Hi

I have a 2002 3ltr turbo diesel Patrol which I purchased in 2004 with 52000klm on the clock.

It now has 221000 on the clock and has not let me down. It is my daily drive and tow vehicle for our 1.8t boat. Albury to Bermagui is the hard work tow, but as long as I take my time it does a great job and is in my opinion good on fuel.

It is serviced every 10000 k by the Walla Nissan dealer and they have done a great job.

having read all the post on how unreliable they can be, I have headed down the path of bomb proofing as best we can, the engine.

I have fitted Autron boost and exhaust gauges and have just fitted a catch can for the oil mist.

Last week it went back to the dealer who on my request, removed the intercooler and had it cleaned and pressure tested, removed the inlet manifold and checked for the soot, paste build up in there. Thy also did the standard service on the vehicle.

The results of their detective work is, a slightly leaking intercooler and in the inlet manifold, a 1-2mm build up of soot around all of the inlets. Nothing like the horror pictures that I have seen on here. I will post a pic later when I work out how to do it, or when my kids come home

Got a call today to tell me the blocking plate has arrived, that's next. Which leads me to a few questions for those that know.

1/ are there good and not so good Dawes valves and needle set's? Where do I get a good one? I have seen them on Ebay but do not know the difference.

2/ Intercoolers, I would like to replace the standard one with a better/larger one. Recommendations as to which one and from where would be great? Do I need one with a fan?, the slowest speed that I tow at would be 40klmph up Browns mountain.

3/ After the above mentioned mods, a 3 inch exhaust and complete tune to match will follow. How many mods can be done before you start to lose the reliability of the 3ltr engine? Happy to listen to other mods that will help prolong the life of the engine and that may make it work better.

great site, great help

thanks in advance

Doug