Nissan Patrol 3.3 diesel?

[Diff]

Does anyone have any experience of the 6 cylinder normally aspirated diesel fitted to Patrols between 1980 and 1989?
I am interested in the reliability, performance and economy of the engine. Are they 24volt or are some 12volt?
Many thanks.

[Jose Brito]

Hi Diff,

I own a Patrol with a diesel six cylinder 2.8 l, non-turbo, of 1995, so it’s not really what you’re looking for. But, for this engine, anyway all I can say is that after 150.000kms, 2 trips to Morocco, 1 to Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and a LOT of off-road in my country (due to my job) I considered it a 100% reliable vehicle (never let me seriously down). On my last 34-day trip of 10.600kms (Portugal-Morocco-Mauritania-Senegal-Mauritania-Morocco-Portugal) the only misfortune was a 6-year old battery who died in Marrakesh !!
The performance is not very good, but personally I don’t like to drive forcing the engine to its maximum, so usually I don’t go over 100 or 110 kms/hour. The fuel consumption (with 700kg of cargo) is around these figures: road/highway/rocky piste – 12 to 14 litres/100kms (depends on your driving style); sandy piste – 18; dunes – 20.

Until now, all I can say is that Nissan Patrol has the reliability of Toyota at a price of a LR, and I hope it keeps that way.....

José

[Kevin]

I've had five Patrols in West Africa at some stage or another three turbo, two non-turbo and can only recommend them as being just about as good as the 4.2 from Toyota. They are good for low down torque and the engine itself is unbreakable in my opinion. The only major problem with them is the electrics but they aren't really too complicated. The ignition tends to have a slight fault in that the engine cannot be turned of with the key but I'd rather an engine that can't be swithched off to one which can't start any day.

The Patrol came in 12v and 24v. I got all mine in Germany where they are 24v but in southern Europe they are 12v because as I understand it the winters are not as cold, but I stand corrected on this.

I don't know what they are in the UK but if you are going to West Africa the 24v bits like the alternator etc are difficult to find, the locals tend to convert them over to 12v early on.

If you are buying one I recommend an 85 or later long wheelbase.

[Diff]

Thanks Jose and Kevin, Any thoughts on the expected fuel consumption of the 3.2/3.3 normally aspirated diesel?

[Jose Brito]

Forgot the voltage question.
In Portugal, older Patrols (before 1991) were 24v, but since then they are 12volt.

Don't know the fuel consumption for the 3.3, but I would expect it to be a bit higher, comparing with my values for the 2.8 engine.