Dealing With A Blown Zd30 Head Gasket - Tips And Solutions!
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- Опубліковано 16 чер 2024
- The head gasket in my ZD30 has blown again. It's the second time the head gasket has failed in a couple of years.
I've got a few tips and solutions to this problem and how i went about it.
So now, i have a big decision to make.
Do i spend the money and fix the blown head gasket, or do i look at engine conversions to replace the ZD30 in my GU Patrol.
I spoke with a number of people about both options, and all of them said to stick with my ZD30 rather than going down the road of a very expensive and time off the road engine conversion.
So, i took the advice that was said and replacing the blown head gasket was my best option.
Plus, i don't have the spare funds that it would cost for an engine conversion of $20K plus.
After being off the workshop for two weeks while my ZD30 had undergone a head gasket replacement.
My GU Patrol is now back on the road and ready for the next 4WD adventure.
![My 4WD ESSENTIAL Spares - [ What I Take ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7InFSlxoNfk/mqdefault.jpg)
As a fellow ZD30 common rail GU Patrol owner, it’s quite reassuring when you talk about your Patrol in your videos. Because that engine gets quite a bit of hate around the place, and it’s good hearing you talk positively about your experiences wiht it. I’m really enjoying my Patrol and I get the feeling that if I look after it, it will look after me.
Gday mate
Yeah the bad years for the hand grenade Zd30 was 2000 - 2003/4
Unfortunately that bad press has stayed with the zd30 all the way through the models.
If you service yours well, then you give it a good chance of giving you many miles without too many issues.
I’ll stick with my Zd30 for sure.
Mine goes well, but. Have serviced it well from day one.
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim
what year GU have you got, also be mindful of the commonrail presure relief valve can be faulty sometimes
I must say! I have always felt the exact same. So good to hear it is over 400k km’s. (Gripping onto wood) mine has never once given me any issue. Never understood the bad rep - take care of the car, it will take care of you!
@@1989Andrewg spot on mate.
Glad to hear yours is going well.
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim
Tim , good to see the truck up and running with the rebuilt engine . Wouldn’t be the same in a new truck . Keep the great videos coming as always enjoy them . 👍👍🍻🍻
Thanks mate.
Yeah it wouldn’t be the same driving any other 4wd.
Cheers Tim
Wise choice Tim. Hope she keeps on going for another 400k.
Thanks mate.
I reckon it’s the way to go.
Cheers Tim.
Been there mate, had my head gasket changed not long after I got my patrol. Have not regretted it. Good to see you back on the road.
Top stuff mate
That’s great your Patrol is going well.
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim
Smart move, mate. You know the background of your vehicle, how it’s been treated and serviced, so best bet to stick with it when it can be repaired for a reasonable amount of money.
I’m looking forward to you updating us with it having 500,000km, 600,000km and more!
Thanks mate.
It sure seemed to be the way to go by fixing it.
As you said, I’ve had this car this new.
I hope the big 500 is just around the corner. lol.
Cheers Tim.
G'day Tim. I reckon you made the right decision. Hope she keeps going for another 400k.
Thanks mate.
I think I have as well.
Genuine parts weren’t used last time.
Hoping all good this time.
Cheers Tim
Hi Mate hope it keeps going for another 400,000kms. That said, now towing a camper, I hope other parts of the driveline keeps on keeping on. All the best Mate.
Yeah mate.
I’ll find that out soon enough.
So far so good.
Cheers Tim
Couldn’t believe my ears, ZD30’s #1 fan entertaining thoughts of an engine swap 😅
Haha lol
Well all things go through your mind when the head has to come off again. lol
Cheers Tim
Great to see the mighty ZD back on the road! Was wondering where you disappeared to
Next video snow camping? 🤙⛄️
Thanks mate.
It’s back and going well.
Snow trip this could be on the cards if we get any.
Cheers Tim
Well done Tim. As a retired mechanic the only thing I would be worried about is the rings, after 400000ks and a top end rebuild it could start using oil. Time will tell. Genuine parts a plus. Good luck.
Yeah mate
I’ve thought about that as well.
See what happens I guess.
Cheers Tim
Hey batesy. My zd30 did the same thing at 378,000km was just blowing out coolant throw the bottle. Both my mechanic and private mechanic came to the same conclusion as a blown head. So we replaced the engine. All up cost about $8500 $7200 was just for the engine and that was by far the cheapest in Victoria with only 160,000km. Never did a deep dive into the original motor! It's just sitting in the back of my shed. Ha maybe it's fine just needs new gaskets ha
Not a bad price mate for your reco motor. Hope it keeps going strong mate.
Thanks for your feedback
Cheers Tim
Definitely the way to go and in my opinion there’s always something regardless of which engine you pick. You could put the Isuzu 4jj1 in, which ticks the box regarding emissions and reliability… the problem, as you’ve pointed out, is how to diagnose problems while driving remotely.
That’s it mate.
The Izuzu motor is a popular conversion for the Patrol.
But thats a possible issue with going remote.
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim.
She really is a "love you long time" kinda truck!
Haha lol
It’s kinda like that as I’ve had it since day one.
Cheers Tim
@@timbates4wdadventures I get it. Im on my number 3......:)
Hey, I just sent you an email. Let me know if you got it.
@@BossModsAU cheers mate.
I’ll check.
Good decision to keep it's original engine. It's rare these days to have a one owner car with that many kms. 👍
Thanks mate.
Yeah it sure is on the combination you mentioned
Cheers Tim.
Good choice Tim, Did the HG on my 80 series 7 years back at 480k and still going strong at 560k now.
I too contemplated an engine swap but ended up doing it myself at home
That’s handy if you can do the job yourself mate.
It’s a big job.
That’s wicked Ks on the clock with your 80.
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim
Over the past 12 months my ZD30 has had the injectors, injector pump, EGR and fuel filter and sensor replaced. I now have lower EGT's and more power. Only 178,000kms so far and off to Birdsville shortly so it'll get a good run. Now, if could just resolve the coolant temperature issue I'd be as happy as Larry. (The car tends to get pretty hot when climbing long hills). All Nissan original parts used. I really enjoy your videos so please keep them coming.
Gday mate
I hope yours keep going well for you.
Try and get to the bottom of the over heating issue while climbing hills.
Thanks heaps mate.
Cheers Tim
Hey mate, I had a similar run and turned out to be a thermostat intermittently getting clogged up. Once replaced, this has never re-occurred since (2 years ago, vehicle gets driven daily). I may be off the mark here, but worth checking unto it first, i had all other works done separately including viscous fan hub, that did not resolvee it till thermostat replaced). I hope this serves any help to ya. Cheers
@@abuoliver5750 Thanks. I'll have it checked out.
@@gregcooke3260mate had the exact same thing with coolant temps.
Absolute best thing I done with my ‘10 crd patrol was throw in a new Koyorad radiator and a TB48 thermostat. Game changer
G'day Greg.
Mine wasn't getting hot on long hills but the aircon was lazy and wouldn't get cold. Turns out the viscous fan hub was the problem. Pulled her down, cleaned out the oil and installed 2 vials of toyota fan oil. Works like a dream now
Awesome Tim, go the Zd 👍
Thanks mate. lol.
Cheers Tim
I think you made the right decision , my ZD is just hitting 300k , I love the car and would not own a 4wd unless it had a diff under the front , when the time comes I’m not sure what I will do engine wise , but I’d say the car will be repainted and repowered when need be , it’s not a matter of the money , I just love the car and you can’t buy them anymore
Yeah spot on mate.
Solid axles front and rear is a great setup.
I’m way too passionate about the GU and the Zd30 to change.
Stick with what I know mate.
Thanks for that.
Cheers Tim.
Hopefully all good now 💪
Sure is thanks mate.
Cheers Tim
yep dealing with this issue right now
Hope it turns out alright mate.
Cheers Tim
Glad it’s up and running, Tim. I’m. I’m no mechanic, but 400k plus is pretty good going. Part of the challenge is that you just can’t buy an exact replacement, even if you wanted to… Unless you’d like me to send you a brand new Y61 Patrol with the same engine via the Dubai car market? :)
Thanks mate.
It’s been a pretty good run for over 400000ks on the clock.
That’s it mate, you can buy the motor of the whole car new anymore.
So I’ll stick with it.
Cheers Tim.
I just saw you in Warragul 2 weeks ago and have you a wave legend! Must’ve been when you got her back.
Yeah mate
That would have about when I got it back.
Are you local?
Cheers Tim
@@timbates4wdadventuresyeah mate, halfway and a few turns between drouin and Warragul
@@joshuagunter1177 yeah cool mate.
Good choice Tim, stick with what you know mate although a TD42 crate motor may have been an option. Modern new 4wd’s are shit. I’ve had my GU TD42 off the road since mid March as I’m overhauling the motor. Coolant hoses, radiator, fan, catch can removal, fuel manager fuel filter removal. It’s not my daily and have been super busy.
Can’t put a TD42 in my 2009 GU.
Can’t go backwards in engines due to emissions.
They are a great motor the 42.
You’re doing a bit to yours.
Hope it all goes well.
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim
@@timbates4wdadventures thanks Tim. There a great truck 3.0 or 4.2. Bloody emission standards, I removed a further section of my egr blanking plate to a much lower section of the motor now, it will be well hidden and hard to spot now. This is my forever truck and I started back in March with a small pin head crack in the radiator and gone on from there. Makes sense while half the motor is pulled apart to give it a good overhaul. Only had it 3 years this year, bought it at 187,000kms now done 203,000kms. Lots of lift left in my old girl. Hope to run into you again out on a track someday.
didn't know you can get td42 crate moter
@@nathanreid2974 patrolapart mate
Good to hear it’s sorted Batesy.
Didnt you do a headgasket at 330kms aswell? Or was that a cracked head which resulted in a new head and gasket?
Thanks mate.
All sorted now.
The head was replaced as well at the 300k mark as well.
That head came back this time no worries from the tests.
Cheers Tim
@@timbates4wdadventures nice one mate! Any idea why the last headgasket only lasted 100,000kms??
Twas wondering why you hadn't been smashed with 'Toyota's wouldn't have had the issue' then 415K came into the equation, you're the one laughing, no Toyota owner can complain in comparison.
Sons hilux with similar milage, 400K plus is on its fourth motor, recently the head gasket on it let go also.
In comparison, you've excelled.
I was so happy to see images of the pull down, as it shows front spacer plate removed to remove the head, always wondered if that was necessary, obviously it is, thanks.
Reason for curiosity, that infernal square 'O' ring between head and spacer plate seeps occasionally on mine, but takes up also all on its own, so not stripping it down just to replace it, prepared to wait until catastrophic failure first.
If we experience your luck, ours has a long time to go, just clicked up 125K on ours.
I've watched barra conversations, 4JJ1 conversations, yes they may go better but christ, after our ECU tune, I'd be surprised if a conversion would be warranted, ours pulls really hard, sweet progress I call it.
Im still running in as every interstate trip it just pulls better.
Haha lol
You described that well mate about the Toyota owners. lol haha
It’s a good thing and I’ll stick with it.
Thanks mate they keep on keeping on going.
Getting them tuned sure makes a big difference.
The Isuzu motor is a popular engine swap in the GU.
Cheers Tim.
I think if you put a Cummins in, you'd be disappointed and want your old motor back.
It's really expensive, it's heavy, and it is not as powerful as people say. Sure you can put a Chevy V8, but they are loud and irritating to tour with. Your Patrol isn't just a play car, you've owned it since new. The ZD30 is a fantastic motor for it's size and ability.
Very well said mate.
Yep, I’ve had this Patrol since day one.
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim
Keep the old girl running. Onward and upward to a million kms. My hilux started sucking coolant a lot. Turns out it was a cracked head. Got a rebuild done and gave it a new life. I'm glad I kept it going.
did you consider a cummins conversion in your engine conversion list.
do you think they would suply some cummins parts on the recovery like you were saying.
I was suprised the head gascit blew after that amount of time, are they weak points
What’s a head gasket replacement cost on a zd30?
I’m in the market for a 2012 Patrol any tips on what to look out for?
The engine sound very smooth and quiet. Agree genuine is always best for reliability. Thanks Tim. PS have you been to the Flinders yet ?
Yeah mate
Genuine parts are the go for sure.
Start the Flinders tomorrow mate.
Can’t wait.
Cheers Tim
Yeh I think the RD28 in me GU has done this too. I'm gonna try blocking the turbo water feed first just incase but methinks a big bill or a lot of work or maybe both is on the cards.
Good luck mate.
I hope your early tests come back ok.
Cheers Tim
hey Tim, how much did all the work end up setting you up back?
Over 400,000 kilometers clocked, and still have NOT had to replace the engine. THAT'S how to do routine maintenance. The best resource for any vehicle is a service manual that shows you what parts are where and what the torque specification is for the bolts holding it in place, and an OBDII scan tool to find out what the issue is. Sometimes the problem is a sensor, computer module, or any other thing that you can't tell just from looking at it.
My zd30 blew up at 351kms it had a hard life. Dropped a Td42t in now so still easy to find parts for still Nissan.
The best option in my opinion. Such a big 4wd should never of had a small 3lt four cylinder as it’s power plant. History has proved this. I bet you love the 4.2TD in it now. 🍺
@@darrenc4096 some people get a good run from there zd30 with a tune, but yeah can't beat a 4.2
Hi Tim just a question
The vest you wear when it’s cold weather is it a Thomas cook vest or Driza bone
I think it’s a Thomas cook
Seeking to get one mate
It’s a Driza bone mate.
Cheers Tim
Good decision sticking with the original engine mate and wise to replace with oem nissan parts.
Mine let go in a 2015 model GU with under 100k kms in it. It actually cracked the head but. Had a reconditioned motor put in it with a few bits to help it last longer but have had never ending oil leak issues.
I love the car and how well it drives and performs off road but it’s starting to leave a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.
They can be a good engine. But like anything you can get some dud’s. I’m just lucky enough to get one of them.
Even if you get another 80 - 100000 km out of that engine it's money well spent on it in my opinion!
Yep, I totally agree mate.
Cheers Tim
Great video. What was the full cost in the end?
@@AmandaandAustinC thanks mate.
Full cost details are in other posts.
Cheers Tim
Would have been good to see the td42 in your old girl mate. Good that you’re happy with your decision tho! Onya mate
Gday mate.
I couldn’t put a TD42 in my Patrol, even if I wanted to.
My Patrol is 2009 the last td42 was made in 2006
You can’t go backwards with motors due to emissions.
Cheers Tim.
@@timbates4wdadventures oh bummer didn’t know yours was 09. That’s alright mate. Hopefully see you out on the tracks sometime 👍🏻
@@leonardpersin4255 thanks mate.
If it was just a bl I would gladly gasket, why would you even consider all the hassle and expense 😊of replacing the engine Tim?
May I ask how much did it went for old that? I have a z30 y61, good to know how much it couse just to keep it in mind encase I need to do the same thing. Cheers mate.
Close to $5k mate with all the extra parts.
Cheers Tim
As a bloke that ownes one and has been rebuilt after 260 thousand been tuned all the jazz goes well but reality is there just a shitheap either crack the head or crack pistons even when safe and all that if mine goes again don’t think I’ll get it done again my two cents
Wise choice mate, better the devil you know. Cheers
Absolutely mate.
Stick with what I’ve known since new in 2009
Cheers Tim
Would have been good to see a 4jj1 conversion
The Patrol back on the road, nice one mate. My 2011 GU has done 190,000 kms (use it for camping and 4Wdriving only). Last year got the warped turbo manifold machined cost me $2900. If in future the head gasket does blow what is the cost I'm looking at? Thanks Tim.
Close to $5k mate. But I replaced a lot of bit not related to the head work.
Just did them while it was pulled down.
Cheers Tim
@@timbates4wdadventures Thanks Tim, good to know.
Tim what about a 4.2 crate motor? Im sure the zd30 will be fine for another few years but might be worth looking at for future. Nissan motor amd should be an easy change over. Its very common for a lot of patrol owners to go from 3 litre to 4.2
Gday mate.
Again from my research , you can’t go backwards in engine technology due to emissions.
Mine is a 2009 the last 4.2 was made in 2006.
Can’t be done from what I’ve looked at.
Cheers Tim.
@timbates4wdadventures ah OK there you go. Surprising as it's such a popular conversion. Hope it keeps going along ok for you. All the best mate take care
@@landcruisertoyota3980 thanks heaps mate
hi tim how are you ??? sorry can i please asking you something if you don't mind ????? can your mechanic friends in Gippsland work with isuzu 4jx1 ???? its holden jackaroo
thank you for your time
They can work on any model mate.
Cheers Tim
Mate go the Y62!! You have a spare head gasket on them 😊
Haha lol
Having one head gasket is enough to replace. lol.
Cheers Tim
My gu does the same thing every now and then spits coolant out but have had pressure tests done all came back perfect and as long as it gets the occasional top up its fine, got me wondering if maybe it is the gasket but alot of money to spend to potentially be wrong although with 300k and running alot of boost as long as I have I kinda wouldn't be suprised
Yeah mate
Maybe do some more checks so you can be sure.
But, when talking about the Zd30 spitting coolant out with people that really know the Zd30, they pretty much say head or gasket straight away.
Find out for sure with yours mate before you start pulling it down to get the head off.
It’s a big job.
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim.
It runs mint no white smoke no milky oil passed pressure tests on multiple times just occasional top up of coolant more so in hotter months but runs mint I'm kinda if it ain't broke don't fix it approach but sounds like at some point i may need to get the old wallet out haha
what was the problem that caused the damage?
The three fail points in the head gasket.
Cheers Tim
Hey Tim is that happen after 400ks ?
Time for a Cummins or TD? 😅
Keep up good work mate 😊
Yep, well after 400000ks mate.
Can’t do a TD
I explain in another reply on here why I can’t.
Cheers Tim
In my opinion I would do a engine conversion 100% I was having the same issue with my Hilux with the head gasket going went through 3 in 2 year's. Or do that Barra swap hahaha
Just simple don’t have $20k + funds to do it mate.
And I’m sure not going into a bank loan for an engine conversion
So, I’m sticking with what I have.
Cheers Tim
@@timbates4wdadventures that's the problem now it's all about the money and still don't get what you ask for or lasts that long.
@@chriscoyne4827 I’ll let you know down the track.
what hilux have you got
@@nathanreid2974 ln167 3lt none turbo now I've swapped the motor to a 2.8 turbo
How much was the repair Tim and have you replaced the clutch before. Cheers Mike
Close on $5k with the extra parts from the head work.
Lucky I didn’t need a new head.
About $3.5k
I’m on my third clutch now.
So far it’s still going well.
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim.
@@timbates4wdadventures
Thanks Tim I’ve nearly done 300,000kms on my first clutch. Cheers Mike
@@user-cr1lb9tw8j that’s good going mate.
So how much did the whole repair cost you Tim?
Mentioned above mate on another reply in detail.
Cheers Tim.
So Tim you still going to do more of the high country?
Absolutely mate.
Keen to see other areas as well.
Cheers Tim
Good like to see more my wife and l just got a 4x4 and a off road camper so looking we’re to take it if you got any good ones that not to bad of tracks
@@rodglease4142 I took my camper across the high country over Easter.
But those tracks are seasonally closed now.
Maybe check those videos out for Melbourne cup weekend.
Ok thanks mate
First comment awesome as 🍻🍔🇦🇺❤️💪
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim.
Shame you can’t get crate motors through Nissan, could source another motor and get it rebuilt for insurance down the track
Yeah mate.
All of my researched came up short from getting a genuine crate motor from Nissan.
Cheers Tim
Please do yourself a favor and do some research into the cost effective maintenance diesel additive products.. could be something you could use to keep this thing going longer again
Have you got product recommendations for the job you’re talking about?
Thanks mate.
Cheers Tim
First nissan to hit a million klms I reckon 😂
Get a new car Cob! Die in debt not wondering.😂
lol
Nah I’ll stick with it.
Cheers Tim
Cut your losses next time this happens (because it will) and invest in a 100 series cruiser 4.2TD. Dont bother with any other 3l in a car that size. Theyre just too underpowered for the weight they have to carry all day every day
Yeah the 42 in the Cruiser is a top combination.
Mines been tuned and does go well for a high K zd30.
I appreciate your feedback mate.
Cheers Tim
Generally, OEM parts are the best, however, don't knock the good quality parts either. Whatever you do, do not buy Chinese parts, they are generally garbage, do some research before buying
If you buy a patrol i believe nissan should provide you with a free box trailer ...to carry a spare motor in😅