3.0 Terrano Engine

[Banshee]

I've seen a corker of a Terrano local to me for my Grandad :thumb2

It's a 2004 SWB 3.0 SVE with all the bells and whistles and I'm going to have a proper look over it the weekend hopefully, the MOT history is squeaky clean since 2006, 3 owners from new, 1st owner owned from new for 9 years and it has more service history than mine did when I brought it, looks like EVERYTHING has been done by William A Lewis Nissan in Telford that has now changed to Greenhaus Volvo :nenau

It's a shade over what I want to pay but I'm sure I can negotiate with him and if I can't given the condition and history of it I'd have no issues paying a a few quid extra should it come to it.

I'm not very learned at all when it comes to the 3.0 engine and as I'll be the go to man should my Grandad ever get issues with it I need to make sure I'm clued up on them

I need to know what I'm looking out for with this engine when I go to look at it, does the 3 litre need chain/tensioner doing at certain intervals? I'm pretty sure it's not maintenance free like the 2.7? :nenau

What other niggles should I be looking at that are specific to this engine, I've already asked about the oil light coming on and the current owner has found an invoice from 2006 that shows that Nissan replaced both oil pressure switches which resolved the issue.

Anything else lads? Ta :bow

 

[emjaybee]

Well at least you'll know how to change a 3.0ltr clutch.

:augie

I've had our 3.0ltr for 18 months. It's got 65k on it and no real issues other than bodged rear cluster wiring. That's all I know.

What's the mileage?

:thumb2

 

[Banshee]

Well at least you'll know how to change a 3.0ltr clutch.

:augie

I've had our 3.0ltr for 18 months. It's got 65k on it and no real issues other than bodged rear cluster wiring. That's all I know.

What's the mileage?

:thumb2

That's true, but boxes are the same :lol

Its done 82,000, the guy said that when it's started from cold there is a little bit of a clatter for a few seconds however when he took it into the garage they just said it was normal "tensioner" clatter :nenau

That was the only worrying part of the 14 minute phone call I had

 

[Blocky10]

Mine is at 130k and I can't say there's a clatter from cold. Yes there is a short chain at the top end of the engine. You can see it through the oil filler cap.
I had a similar noise from cold which turned out to be the auxiliary belt tensioner. It stopped once warm but vanished altogether when I replaced the belt.
Check the fluid levels and test drive it like you've stole it, once warm.
If it's had regular services, it should be fine. Oh and don't forget the photos:naughty

 

[rayf3262]

Also worth noting is that unlike the 2.7 indirect injection the ZD30 is direct injection, so there will be a bit more "diesel clatter" esp. from cold.

 

[Blocky10]

Also worth noting is that unlike the 2.7 indirect injection the ZD30 is direct injection, so there will be a bit more "diesel clatter" esp. from cold.

And NO veg oil:doh

 

[jims-terrano]

Thinking about 3litre when we replace old faithful so some interesting pointers. There are some sheds about on fleabay and autotrader thouh

 

[Banshee]

Thinking about 3litre when we replace old faithful so some interesting pointers. There are some sheds about on fleabay and autotrader thouh

Say that again!!!!!!! I've been dodging the bullet for the past few months like Neo in the Matrix :doh

 

[Banshee]

Mine is at 130k and I can't say there's a clatter from cold. Yes there is a short chain at the top end of the engine. You can see it through the oil filler cap.
I had a similar noise from cold which turned out to be the auxiliary belt tensioner. It stopped once warm but vanished altogether when I replaced the belt.
Check the fluid levels and test drive it like you've stole it, once warm.
If it's had regular services, it should be fine. Oh and don't forget the photos:naughty

Cheers dude, I'll get some pics up in a bit

Also worth noting is that unlike the 2.7 indirect injection the ZD30 is direct injection, so there will be a bit more "diesel clatter" esp. from cold.

Do you not mean common rail?

 

[emjaybee]

Say that again!!!!!!! I've been dodging the bullet for the past few months like Neo in the Matrix :doh

Yeah, but not as stylishly, and without the sexy sidekick in leather trousers!

:naughty

 

[rayf3262]

Do you not mean common rail?

No, the ZD30 as found in the Terrano is not common rail, although I believe there are CR variants of the ZD30 engine in other vehicles.
The injection method though differs from the 2.7L.
On the ZD30 the fuel is injected much later in the compression stroke and at higher pressure DIRECTLY into the cylinder/piston crown. This gives rise to more diesel clatter, but it is more fuel efficient.
Whereas on the 2.7L IDI the fuel is injected at a lower pressure much earlier in the compression stoke, into an antechamber, hence the term INDIRECT injection.

 

[macabethiel]

Clatter when cold !

That's true, but boxes are the same :lol

Its done 82,000, the guy said that when it's started from cold there is a little bit of a clatter for a few seconds however when he took it into the garage they just said it was normal "tensioner" clatter :nenau

That was the only worrying part of the 14 minute phone call I had

Our old 300TE 4-matic had a clatter from cold that lasted for a couple of seconds she did 15 miles over the next 3 years without getting worse. I did change the oil grade to a thinner fully synthetic Chevron 5W/40 and that helped particularly in the winter. It was a grade CostCo used to sell 5 Litres for £15.99.

Similar noise from our previous 260E bought with 120k miles sold with 183k miles never got any worse. Both engines had steel chains.

 

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

no issues with my 3.0, agree can be noisier but boy does it go when hit the loud pedal.

oil light takes second or two to clear and tend to give it few more seconds to warm up well
settle down.

glad got it now, was little in fear after all issues had with early zd y61, kind of wish was
auto, the higher gearing does feel like am slipping it more setting off and reversing the
trailer.

 

[Barrbeast]

ZD30 is a hybrid timing gear/chain. All chain runs is the camshaft via the injection pump, everything else is gear driven so as a result the chain is very understressed and should last the lifetime of the engine if servicing etc is kept up.

I don't think my Trol is particularly noisey at about 130k although my ZD30 isn't standard anymore :augie and also my previous truck was a 2.8 Shogun so an older and noisey fully timing chain diesel.

I'd be interested to know what he is calling a "clatter" :nenau but if it disappears then I doubt it can be timing chain.

If you do buy it I would give the throttle body a clean and get a catch can fitted (see my project thread bro)

 

[micktheshed]

Had mine for nearly 6 years & am very pleased with it (apart from getting stuck 4 times: hopefully the new tyres, just fitted, will improve that!).

I advise using 5w40 Full Synth oil as this circulates much quicker, from cold, than 10 or 15w mineral, & it lasts much longer. 'Cold clatter' is normal feature & providing it reduces on warm-up, try to ignore it. ASDA seem to have the cheapest good spec. oil, so there' no need to pay Halfrauds prices.

By my experience the engine becomes noticeably quieter if 5cc of 2 stroke oil is added per 1L of diesel. Better lubricity is a bonus (especially if you miss-fuel it with petrol like I did! Dooohhh.) but it also reduces smoke & emissions (according to my MOTs) & gives slightly better pick-up/fuel consumption. This will take 2 or 3 tanks full to take effect. Get it cheaper f

Tips:
!, when changing the engine oil: unscrew the oil filter housing 1 turn as this will allow it to drain before removal & therefor be less messy (if you remember to put a drain can underneath first LOL).
2, check the sump for leaks as they are known to be a weak point.
3, check the drain pipes from the sun roof are clear (if fitted).
5, change the rear axle oil (using LSD grade) unless it's been done within 25K.
4, enjoy!