The RBs are fantastic for sand driving as they rev out way more than either the TB or TD. Just pick a gear point it up a dune and plant the foot.
The RBs are fantastic for sand driving as they rev out way more than either the TB or TD. Just pick a gear point it up a dune and plant the foot.
...And they're considerably lighter as well. Particularly this one; it's original, the only bolt-on is that alloy bullbar.
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Last edited by RickGQ; 7th March 2021 at 09:09 PM.
1991 GQ Wagon
TD42
Safari Turbo
And a few add-ons.
...28 Patrol years and counting...
mudnut (7th March 2021)
The main disadvantage is the timing belt. Dirt and water ingress are a problem. I have yet to add a hose to the top of my new engine's timing belt cover so a high volume low pressure air supply can keep the belt clean and dry.
Fortunately, Dad's ST30 has almost no off-road use. Mostly long distance touring. There's no mud evident, no rust that I can see, no under body damage. Presumably the timing belt area will be reasonably clean. "Silver" is almost factory-spec, Dad never was one for accessories.
1991 GQ Wagon
TD42
Safari Turbo
And a few add-ons.
...28 Patrol years and counting...
mudnut (7th March 2021)
Nice looking vehicle. You should get a good price for it.
RickGQ (8th March 2021)
Took the RB30 up Goog's Track, SA recently. This is a popular 'mini Simpson' dune/desert drive, and goes from Ceduna around 200km north to the trans-Australian railway line.
Had no trouble with the Patrol... apart from the terrific corrugations on the railway line track from Malbooma all the way past Kingoonya to the Stuart Highway. Driver's side engine mount nut came loose, an exhaust mount snapped, and the factory jack managed to rattle its way out of the quarter panel holder.
Fuel economy: 16L/100km for the 1000kms from Ceduna, up the Googs Track (sand dunes, usually 4WD HIGH 2nd) and all the way back to Adelaide. This was with 31s, no roof rack, fairly light camping gear and only 2 people in the car.
These old buses can still get out there and mix it with all the dual-cabs that seem to be absolutely everywhere these days.
IMG_5086.JPG
1990 GQ RB30 - Eats sand dunes for brekky and TD42's for lunch. 430,000kms, running strong. Goes like a slow rocket.
mudnut (31st July 2021)
Hi guys
Hoping for some help with intermittent starting issues.
Took the Patrol down an almighty, 'risk-the-panels' descent on the weekend, and after stalling at the bottom the poor thing wouldn't turn over. Managed to roll start it and continued around the track with no problems... thankfully not a trip-ruiner !
Battery is full, starter motor replaced new in 2017. All the dash lights come on. Engine runs fine once it's going. With engine off, turning the key from ON to START, there's absolute silence under the bonnet, not even a click.
But sometimes it will just start like normal.
I'm thinking it's a dodgy starter relay ? But do these RB30s come with one ? Have done some searching and can't seem to find a part anywhere...
Cheers fellas
1990 GQ RB30 - Eats sand dunes for brekky and TD42's for lunch. 430,000kms, running strong. Goes like a slow rocket.
Check the lug at the solenoid. Sometimes they look solid but can have carbon build up, especially if it is an aftermarket spade lug. Use a pair of pliers to tighten it. If that is ok, sometimes a a quick bang with a hammer will get you going. If that is the case, shelling out for a quality starter is on the cards.
Last edited by mudnut; 18th October 2021 at 11:59 AM.
My advice is: not to follow my advice.
CaptainNewman (18th October 2021)
Intermittent starting issues - update.
A bang with the hammer got the solenoid clicking (it wasn't before), but no sound from the starter and engine still won't turn over. Hopefully it's nothing more sinister, and looks like I'll be up for a new starter motor !
RIP the current starter motor 2017 - 2021... 46,000kms. It would have done 10+ beach weekenders, and several heavily corrugated outback roads, but never any mud or significant water crossings.
1990 GQ RB30 - Eats sand dunes for brekky and TD42's for lunch. 430,000kms, running strong. Goes like a slow rocket.
mudnut (19th October 2021)