RD28 Important things to check.

[mudnut]

This section is for those who have recently acquired an RD28.

Apart from a small list of inherent problems, the RD28 is an under-powered but capable and reliable engine.

The harmonic balancer keyway has been known to strip out. This is caused by incorrect torquing of the bolt or not checking that the bolt is torqued at regular intervals. The constant knock of the diesel at idle contributes to the problem.

The next thing that you must check, is that the timing belt has been changed out at the required service interval.

The top camshaft sprocket has been known to crack off.

Overheating problems have been reported and can result in a cracked head, so keeping the cooling system in peak condition is essential.
Fan clutch test http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?28517-RB30-Facts-Figures-and-Helpful-Hints&p=697544&viewfull=1#post697544

The manual gearbox fitted is the FS5R30A and is similar to the RB30 petrol version of the Patrol. (The TD42 and TB42 have the heavier and stronger FS5R50A)
It is very important to use the correct grade API 4GL gearbox oil, as the wrong grade can cause gear shifting problems when cold or hot.

Hard starting when hot is caused by wear in the injector pump or problems with the glow plugs. http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?7013-Gu-2-8-hot-start-issue

If your RD28 is producing an excess of white, blue or black smoke, this thread may be of some help. http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?12450-Why-Diesels-Smoke&highlight=diesels+smoke

If you need to drain the cooling system, make sure you remove the plug (socket needed should be 22mm) at the rear of the block, under the intake manifold. The plug uses a copper washer as a seal, and ideally, this should be replaced each time.

[mudnut]

BLEEDING AIR FROM THE COOLING SYSTEM

If you have drained and renewed the coolant, bleeding air from the cooling system to prevent an air lock, is essential.

If you do not do this the engine may overheat and cause a cracked head.

A simple way of bleeding out the air, is to park the Patrol with its nose pointing uphill.

Cut a 500 ml -1 litre plastic water bottle in half.

While the engine is cool, remove the radiator cap and tape the neck of the bottle into the neck of the radiator, making sure it is water tight.

So that coolant won't over fill the plastic overflow tank disconnect the hose from the tank and tape, it to the the top of the half bottle.

Alternatively, you can construct a device such as the one shown below. I used an old radiator cap, a hose clamp, a small length of 1/2" copper pipe and a cheap door stop as the seal.

Start the engine and let it run, until the thermostat opens, after which, you should see the coolant flowing in the radiator tank.

The level will rise, emitting an erratic stream of air bubbles. Slowly add coolant until the level stays constant or slowly rises in the neck of the radiator tank and there are no bubbles present.

Switch off the engine, untape the over flow hose and drain the excess coolant into a clean container.

Reconnect the hose to the overflow tank and tightly fit a suitable plastic cable tie to make sure it seals properly.

Remove the half bottle, and refit the cap. Take the vehicle for a drive until it reaches normal operating temperature.

Let the engine cool, remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level. If there is only a small amount needed, top it up and replace the cap.

If the coolant level is significantly low, you may have to repeat the bleeding process.

It is not uncommon for air to still be trapped in the system so check the level for a couple of days. If water loss continues, check that the radiator cap is sealing to the lip of the radiator properly, and that hose to the overflow tank is in good condition and is sealed.

[mad66]

Thanks for the tips Mudnut, I will be sure to check these out. Cheers

[Blacklaserlight]

Thanks for that helpful recommendations. Much appreciated.

[liampoole1]

Very helpful, and super detailed post here - definitely have a few things to check up on the old 2.8

[BSRT.Beast]

Tensioner Bearing ..... Should be changed with the timing belt(and is supplied) but is often forgotten and not changed.

76378

[mudnut]

Time to check the torque on the harmonic balancer. They are a common failure point on this engine.