3L Vs 4.2 TD?

Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Hi all - just looking for a bit of advice. I've finally got myself into gear & am looking to get a Patrol by the end of this month.

I've got a mate who's offered me his 2000 GUII ST 3.0TD for around 30k (which is the upper limit on what I can spend). Been doing a lot of reading up on it and a few articles mention that this model actually has more power & torque than the 4.2TD until the updated the latter with an intercooler in Feb '03. Is this true?

What I am wondering is whether to get the GU or get a '97 GQ 4.2 and put a Turbo on myself? Or even not have the turbo.

I will be using it for relatively heavy towing (~2000Kg) and have heard that the GQ has a much stronger drivetrain (from the truck factory) than the GU. Only planning to do some light offroading - nothing too crazy.....I say that now Laughing

In general how does the new GUII range stack up against the older GQ's? Basically, is the 3.0L a bit gutless etc?

Cheers

Matt P

Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Just adding that the GU has already done 140k.....

Joined: 25 May 2003 Location: Redbank Plains, QLD

You'll find that a lot of 3 litres turbo diesels have spat the dummy.

go the reliable and longivity and proven 4.2 TD option if you can.

Tom

Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Cheers Tom

What tends to go on them? Or is it just that there are more lemons in the bunch?

If this one has done 140k, is it more likely that it won't have the same probs as most of the 2000 GU's won't have done that many km's?

Joined: 27 Nov 2002 Location: Lost in Melbourne.

Matt P wrote:

Cheers Tom

What tends to go on them? Or is it just that there are more lemons in the bunch?

Pistons, Gearboxes, air flow sensors ($1300!) more than enough to save your coin for longer.

DX 4.2s can be had from Auctions for $30k now.

Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2004 10:15 pm

Forget ZD30's, they are a big f*%$ up. These motors have won lemon of the year twice already. Td42,s may be old tech and take a bit of work to make good power but they are nothing if not reliable and long-lasting!

Joined: 01 Nov 2002 Location: Rowville, VIC

4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2

trust me i work at a nissan dealership, oops maybe i shouldnt mention that ahhh who give a F U C K

my old man has zd30 and is selling it

Joined: 27 Nov 2002 Location: Lost in Melbourne.

.MYTLUX. wrote:

my old man has zd30 and is selling it

Is he? whats he gettin this time? Is that the one in the club mag?

Joined: 23 Oct 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia

.MYTLUX. wrote:

i work at a nissan dealership

So what deal can you do me on a GU Bonnet scoop Question

Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Thanks all.

I think its a safe bet that I'll hold off on the 3.0 and try to find a 4.2TD. Truth be told, I always wanted the 4.2 Laughing

but the budget just kept creeping up & up.....I'm sure you know the deal. Crying or Very sad

Joined: 09 Jan 2003 Location: sydney

3.0l Gu's are peice of SH*T

Mine is at the nissan dealer at the monent with a Blown Turbo Embarassed

This is after the motor went last year, luckly nissan came to the party and repalced the motor , but now $3500 for the turbo to be replaced,

Go and buy a bloody toyota at they havent got the nissan badge on the front

Joined: 01 Nov 2002 Location: Rowville, VIC

hes not sure yet bruce, 4.2 in the long run but perhaps something else in the interim, nah not in mag will be soon though and trading post, probably here but cant see many takers lurking these pages!

Dave i will find out for you but you'd prob find one cheaper at a wreckers surley, OE parts are dear, my old man can get 17.5%disc, so ill see what i can come up with.

Joined: 29 Jul 2003 Location: Melbourne

How does a turbo like that cost 3k ? Sounds like a lot of $$$ for a pretty small turbo ! Should be able to rebuild it for around 1200 !!!

BTW what are they on the 3ltrs ? t02 t25 ?

Joined: 20 Sep 2003 Location: sydney

Quote:

Mine is at the nissan dealer at the monent with a Blown Turbo

I think mine is on it's way out too.
It's making whistling noise on start up for about two minutes and it goes away.
haven't noticed loss of power much,though.
It's booked in for check up

Joined: 21 Oct 2002

Clarification needed here early 2000 up to Oct 02 had engine problems due to lack of oil flow through the engine mods were done to 01 on. The main reason they blow is due to high speed running for long periods, NSW cops blew shits of em.

Gearbox both 4.2 and 3ltr are the same box and 5th shits itself. I cant tell you when the modded shaft was put into production but Nissan will change any that go whether in or out of warranty. Mine just went 500k's short of Perth repaired at no cost (still aint right though another story).

In stock form expect around 1100k from a tank with around 50-80k to spare.

With 33 muddies, lifted, bars, draws, winch, loaded to the hilt with 4 passangers around 950k to the tank.

128 litre tank but worked out on 120l useage.

At the 30k mark I would look out for a later model 80 series 4.2 T/D. You will get the power you want and they are still nice trucks. I have seen some getting about on the market for around that price but just do all the normal checks on it first to make sure. Not quiet sure about why the fluctuations on the market for this vehicle but I have seen the same year and mileage being about 15k dollars diffference in price. Wether over pricing by the dealers or not knowing what your got by some rich prick flogging off his toorak tractor.

Fuel wise they suck a fair bit loaded up but are better than the petrol variants in both makes for the obvious reasons.

Joined: 23 Jan 2004

Matt just check up on the gearbox in a GQ97 I think that was around the time that they changed to the smaller box with 5th gear as an overdrive that than a heavy duty gear as in the moedel's after 1990. If you need to tow on the highway then the older box will be a winner. Without a turbo they are a bit gutless on the highway, however with a turbo there good. Do your homework on turbo's though as there are some crappy turbo's out there.

Have found that the GU 3.0L's wear out quickly as company cars ie. 150000km compared to 300000km-1 million km's in the GQ TD4.2L

Bit of food for thought? Cool

Joined: 31 Mar 2006

Finally have my dream, a Nissan patrol 2005 Wink

but its a 3 litre, should have done a bit more research before purchasing. Surley they have it right by now. Does anybody know of issues with the current model. Confused

All vehicles are going to have the usual things go over time but Rolling Eyes

is this current lot OK or is the 2005 runout just getting rid of problems ready for the next release.

Joined: 09 May 2006 Location: melbourne,VIC

hi guys
first time on the forum. but i have a '04 GU3 patrol 3.0L Turbo, havent had any problems to date. i purchased the car in february for $35,990 plus on road which came to $37K, it had 32,000kms in new condition. have fitted arb air compressor, 60l waeco, 285/75/16 cooper stt on black rock crawlers, nissan winch bar, cargo barrier, 3 extra merrit plugs.. gettin 2 inch tough dog lift soon.. been up to yarra junction and through the old logging area in buxton, didnt miss a beat.. opted for the auto as they are prettty strong and to do a clutch and flywheel lookin about $2500 just as expensive as the auto. the zd30 blocks were changed during middle of '03 to new design. brother in law has same car but ST-s '05 now done 20,000kms no probs. he did the robe beach run and also a trip to fraser island and loves the 3.0L..

so if u buy '03 to '04 shouldn have any problems..

Joined: 09 May 2006 Location: melbourne,VIC

In stock form expect around 1100k from a tank with around 50-80k to spare.

1100k in stock form!! i get about 850k in stock form around town from the 3.0L..how did u get 1100KM!!

Joined: 20 Sep 2003 Location: sydney

GU4me wrote:

In stock form expect around 1100k from a tank with around 50-80k to spare.

1100k in stock form!! i get about 850k in stock form around town from the 3.0L..how did u get 1100KM!!

It's possible.
I have a firend who goes on a trip with me from time to time and his stock standard 05 model uses around 10l/100km.
He doesn't push it,and takes it easy.
I,on the other hand,struggle to get over 800km in the city

Joined: 09 May 2006 Location: melbourne,VIC

alki wrote:

GU4me wrote:

In stock form expect around 1100k from a tank with around 50-80k to spare.

1100k in stock form!! i get about 850k in stock form around town from the 3.0L..how did u get 1100KM!!

It's possible.
I have a firend who goes on a trip with me from time to time and his stock standard 05 model uses around 10l/100km.
He doesn't push it,and takes it easy.
I,on the other hand,struggle to get over 800km in the city

same i get 800 round the city but havent done a long trip yet..
soon find out. headin to kangaroo island in july so ill find out then..

Joined: 31 Mar 2006

G'Day GU4me
Your encouragement re the 3.0 is welcome considering the amount extra to pay for the 4.2 can be put into other mods. Hopefully in 2 or 3 years time we can still say the same. To date have installed a couplertec electronic rustproofing also have the factory goo as well (Spend a bit of time stockon beach) did myself. Also installed 4WD systems side by side draws and half cargo barrier, bull bar, lights, next to go on is TJM 2inch lift, snorkel, and dual batts and trying to source a resembly priced roof rack system. A fridge slide goes in this week for my 25 year old engel, one of the original ones, has given me unreal service all this time. Only recently had a respray for appearance only.
Fuel getting around 850 around town if driven sensibly, have not had on highway trip yet but will find out in december as we are spending 5 days in the victorian high country Laughing

Joined: 21 Oct 2002

GU4me wrote:

In stock form expect around 1100k from a tank with around 50-80k to spare.

1100k in stock form!! i get about 850k in stock form around town from the 3.0L..how did u get 1100KM!!

Sorry for the late post, uck knows what your doing I get 850km at 3.1 tons on the wiegh bridge without another 150kg of passengers with a 1 ton trailer, driving at the limit.

The first few weeks I had it before I lifted it and all the other shiz stock as a rock 1150km's again not flogging it.

When I lifted it, with 33 MTR's and not much else in it I reguraly got over a 1000km's to a tank, between 1000km and 1050km. Dtronic fitted at that stage too.

I do drive for economy however.

150,000km on it no engine drama's, Dtronic fitted for 100, 000km.

Have replaced the Alternator $285, Airlflow sensor $265.

Nissan Parts $1650, Alternator. First quote Air Sensor $1150 until I actually get the correct part name, then $265 straight from Nissan. Don't use Oil based paper filters although Nissan shouldn't be selling them anymore it clags the sensor.

Needs a Injector service, lucky I have just moved to Canberra should be able to get it done around here somewhere.

Joined: 10 May 2008 Location: raymond terrace

well i used to stick up for the 3 litre engine not no more i have a 12 month 03 model just hit 100000km and it went bang nissan have said to bad to sad im taking it further consumer afairs as there is a masive list on what has gone wrong with them if you look around so lets see what hapends oh and i should note nissan have serviced it every 5000km

Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Location: Maitland

Out of interest what diff gears are you running with the 35's. Is it definetly melted piston's.

Dave

Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Location: Warrnambool

A person I work with has a 2000mdl GU and it blew the motor, it cost them $12,000 fitted for a brand new zd30

Do yourself a favor and get a TD42 you wont regret it..

Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Location: Brisbane

sorry to bring up this old one but are there any of the 3ltr td's that seem to be better than the others i am currently looking for an 02 03 model. you guys have nearly convinced me to go the 4.2 but i would prefer a newer model.

Joined: 07 Oct 2003 Location: Alexandra Hills, QLD

The newer 3.0L engines (03 onwards) Don't have the same issues as the earlier "Grenade" engines.
Sure there have been a few go but the percentage of blowups have reduced. A lot of the other issues that people have mentioned are with the accessories. These items can and do die on any vehicle. (Ask any ford owner about alternators & fuel pumps).
Given the choice I would go for the 4.2L as I'm a bit old school thinking there's no substitute for cubic inches.
The only reason I ended up with a 3.0L was that they were rare as hens teeth at the time and I gave up looking (6 months & around 100 used Patrols)
Still no problems at 145k. Hope that diddn't jinx me.

Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Location: Brisbane

140K on the ZD30 is nothing. I have an '04 series 3 which has just clocked up 320,000kms and has not been touched. Servicing is very important for longevity though which is where most have problems.

Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Location: Brisbane

04 320000 mate you must do a shit load of driving