09 GU engine stops when taking off in 1st

[GettingLost]

Hi all ... Have a stock 09 GU that I'm having issues with. Has 60k on the clock. Issue is the engine cuts out usually with a loud clunk when taking off at lights or up a hill or when in soft sand. Revs drop real low and I have to really pump the accelerator to get revs up to the 3k area while slowly releasing the clutch (yep not good for the clutch).

Dropped the oil every 10k but will be doing it more often when I can. Have replaced the fuel filter, air filter, and oil in the last 1000kms. Have changed fuel, used to use mostly Caltex but have changed to Shell now to see if fuel brand makes a difference. Have also used injector cleaning additives (Whynns) to see if that might help as well.

Even had the accelerator pedal system replaced as a Nissan recall affects our model.

Still having the same issues. Mostly noticeable when towing the camper (1.5t) at lights or in soft sand (no camper).

Usually the Patrol shows no black smoke even when under load however there is generally a big puff of it when I'm pumping the throttle to get the revs up enough to prevent the engine cutting out.

Any thoughts as to what else I can try? Or even what may be causing this issue.

Seems to me (as a layman) like there is a blockage somewhere that causes a loss of power that results in the cutout.

Other than that the engine appears to function fine ... Power seems to be there in other gears and at the right time.

Help would be appreciated.

Sanz

[kevin07]

did Nissan mention any previous fault codes

[GettingLost]

No ... I did ask if there was any other issues and they said they didn't check for anything else ... was just a recall fix. Is there a way to access that info myself?

[kevin07]

you would need to get a scangauge to tell you whats going on, but you could get a mechanic to see if there is any pending codes, although it seems like it struggling to boost could you have a look around the intercooler and hoses for oil may be a leak. hang in there will be some more people talking soon. kev

[Rickie3]

Did the problem start after the recall fix?

[GettingLost]

No ... Problem started at about 40k ... we purchased the car at 33k and it towed great with no issues. Now that I think about it we seemed to have better fuel economy at that stage as well. I've dropped the oil at 10k intervals and replaced the fuel and air filters once since then as well. Towing the same setup back then we were getting close to 700km from the 90 litre tank ... now we barely scrape past 550km. Driving style is ultra conservative, we tow in 4th at 90km/hr as the engine seems to sit at that speed nicely.

The issue is also noticeable when driving on sand in H4 ... Taking off in 1st there just doesn't seem to be power initially and I have to pump the accelerator to get the revs up or the engine cuts out.

Would a dirty or faulty MAF sensor cause something like this? Or should I be looking more toward the fuel system?

Thanks.

Sanz

[Rickie3]

what engine are we talking here? definately remove and clean the MAF sensor, just use carby cleaner on it, I just keep spraying mine till it looks clean then dry with compressed air about 10 psi

[GettingLost]

It's the 3 litre ZD30 engine.

I'll pull the MAF out and give it a good clean. I don't have carby clean on me but do have isopropyl alcohol ... will that do?

Are there signs of wear or anything on the sensor that would indicate it could be causing issues?

Thanks for everyone's input ... Much appreciated. Hoping to sort this out soon before we head into the Top End and then into the Kimberley.

Sanz

[Rickie3]

I'll pull the MAF out and give it a good clean. I don't have carby clean on me but do have isopropyl alcohol ... will that do?

That should be fine! dont use any brushes or scrubbing devices, just keep spraying the MAF till it looks clean, make sure its dry before installing, also I use electrical grease on the connector before connecting the plug

[kevin07]

type in check maf sensor in top right hand corner and press magnifying glass beside it. scroll down to sticky checking and cleaning maf sensor started by ynot. do you think it may be turbo lag as it just sounds this way could also be a faulty egr quick fix on that is block it or like I said earlier boost leak.

[GettingLost]

Ok so I have read all about the MAF now and have removed it, cleaned it (although it looked pretty clean really) and even disconnected the battery for a while like some mention you should do. Car still starts and performs as usual so at least I didn't break anything!

I'll try and see if the stalling still happens when I get a chance.

I guess it could be turbo lag ... Is there any way to check if it's within normal? Would turbo lag be considered a loss of power though that can only be corrected by pumping on the accelerator until revs are up around the 3k mark?

By the looks most people fit the NADS solution and that seems to give back a little power. Could the EGR system be all gummed up and if so is there a relatively easy way to check for a non mechanic? We'll be in Alice Springs in about 3 weeks so that might be a good chance to have a bit of a go at tinkering (if the caravan park will allow of course). Are there pre-made "kits" available for a DIY install? I did find a link to this pretty good tutorial ... http://www.mypatrol4x4.com/topic/57-nads-step-by-step-guide/ ... Might be needing specialist help for some of it I think.

Cheers

Sanz

[kevin07]

start with blocking the egr if you have to you can make a plate or pm mudski he sells all this stuff.also check the voltage of the maf from what you have read

[love ke70]

if it hasnt been done yet, start with a boost gauge and EGT gauge to see whats going on, then we can give more helpful info, the more data you have the better armed you are :)

[BillsGU]

Before you start to "tinker and modify" you should fix the issue you now have. Otherwise you will be chasing your tail trying to work out what the cause of the real prolem is.

Have a look at all of your vacuum hoses to ensure they are on correctly and haven't split.

If It was me I would take it to a reputable mechanic and get it fixed properly. It may be a sign of a more serious problem.