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Patrol Pilot
21st March 2025, 11:16 AM
Gday Patrollers,

I've recently purchased a '96 GQ RD28T with 326 on the clock.

Yes, I know... withhold the RD28 slander. Even fat bottomed girls deserve some TLC!

"Should've just bought a 4.2L..." Oh fk mate, why didn't I think of that. Bang Head

Well, I've never owned a car before. I've had a passion for motorbikes since I was a youngin' and only ever owned a Harley-Davidson. All my mates ride bikes and even my old man used to get around on two wheels. Needless to say, I didn't grow up around 4x4s and I don't even know anyone else who owns one... correction - takes it off-road.

Hence, buying a TD42 with all the gear and no idea just didn't sit well with me. (And I heard we all hate ZD30s? :tongue:). I'd rather just start with a slow ol' girl within my budget that doesn't even have enough power for me to do any harm whilst I learn the ropes. I'll also get to enjoy the satisfaction of upgrading, and feeling like I've actually earned it when I'm ready!
Of course, I understand my RD28 is a money pit and I'll probably put into it just as much as I paid for it, but that's just one of the many paradoxes we accept as men :1087:

You'll probably read a thread about a fuel pump leak soon enough but for now if anyone has some reading/watching suggestions for an absolute beginner please sound off below. I'm talking extremely amateur knowledge as I'm really learning everything from scratch. One thing I've noticed online so far is how bloody intimidating it is trying to catch up on things most of you probably learnt yonks ago; and there's a helluva lot of people especially in Fb groups who are quick to tell ya how much of a fool you are as if we weren't all new at some point. So I'm keen to see if there's a brighter side.

At the end of the day, I'm here to learn as much about maintenance as I can and hopefully find some mates along the way! :trink13:

Happy wheelin' fellas,
Pilot

mudnut
21st March 2025, 01:24 PM
Welcome to the forum. Don't despair, the RD28 is a good little donk if you keep on top of some things https://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?41430-RD28-Important-things-to-check.

Patrol Pilot
21st March 2025, 01:47 PM
Thanks mudnut! I've just read that article and found something you mentioned to ring true with my experience at idle after cruising down the highway:

"The constant knock of the diesel at idle contributes to the problem."

After purchasing my RD28 I had taken it to a mechanic for a general service and mentioned my observation but he couldn't diagnose what it was. Is the knocking an indication of something abnormal that I should look out for? I do have a fuel pump leak too. Cheers

mudnut
21st March 2025, 03:07 PM
Thanks mudnut! I've just read that article and found something you mentioned to ring true with my experience at idle after cruising down the highway:

"The constant knock of the diesel at idle contributes to the problem."

After purchasing my RD28 I had taken it to a mechanic for a general service and mentioned my observation but he couldn't diagnose what it was. Is the knocking an indication of something abnormal that I should look out for? I do have a fuel pump leak too. Cheers

Sorry Airman (pilot) I don't own an oil burner, but start a dedicated thread with a video and an RD28 Guru might be able to tell you something.

BrazilianY60
22nd March 2025, 01:26 AM
Welcome to the forum mate. Love your attitude, starting from scratch, here to learn, avoiding the internet jerk off "experts" of social media. I am pretty sure you will find answers to all your needs over here. Just remember, Patrols have been around for decades, this forum here as well, so always take the time to use the forum search tools for topics of people having and/or fixing the same problems as you will eventually have. And if you don't find, don't feel embarrassed to put a new thread on it, people here have a lot experience on Patrols and automobiles in general, someone will most likely jump in to offer some advice.



I'll probably put into it just as much as I paid for it, but that's just one of the many paradoxes we accept as men :1087:

Nicely put!

Touses
22nd March 2025, 07:48 AM
Hi Pilot, welcome.
I concur with Braz,that intro was a joy to read.
Most of 'em are a waste of time opening.
Can't help you with the RD 28 prob, dyed in the wool 4.2 man.

Dhuck
22nd March 2025, 12:12 PM
Welcome to the forum mate.