Blown turbo in GU Patrol

[Goggles]

my wife just advised me that when driving her Patrol today, it does not appear that the turbo is working.

it is a GUII 3.0 turbo diesel, and has done approx 130,000kms.

how reliable are the turbos on this engine, and what are the possible causes for the turbo not working?

[SVNLTR]

my wife just advised me that when driving her Patrol today, it does not appear that the turbo is working.

it is a GUII 3.0 turbo diesel, and has done approx 130,000kms.

how reliable are the turbos on this engine, and what are the possible causes for the turbo not working?

From working on a couple of zd30's

i seen that the engine fails before the turbo-

its usually a oil problem,so it might not be the turbo if the engine is bad-( most of the ones i have worked on--- 2 had bottom end bearing issues and 1 split a bore)

from memory most of the zd30's i have worked on tend to shit at about 100-150 k

The turbo is pretty good on those things-

yet to see one fail but i ain't in the outback

[Goggles]

From working on a couple of zd30's

i seen that the engine fails before the turbo-

its usually a oil problem,so it might not be the turbo if the engine is bad-( most of the ones i have worked on--- 2 had bottom end bearing issues and 1 split a bore)

from memory most of the zd30's i have worked on tend to shit at about 100-150 k

The turbo is pretty good on those things-

yet to see one fail but i ain't in the outback

thanks for the reply.

have not seen any obviously oil leaks, and am now waiting for someone to come around and have a look.

[tanka5.7]

best find a patrol forum bloke, there will be gurus on there that will help.

[Roly]

the early zd30's were always going to blow eventually

poor oil spray pattern result in overheating and cracking of pistons, usually #4

In europe they were recalled and new engines fitted. In Australia, nissan put in a shorter dipstick.


the turbo's are only good for 200,000kms aswell.


my 2000 patrol had 3 cracked and 1 holed piston after 89,000kms.

Turbo lasted 12,000kms longer and took the new motor with it (sold by me after new engine supplied by nissan after 7 weeks wait)

They are known in 4wd circles as the hang grenade motor, or a knack knack. (they make a missive knack knack noise when they let go.)

[Goggles]

ok now discovered the clutch has failed....was quoted (worst case scenario) $4500 to fix it! name of the quoter shall remain nameless.

now to seek other quotes.

[Roly]

oil filled dual mass flywheels which usually are too worn to machine.


they crack and then vibrate like hell when cold.

you can put a solid flywheel from a 4.2TD Patrol on for much less $$$.

the gearbox is extremely havy and adds a lot of labour to remove and refit along with the transfer case.

[Goggles]

oil filled dual mass flywheels which usually are too worn to machine.


they crack and then vibrate like hell when cold.

you can put a solid flywheel from a 4.2TD Patrol on for much less $$$.

the gearbox is extremely havy and adds a lot of labour to remove and refit along with the transfer case.

funny someone just told me not to put a different flywheel in as it causes other problems.

now contemplating getting rid of it. depends on what I get as a final figure for repair.

[Roly]

best move is to cut your losses and get rid of it.

the early 3.0TD patrols are money pits waiting to happen.

if the motor goes (it will before 150k) you'll be up or 7-10k

injector pump is $5k - non servicable

Injectors are $600 each

[FlatfootV8]

I would look for a 4.2 litre turbo diesel Patrol instead they are pretty much bullet proof.
The 3.0 litre turbo diesels are junk...

[wyldnyt]

I would look for a 4.2 litre turbo diesel Patrol instead they are pretty much bullet proof.
The 3.0 litre turbo diesels are junk...

Agreed the 3ltr gu turbo diesels are garbage worst patrol ever made by a long shot.
Sell it be done with your hassels and get a 4.2 like stated if you can find 1

[Samman]

I think the GUs are rubbish; poor seating postion and shocking interior quality. GUs should NEVER be put in the same catergory as the rock solid GQs.

As for the ZD30... it's a boat anchor :)

[dmenace]

My father in laws GUII 3.0TD just blew his engine with 150k on it. Always serviced every 5k too.

10K for a rebuild and another 4k for the auto cause he didn't disconnect the driveshafts when he towed it.

Also my brother in laws GUII just did a pump at 220K, hasn't told me the cost yet...

[michaels1v8]

Get rid of it ASAP mate

Brother just got rid of his Navara with 3lt after the turbo shat itself.

Dad has had patrols since the 80s and swears by them. His last 2 were 4.2lt TDi and he put on over 200 000kms hard kms on them, carting around 700kgs+ of tools and materials(as well as regular trailer, caravan or boat towing) and even let a few services run a bit long so not exactly cared for.

He sold the things for 30 odd grand too 3 years later and we still spot them both running around town.

Very solid motor.

Needless to say he bought another 4.2lt before they switched to the upgraded 3lt. . . Better the devil you know. . .

Or if your keen and not worried about fuel economy (most patrol owners arent, they just want towing power and reliability) drop in a chevy diesel :)