Introductions and Queries

Greetings all,

Id like to introduce myself and recently acquired vehicle before getting stuck into the forum discussions but first Id like to thank the contributing members of this site for the invaluable information and knowledge that has been shared throughout the forum which ultimately enabled me to make a far more informed decision on the pros, cons, strengths and weaknesses of fourwheel drives on the market (in particular patrols) within my price range. Thanks to the experiences and wisdom of people in this forum, I was able to avoid some of the more problematic engines and have ended up with a rig I am stoked with.

I’ve gotten hold of a ’98 GU 4.2 Turbo Diesel DX Wagon. Mods are as follows:
Safari Turbo, Intercooler and Snorkel
2.5” dump pipe and exhaust
Heavy-duty Clutch
4 Core Radiator
ARB Air Lockers, Compressor, Bull Bar, Side Steps and Paratus seats
Old Man Emu Springs with 2” lift, LTR shockies and steering damper
Poly airbags in rear springs
Outbacker Drawers with Fridge Slide and Ceiling mounted Centre Console with 2x CBs
30L Water Bladder
IPF spotties
Dual batteries
7x power outlets
16R BFG All Terrains

The motor is brand new having only done 12000kms but is to my dismay, exactly the same as the previous one (non turbo block). As I understand, this block is much weaker than the factory turbo block (and has lighter pistons?) Any advice/views on this would be most appreciated.

I noticed a lot of black smoke under any load or acceleration and some pretty horrific fuel consumption and so thought it best get a dyno tune from United here in Perth. This resulted in a lessening of the fuel mixture and subsequent reduction in power and torque to the tune of 14kw and 40nm (96kw total ☹) with not much better fuel economy (900kms driving at between 95 & 100km/h) and still some black smoke under acceleration. The manual tells me I have a 90 + 40l tank set up, the previous owner says 96 + 30, much of a muchness. Ive got a feeling that my fuel gauge could be out resulting in the light coming on much earlier than required. I wanted to test this theory by running it dry to see what sort of mileage I get but being new to diesel motors, don’t want to attempt this if I’ll have to bleed the system as a result. Any thoughts?

Ive been an avid outdoors enthusiast for years, particularly enjoying camping, fishing and trekking but have only now managed to secure my own rig. My favourite spot at the moment is Cape Range National Park – I get up there for a bit of camping and fishing 2 – 3 times a year having recently returned (very nice drive at the moment).

Being a rookie to the 4WD scene, I will not be able to offer much technical assistance in the short term but as I intend to do the majority of work on my vehicle myself I expect this will change in the coming years. A pleasure to meet you all and thanks again for the invaluable information provided on this site.

Cheers,

Wayne

Welcome Wayne, enjoy the forum mate and thanks heaps for the great intro.
Being a rookie it is a good idea to do a training course and/or join a 4WD Club, it just so happens that I know of a Bloody Great Patrol club in Perth http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...atrol-Club-Inc

Welcome to the forum Wayne, great intro.

As far as I know TD42 and TD42T used the same engine block and head. The only difference being a few extra holes were drilled and tapped to get oil and water feeds for the turbo model. GQ silver top (silver rocker cover) had heavier pistons than the later GU black top engines. Unless you plan to turn the boost right up to go racing you won't have any problems with your black top engine. They are still good for significantly more power than standard with complete reliabillity.

I suggest you fit boost and pyro (exhaust temp) gauges ASAP if you don't already have them. These 2 guages will tell you a lot about what your engine is doing and how well it is tuned.

I agree with Dogman (also Wayne) that the best thing you can do is join a 4WD club and do their driver training course.

Your idea to do most of the work on the car yourself is excellent, not only will you save a lot of money but you will learn a lot about your car at the same time. If you get stuck or if there is any thing you are not sure about, just jump on here and ask any questions you want.

Cheers

Tony

Hi Wayne, Welcome aboard the Trol express,
Simply the best forum around. Heaps of handy information as you have already found out.
Great bunch of people with a s*** load of knowledge, experience and adventures to share.
Plenty of good laughs along the way as well and lots of pics to check out. We love em
Great intro buddy and soundslike a great rig you have got yourself. Well done.

Good luck, Welcome aboard and Enjoy the ride
Hope you have a great 2011.
Happy trekin buddy, stay safe

Cheers Pete

Welcome Wayne to the forum. May you have many hours of reading.

Hi Wayne.

Welcome to the forum mate. Sounds like you have picked yourself up a great car mate. No Doubt about it, you have bought well.

Hmmm? Sounds like the previous owner had the fuel turned right up, if you de-tuned it on a Dyno to 97kw then you should be really really happy with that. My GU IV TD42Ti gets about 97kw then i turned the boost back a turn and am likely getting 92kw. So be very happy with 97kw i reckon.

Your fuel economy sounds FANTASTIC. my figuring is this...If you say you get 900km out of your tanks, we assume that you use 110lt of the available 125lt that converts to approx 12.3lt per 100kms. Thats Great fuel figures mate.

I am getting about 14.5 and very happy with that.

Next time you fill her up take note of how many kms you have done and how many litres you pump and do the maths. There is a link on this forum that is a converter if you cant do the maths.

Sounds great mate. And 12,000km old TD42 GOLD!!!

Cheers and welcome.

MR

Hi Wayne and welcome to Nissans Nut House.. Nice toy you have to play with

Tim

Welcome to the forum Wayne. Great introduction!

welcome to the forum wayne

cheers roofy

Top introduction mate. Welcome to the forum

Cheers Tony,

I certainly hope they do have the same block and head - I was quite dismayed at the picture painted by the technician who did the tune, so that certainly raises the spirits. Pryo and boost gauges are definitely the next tricks up the sleeve and I'm considering a gas conversion as well.

Regards,

Wayne

Thank you all for the warm welcomes.

Joining a club is certainly on the agenda, so thanks for the link Wayne, will definitely check it out. At last calculation i was getting about 13.7 to the 100 which I guess isn't too bad for combined city/highway driving (I've heard of far worse!) I think the kw figures I gave were at the engine and not the wheels but I've misplaced the readout so cant confirm. I had initially thought it should be higher, with the likes of Grand Vitara's claiming to have 122kw but if a GU IV is getting 97kw also I cant complain too much.

Cheers all,

Wayne

I think you will find you kw figures were measured at the rear wheels. Factory engine output was rated at 114kw (at the flywheel), and the general rule is allow about 30% for driveline losses to get rear wheel figures. So 97kw at the wheels is not to bad with the basic mods you have.

Tony

G'day Wayne.

Welcome to another Sandgroper. Lots to read and learn about. I'm hear to learn too, and have my social chat now and again. lol

Take care out there.

Ross
DX grunt

G'day mate - welcome aboard. (sorry for the copy and paste introduction, but been away for over a week and a lot of catching up to do!!! LOL). As you've no doubt noticed, heaps of useful information, great people and a good laugh to be had on the forum so make the most of it and get amongst the conversations. Don't forget to throw a few happy snaps of the rig up in the members ride section - we never get bored of looking at them!!!

Sounds like an awesome setup you have there mate - top intro also!!

Welcome on board & I hope you enjoy the forum.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Trol

Cheers Tony,

I certainly hope they do have the same block and head - I was quite dismayed at the picture painted by the technician who did the tune, so that certainly raises the spirits. Pryo and boost gauges are definitely the next tricks up the sleeve and I'm considering a gas conversion as well.

Regards,

Wayne

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Trol

Thank you all for the warm welcomes.

Joining a club is certainly on the agenda, so thanks for the link Wayne, will definitely check it out. At last calculation i was getting about 13.7 to the 100 which I guess isn't too bad for combined city/highway driving (I've heard of far worse!) I think the kw figures I gave were at the engine and not the wheels but I've misplaced the readout so cant confirm. I had initially thought it should be higher, with the likes of Grand Vitara's claiming to have 122kw but if a GU IV is getting 97kw also I cant complain too much.

Cheers all,

Wayne

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Hey Hey, look at that Wayne, Your gotta be luvin this place already mate, sorted out the goblins and gremlins the technician placed in your head good and proper.

Good place here mate, hang around a bit.

Cheers MR