here's the dipstick out of my ZD30 (8 litre oil capacity)

Tony

[DX grunt]

G'day Rapson.

Welcome to the forum.

Take care out there.

Ross
Dx grunt

[Rapson]

YNOT, that is GOLD Thanks heaps for that. Off to the dealer tomorrow with that ammo and if it dosent measure up he will see me walking away!

[Rapson]

Thanks Ross, looks like I am in good company.