Nissan ZD30 Engine

I can't figure this out, You would buy another one of the same after the issues you have with the first??

Nothing has changed with these engines from what I can see and the same issues are developing as time goes by.

Have a look at this Thread on blown Series 4 engine

I am a Toyota person myself, but that aside, what is needed is for a group of Nissan owners to commence a class action. Someone needs to set up a Web Site and ask for contributors to provide details of FACTS and Nissan replies and costs and outcomes etc.

Obtain financial contributions from a group of COMMITTED owners (or ex owners) and go to a good class action lawyer in Sydney or Melbourne - that would frighten the pants off NISSAN but in the end I expect they will win (bigger dollars), but if it was me with a Nissan I would get an awful lot of satisfaction by providing maybe $500 to such an action. Who knows, it could even change the way vehicle manufacturers deal with warranty and out of warranty issues

Hi again Jonsey

I hope you get your answer mate.
As discussed in previous post I would be looking down the line of a 4.2 Nissan transplant, no cutting/chopping or modifying should be able to buy everything from a good Nissan wrecker.

I cant understand why this is not a viable option for blown 3lts except for the auto jarga, but this has also been done.

Agreed that a class action is pretty much the only thing that is going to work as Nissan knows of the problem, has done its research into what it will cost to repair the engines versus what it will cost to fight the poor consumer on every issue.

They have a list of standard letters that are sent out in the hope that consumer will go away... and then at the 11th hour they offer something short of what the owner wants but facing going through court etc on their own accept the deal..

If a single owner goes to court it is very easy for a large manufacturer to say that they produce heaps of these cars and it is an isolated incident but if it is a group thing the evidence quickly mounts that there is a major fault and hence liability lies with Nissan.... they then have a precedent set for other claimants in court who can refer to that finding... big business!

Try The Complete Engine Company in Vic. It would be the most economical way to get it back on the road. Thats who I use through my business. Most ZD30 owners rebuild it and keep until the new engine warranty is out and then trade it or sell it.
No affiliation just a happy customer.
Scott

G'day Jonsey
Really sorry to hear about your problems with your ZD30. It is a shame you know, for such a good car to have such an unreliable engine. I don't think it is anything to do with the 3ltr being too small. I think the problem starts right from the very beginning when it sucks in the first gulp of air. I purchased a Series III ZD30 in late 2002 brand new and just recently sold it after my 150,000 km extended warranty ran out because it just made me feel uneasy hearing about all the engine failures. I remember I used to inspect my air filter every 5,000 kms and I changed it at every 10,000 kms because it was absolutely filthy and sometimes at 5,000 kms whereas Nissan recommend it gets changed at 40,000 kms. There was also problems with the MAF sensor and I used to clean that every 10,000 kms as well. I was contemplating disconnecting the pollution recycle system as I feel this was also contributing to the engine failures, particularly blowing no.4 piston, but decided against it and just got rid of the vehicle and bought myself a new 2008 Toyota Landcruiser and mate the difference in feeling of peace of mind is well worth the extra dollars, not mentioning the power of the twin turbo V8. However, before I purchased the Landcruiser I rang Nissan's customer service in Melbourne and asked him what engine modifications had been made to the new common rail diesel engine and after 3 letters to him with still no answer he informed me that this matter of the Nissan engine enquiries was terminated and no further conversation would be entered in to. His name was Andrew and he told me he was the Customer Service Manager for Nissan Australia. After this negative response to a Nissan owner who was thinking of purchasing the new common rail diesel I considered the service and response I experienced to be appauling. So I wish you all the best of luck mate!
I know Nissan Australia monitor this website and its a pity they don't take on board the comments and problems of their loyal customers.

All the best and I hope your situation is rectified by Nissan.

Regards

The Major

Hi Jonesy65,

I am sorry to hear your problems with your ZD 30 Engine. As the vehicle is barely out of Warranty in time and kilometres I find it extraordinary that Nissan is so truculent

I spoke to my local Nissan dealer earlier today and he has not ever heard of 4 cracked pistons.

I would certainly press Nissan to to find why they have not offered to contribute to its costs.

I had a Holden that developed an expensive fault 3 months out of warranty, However they came to the party because I had documentary evidence that the vehicle was serviced and maintained by a Holden Dealer.

Any way keep us informed and I hope Nissan give you some financial relief.

Chris

The way to take them on is simple, cheap and risk free.

The Small Claims Tribunal, (VCAT in Vic). Costs about $30 to lodge a claim, no lawyers allowed, no costs can be awarded so all you risk is $30.

With the amount of eveidence available you would be a "walk up start". I know, I've done it with another manufacturer with an out of warranty car.

If you want any advice on how to do it, call me on 0411 874406.

It is very easy.

Jim.

Jonesy.
It's natural to get upset but the motor can be fixed for under $1k if you do the work yourself. To stop it happening again all that is required is some form of over boost warning, you could just have a gauge or a pressure switch and buzzer.If I had one of these Nissan I would fit the warning ASAP. Eric.

Thanks to all the valuable information posted on this thread. Colin the engine conversion sounds impressive but unfortunately i don't have a spare 24k. I have contacted my local member in Macarthur who has agreed to reply to Nissan on my behalf. Lets see where this takes me.