Help! Urgent!

[dpetersen]

G'day guys! Ok so I started my trip from Melbourne to Kununurra today, I'm heading up there for work. As I said in my intro iv just purchased a patrol, 2003 4 cylinder gu ST.
I took it away camping last weekend to try it out and the engine light came on. Took it to the mechanic during the week and he said it's something to do with the boost, due to towing the turbo is working to hard.
So it happend a few times today again while going up hill, so id pull over and turn the car off and back on and it would be ok. Has anyone else had this issue? Should I be very concerned?
The other thing that happened, as I'm pulling into Adelaide I started to hear a fan belt noise, and yep sure enough it's coming from me. I have no idea why and it's only an occasional noise while I idoling.
In sposed to be heading to the Oodnatta track tomorrow but now I am not so sure.
Any ideas on what to do!?

[the evil twin]

Without knowing the fault codes it is hard to make a call on the engine faults.
If they light is resetting when you switch off then it is a "non-latching" fault which is usually minor.
You still need to try and suss it out tho.

The fan belt noise could be the belt, the belt tensioner, the A/C compressor clutch or the Alternator clutch.

Personally I would be a bit cautious about doing the Oodnadatta track in summer in a car I had only just bought and with issues.
Mainly because if you need help or parts they will be expensive and difficult to get.

[threedogs]

when was the fuel filter last changed, the noise at idle could be a number of things
I had a small noise at idle which went away when you tapped the throttle, I did not think it was major
wrong, the clutch pulley on the alternater screwed off at 110kph, see pic
Put a screwdriver to your ear and try and pinpoint the noise.
Check the belt tensioner pulley as well

[Cuppa]

Personally I would be a bit cautious about doing the Oodnadatta track in summer in a car I had only just bought and with issues.
Mainly because if you need help or parts they will be expensive and difficult to get.

I’ll reinforce that. In particular the summer bit. The potential for high temperatures is underestimated by some. They can place ‘pressures’ on vehicles way above & beyond the norm. Add in that you are towing, know that something is not quite right & the car is new to you I would advise that you take the much less palatable option of finding somewhere to get you sorted before you leave Adelaide. The alternative is an unpleasant trip filled with anxiety (even if you stick to just the Sturt Highway). Believe me I know that feeling. The distances between places gets far longer when you’re wondering if the vehicle will make it. And once you leave Adelaide your options for repairs reduce dramatically & when you can find somewhere the cost is at least double.
Sorry to be telling you this, just trying to help prevent things falling in a heap.

I spent a week waiting for a water pump in Coober Pedy, & had to pay $700 (plus fitting) for an item normally available for $200. In Katherine we spent two months whilst a new motor was sourced & fitted. (RACV paid for accommodation & car hire). Cost of labour was $140 per hour (& that was in 2009!), added to that were of course the cost of parts, freight etc. Overall with the fitting of what was a secondhand $3500 motor & what the RACV paid (2 separate ‘incidents’ - gearbox had to come out twice) we left between $12,000 & $15,000 in Katherine! If we had been in the position to have had the work done in Adelaide our costs would have been well under half of that.

[dpetersen]

I was the Maintenance supervisor at Kings canyon for two years so I know how expensive it can be out that way (I did all the ordering and work quotes). Have taken it to a dealer in Adelaide to get checked out.
After having a second look it sounds more like a bearing but I spose il find out soon.
It's just frustrating as I only bought it 3 weeks ago and had it serviced last week and everything seemed to be in really good nick! I changed the fuel filter last week threedogs.
I guess we shall see what happens! Fingers crossed it's nothing major! Will keep you all posted.

[threedogs]

Still could be the alternator, thats what my moneys on
but hope its not too $$$ I take it you brought it privately ?
If you replace the tensioner put this bearing in it NTN-WC 87503
Seems you are up to speed regarding outback travel too

[ova50]

When the engine light comes on, does it lose power?
I had a similar problem about 6 to 8 months back after I had a Dawes valve fitted.
The vehicle would go into limp mode. I would have to stop, turn the vehicle off and would ok when I started it again.
It would happen at between 40 to 65 kph and always on steady throttle and up hills.
I adjusted the Dawes valve to back off the boost and have not had the problem since.

[threedogs]

@ OVA I dont think he has NADS fitted cause he only just purchased the Patrol

Is your intercooler oily???

[ova50]

@ OVA I dont think he has NADS fitted cause he only just purchased the Patrol

Is your intercooler oily???

Wasn't sure if the Nads has been fitted prior to his purchase.
About the intercooler, are you referring to mine or "dpetersen"?
I have cleaned mine twice in the last 2 years. Has some oil residue but have been told its normal.

[dpetersen]

Just a quick chat to the mechanic. Looks like its the alternator, belt tensioner and belt so will get them all replaced today.
As for the engine light it's due to being under high load when going up hills with trailer. Apparently there's a valve or something that can be installed on the intercooler to stop the problem but they don't do it here. Does anyone know what valve they're talking about?
Also just found out that there was a re call on these models a few months ago due to an air bag fault or something like that. Will find out what it is and let you all know!