May have brought a lemon :(

[Kelvtd42]

Hi I'm a new owner. Just brought a 1992 nissan safari manual y60 td42

Brought for $4000 some issues need looking at first
Rust on sunroof
Brownish radiator fluid
Handles like a boat
Low speed shake
Speedo sit on 180 and moves up and down when running
Central locking not working

Going to turn this info a offload sleeper so need to make it reliable

Any suggestions and support are welcome. In term of my own knowledge, it is very basic this is my first diesel and 4wd

Thanks guys

[stinky]

Where are you and did you buy the high top 5spd from trademe

[Mud Hog]

Sounds like it handles like a safari. Not known for handling. And she just needs some maintenance.

[Filthy4x4]

Yeah sounds pretty healthy to me

For the speedo have a look in the left rear quarter panel for the power unit, this is where mine was that was playing up.

For the low speed shake, check the panhard rod bushes and the radius arm bushes.

Sunroofs will always be the factory 'rust and leak' option, find a mate who can weld some plates in to replace rust or bog if you feel the need.

Handles like a boat because it is one, just with 4 wheels. If it becomes a real concern look at replacing the shocks and springs.

Central locking should be an easy fix, if you have some patience and basic tools. Just pop the door card off and have a look.

Give the radiator a good flush out and make sure you put plenty of Concentrate coolant into it.

Oh and welcome to Nissan Life... you'll get used to the shakes, the way it shakes and what to fix to temporarily stop the shakes

Cheers

Caleb

[BlakeNZ]

Dude, why did you buy one with brown coolant? Maintenance of the cooling system is one of the "biggies" in determining longevity of the motor.
Think carefully about putting a new thermostat in it, and getting the bottom of the radiator core cleaned out.

[Ralfie]

Check this out. These experts will be able to confirm either way for you ..........
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/ ... 5&start=15

But seriously you probably purchased the vehicle knowing you would need to spend some money on it to bring it up to scratch, especially since you don't do the work yourself.

[Kelvtd42]

Yea thanks the advice guys. Brought it to really refresh it and work it up to make it last another 20 years. I guess I'm just used to the work car Mazda 3 good cars too.

Will def get a good service and flush done on it
Roofs getting rust cut out sheet metal work and paint job done quoted at around 1k ( what do you guys think on the price ?)
Would really what someone to just take a genral look over on the car to see what else needs attention.

I'm in central Auckland. I have some general knowledge about petrol turbo car
S but really new to 4wd off roader and diesel so I really welcome your support.

Brought the car on trademe $1 auction for $3800 I think if I put 5k into this. I will still be on top.

[muskie]

its not a lemon, just owned by the typical "she'll be right" guys, contrary to belief they dont last forever unless looked after to a degree, the biggest problem most engines have is their owners attitude.
once your over these few little things and got it up to scratch you will forget about this initial part of the ownership process and enjoy...ive bought worse in the past and not looking at the roof of a safari before buying is a rookie thing but dont worry its made of steel and it can be repaired but your quote sounds a little excessive....i still love them and my current ones are number 10 and 11.

[Suza]

As said show it a bit of love and it will be good. In regard to the handling as its your first 4x4 yes it will handle differently to what you are used to with your mazada e.g. big and heavy, just enjoy. If maintained they are a great 4x4 and very capable out of the box. Throwing in new suspension will also most likely transform it as the old stuff is properly sagged to beggary

[glued]

Ive been a panelbeater painter for 25yrs,if you want a quote that is realistic,bring it out to see me,and ill have a good look over the wagon for you.It doesnt sound that bad.As for the electrics,I can help you out there also,ive pretty much fixed all the probs with my saf by my self.You will need the radiator rodded out though,its a common problem,mine also needs it done.I can also help you with panel chops like the rear quarters and such.Im in awhitu,just past waiuku,its a good 100km from central akl.If your keen to have it looked at give me a pm here.Doesnt sound like a lemon,going from a car to a beast will feel very different,I went from driving a 260z to my safari and it was a shock lol.Maybe we can trade work as I have a nissan avenir gt4z (srdet) that is having surging/lag problems that I cant get my head around.Anyways feel free to give me a yell.
Jason

[Kelvtd42]

Hey glued

I'm getting a quote done on the car tomorrow by a couple of shops thats a bit closer to waiuku and see what they say. No wof milage havent been updated too so don't wanna take it out too far.

Your lag problem could be a couple of things.

1) you done a exhaust on it ? If it is like 3" straight through you maybe over boosting which cause it to surge / lag / boost cut

2) if you have installed a boost controller then try turn it down first see if the problem goes away then you know u getting boost cut

3) computer or in nissan case afm may be playing up.
Unplug it see if the car still the same

It can be either electrical or mechanical so try elimate one side and see if the problem is fixed.

But you prob done all this already. My car knowledge is def not expert but been around Turbo for a long time and I think sometimes they have a mind on their own.

[glued]

Cheers Kelv.The car is totally standard.It runs fine every morning till it gets to operating temp then it starts to bugger around,surging and losing boost wickedly.Ive been told it could be the 02 sensor,the diaphram in the blow off valve (standard also) and the sweeper board in the afm.It shows it boosing to 9psi or so on the gauge but I know its not putting that amount out once its warm.Its a very low kms car,never modded,so i know its not a previous owners stuff up,its really annoying.Cheers man