Sunday, July 19, 2009

Motoroil pricing in Brunei

Non standard pricing of Shell Motor oil in Brunei.

Rimulax (fully synthetic) for diesel

Tasmin Sengkurong - BND71.50=>BN68 (L) after discount
Shop at Gadong - BND76
Stesen minyak Tanjong Nangka - BND71
Stesen minyak Telisai - BND63
Stesen minyak Keriam - BND60(L), NA(S) - so far the cheapest
Stesen minyak Kiarong (TAIB) - BND71 => BND66 (L) after discount

Helix (fully synthetic) for non-diesel

Tasmin Sengkurong - BND69
Shop at Gadong - BNDxx
Stesen minyak Tanjong Nangka - BNDxx
Stesen minyak Telisai - BNDxx
Stesen minyak Keriam - BND59 (L), BND18 (S)
Stesen minyak Kiarong (TAIB) - BNDxx

Servicing done at N-Tasmin Sengkurong
Location of the shop

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/24848347

First service after overhaul -- 247,500 km

BT9996 - Nissan patrol aircond - Servicing at Alex Aircond Shop at Gadong (Siring Kdai Gincu)

Aircon Nissan Patrol - Servicing at Alex Aircon shop at Gadong
19th July 2009: Problem with the aircon - when switch on, initially cold but in a while started to become warm. Technician confirmed there is no leak in the system - recommend to do service, replace front and back actuators and replace dryer. This is the second Nissan patrol that he serviced which shows similar problem.

Location of the shop in Gadong - Alex's shop siring kdai c-Gincu

via google map - http://www.panoramio.com/photo/24587246

Some pictures during the servicing




Cost B$360

Saturday, July 11, 2009

BT9996 - replacement Nissan stock to Ironman suspension system at Wheeler Mengalait

Suspension system: Shock absorber + spring + steering damper

Recommendation from several close family and friends - Ironman brand at Wheeler Spare part in Mengalait, Brunei.
Took us nearly 1 hour trying to find the place -- we drove by in-front of the shop 3 times and did not notice the shop - the signboard atu luan small, already ku mentioned to Sean - ketawa saja ia.

Location of shop

via google: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/24360491

Picture of shock absorber



further information about the products:
shock absorber http://www.ironman4x4.com/suspensionfoamcell.html

Details:
Front Suspension:
Foam Cell - Part Number: 24091FE
Coil Spring Performance - Part Number: NISS009C


steering damper
Foam Cell Pre 2/2000 - Part Number:3511


Rear suspension
Foam Cell - Part Number: 24094FE
Coil Spring Performance - Part Number: NISS010C



Cost (BND2,150)












Saturday, June 6, 2009

BT9996 - Second general overhaul

Due to inexperience "approved" LTD workshop in Lambak, I have to bring my car to a small local place (Abon's place) in Kiarong. I have to wait for 2 months for my turn and now the car is back on the road.

Early diagnose by Abon:
He managed to start the car for a few seconds before the engine died. He informed me the engine is not properly built. This is nothing to do with electrical system/alarm.


Location here in google map
note: Abon moved to new location - http://www.panoramio.com/photo/35574399


Pictures - bad workmanship from previous workshop! you can still see dirt on the engine.








27/06/2009: Abon managed to start the car after overhaul - one kick aje. Look at the stuff that I have to replace for the second time -- more or less the same amount with the first workshop. But this time, I have to replace radiator, glow plugs (not sure why the first workshop not replacing this.. buleh buat polis report nie.), tensioner, water pump, added piston liner (already loose in the first job), etc etc etc... so next time if you want to do overhaul, you know where NOT to go to...

Here is the parts that I have to replace.


Glow plug not changed in the first overhaul. This is how Nissan glow plug looks like at 225,000 km.


This is how Nissan Patrol timing chain looks like at 225,000km - still looks good..


This is how belt tensioner looks like, I replaced the bottom part at 100,000 km when replacing the rubber belts. It cost me around $300, I suggest you replace the whole lot which cost you ~$400.


This is how Nissan Patrol water pump looks at 225,000km.


Resit:


Total=BND5145

Saturday, October 11, 2008

KK9996 Honda Odyssey problems

I owned a 2005 Honda Odyssey with a low mileage of 55,000 km clocked so far... but encountered problem with the shock absorbers at low mileage... Why?? Not impressed with the quality of Honda Odyssey. This will be my last Honda car...

Problem encountered so far...

  1. When I bought the car 3 years ago, the braking system produced a "grinding/grouting/howling noise" when braking at low speed, but no problem when braking at high speed. Must be Honda technology - composite material used. Hahaha.. Not impressed!
  2. All the shock absorber failed at low mileage.. what a rip off! must be Honda low technology... Hahaha.. Not impressed! Btw difficult to get spare parts in Brunei for a 3 years old model for after market, even Agent here do not carry stock. Not impressed!

brand new sets front and back shock absorber for ~ B$1500.
  1. Where is the spark plug in my honda???
  • Tried to replace the spark plug for honda odyssey... but why it so difficult to take it out, sent to Honda agent.




Here is the bill and the part number for the irdium spark plug (9807B-5617W) -- service at 10,000 km.



Wednesday, June 11, 2008

BT9996 - Nissan Patrol GRX 3.0 Turbo diesel (2003) problem part 2

[30/May/2008]
Requested via email to Boustead Brunei if the EGR cooler (item 21 on diagram below) is available in stock. No response from Boustead.

This could be the solution for preventing the contamination of the intake manifold (European model has this fitted) - the exhaust gas will be cooled down before entering back to the engine. If this item is not available then the EGR need to be blocked to prevent this problem from happening again.

If you want to see the bigger picture, follow this link.

[13/June/2008]
Still no quotation from Europlink.
Still no response from Boustead regarding EGR cooler.

[19/June/2008]
Received email from Boustead informing me that the above solution is not applicable/non compatibility to my nissan patrol.
Quote
With regard to your request I would like to inform you that the solution that you have source from Australia is not applicable to your model. This information of non compatibility was furnished by our principal.
Therefore I recommend bringing your vehicle for a detail Inspection to address your concern.

Unquote

[27/June/2008]
Received quotation for general overhaul - BND4,800; parts to be ordered from UK.
[12/July/2008]
Weekly visit to Europlink workshop...work has been carried out for general overhaul.

Engine is out..


Engine block for model ZD30....


piston..


cleaned intake manifold..




some of the crap inside the engine.. hardened solid oil



look at the gear the marking shows letter C and AA but in the workshop manual, this gear should be A and AA. Why is there difference between actual gears and workshop manual. Terry said he will leave the piston gear as it is...
[16/August/2008]Engine rebuilt and assembled back in the engine compartment. Encountered problem with starting the engine - Terry informed must be the NATS - Nissan Anti Theft System that preventing the engine to start, more investigation to take place. Informed Terry the NATS information can be found under the "Electrical System" of the workshop manual.
- Agent informed that Nissan Patrol in Brunei does not have NATS. Agent tried to get the car started but also failed. All the specialist informed that the after market car alarm is the source of the problem.....
[11/October/2008]: The car is still there... hmmm. The alarm specialist was called in by Terry@Europlink to have a look but still not resolved. I must have the best after market alarm ($150) to disable the car completely.
[06/March/2009]:Took the car to another workshop Abon in Kiarong - already did several general overhaul for Nissan Patrol of the same model - read about it at the next post.

Cost of the engine rebuilt at Europlink

[Note]
Found this interesting articles on glow plug replacement... I have never changed my glow plug for 5 years @ milage 244,000 km. So far so good! now I will definitely have to change it now. Below is detail of the glow plug - information extracted from http://www.nissancarparts.co.uk/info/ngkglowplugs/nissan/PATROL/
I will try to take photo of my 5 years old glow plug..

Read article from patrol4x4forum - click here

Saturday, May 17, 2008

BT9996 - Nissan Patrol GRX 3.0 Turbo diesel (2003) problem Part 1

Location of the workshop somewhere at Lambak, near Tyremart


My car at clinic...there's Ronnie (Filipino mechanic)

History of this model link
ZD30 Y61 Reference Document link link 2
Workshop Manual for Nissan Patrol| link

Specification:
Model: Nissan Patrol Wagon GRX A/T Turbo Diesel
Engine No: ZD30-096040A (Diesel 4 Cylinder)
Chassis No: JN1TESY61Z0-530688

Major problem:
Read my post at Nissan Patrol community seeking advice
http://forum.patrol4x4wa.com/index.php?topic=1677.0

Symptoms: Lost power...followed with really black smoke!! Even after serviced - changed motor oil, changed fuel filter, changed oil filter..
The event timeline:
  • Sept 2007 - Car symptom first appeared - lost power...followed with really black smoke.
  • Oct 2007 - Sent to Boustead (Authorised Agent in Brunei) who serviced the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.
  • March 2008 - Car problem resurfaced again (lost power...followed with really black smoke), sent to Boustead no problem with EGR. While at Agent, new problem surfaced when accelerating the car a whining sound emitted from the engine. The Agent checked the pulley systems and everything are in order. The final recommendation is to replace the turbo charger which will cost around (BND2600 after discount) BUT before I change the turbo I went out to get a second opinion.
  • April 2008, got second opinion from Richard@RWC who is a turbo charger specialist in Brunei (Aviation background). Richard informed me that the Nissan Patrol engine and turbo charger (mine is the 1st edition Garrett water cool system) for this model is a bad marriage. Now there are already 3rd Edition turbo charger for this model but still not yet compatible. Richard checked the Turbo charger and found out there is no problem with the Turbo charger. My Turbo charger is serviced by Richard and cost me ~$700!! Hurray!!. One problem resolved.
  • Since there is no faulty from the turbo charger, Richard indicated the problem is now with the engine, he recommended Terry Taylor@Europlink for the engine overhaul.
  • May 2008 - Terry started to open the engine and found 2 major problems - Intake manifold contaminated with black oily residual & timing valves are misaligned (from factory) - refer to pictures below

Additional information:
  • Motor oil used 15W-40 Shell Rimulax (recommended by Agent) and servicing at 10,000 km. Recommended by specialist is semi/full synthetic for this engine. Read discussion on forum about motor oil for patrol link
  • The mileage on the car is 244,000 km.
  • Engine never been overhauled.
  • Specialist in Brunei (business card below):


Overview of the engine


PROBLEM 1: CONTAMINATION OF INTAKE MANIFOLD WITH BLACK OIL RESIDUAL
Refer to picture below
Terry Taylor@Europlink Brunei showed the intake manifold of the engine is contaminated with black residual while the exhaust manifold is still clean.
Intake manifold: Refer to page 26 of ZD30 Y61 Reference Document where the root cause is EGR system link


Exhaust manifold:


Note: I am not alone in experiencing this problem | read 2 | read 1 | picture

Update 28/5/2007: Comments from Richard Cole
Quote
I imagine the exhaust gas recirculation valve EGR is there primarily to reduce exhaust gas temperature EGT so the fragile VNT turbo can survive, instead of what an EGR system was primarily invented for- reduce emissions. The inlet manifold is very carbonized, The agent says sometimes they are blocked! The engine must be removed /overhauled and the EGR must be disabled.
To keep EGT down a cold air intake system and relocation of inter cooler (rally an inter heater if its placed above hot engine, ask any Subaru Imprezza tuner) to proper location- in front of radiator.

Unquote



PROBLEM 2: VALVE TIMING OFF - MANUFACTURER DEFECT
To view the Nissan patrol timing gear removal and installation diagram, click here

Refer to picture below
The valve timing (the 3 gears behind the top timing chain are misaligned). This car has never been overhauled before, therefore it can be concluded that NISSAN manufacture has not done it properly from the factory!!!




The bottom timing chain aligned with injection timing



The top gears with A and B marking are not aligned with the bottom gear which have AA and BB marking - Must align bah! (Manufacturer defect?? Must be ah.. no wonder I can not feel the power of my car..)


Top gear marking 'B' not align with Bottom gear marking "BB" - Must align bah!


Update 27/5/2007: The Agent staff came in and managed to align the valve timing after cranked it 40 times (Terry informed me in normal 4 cylinders engine it only need to crank max 8 times, must be complex system for this model)

Update 28/5/2007: Comments from Richard Cole
Quote
I had a look at Nissan Patrol engine yesterday with Terry. What a very complex way to drive 2 camshafts on a 4 cylinder engine. Usually the trend for the manufactures is to keep things simple to cut costs and reduce assembly time.
Regarding valve timing- must be reset the racing car/motorcycle way (these don't have timing marks) with 3 dial test indicators. Ducati engines 95-00 are usually out by up to half a tooth and its normal practice to do the above and use adjustable vernier sprockets.

Unquote

More photos can be viewed at my flickr - comments are welcomed link

How to take care of your Turbo/engine? Free advise from Richard Cole@RWC
Regarding the turbo here is what Richard's learnt from the turbo repair club- Also go and read Page 88 of ZD30 Y61 Reference Document: link
  1. Fit an after market boost gauge so can return to dealer if boost all of a sudden goes abnormally excessive, so they can recalibrate (if they have the equipment/knowledge) before turbo gets over worked/sped.
  2. Service cooling system regularly.
  3. Service positive crankcase breather valve and breather system regularly.
  4. Use a semi synthetic engine oil, for this climate I recommend ROCK OIL GUARDIAN 20W/50.
  5. Change Air cleaner in accordance with vehicle's service book for dusty environment conditions.
  6. Fit an after market "cold air system" and consider relocating inter cooler to front of vehicle with a quality after market unit.
  7. Don't use any fuel additives
Next step for me...
  1. Inform Agent about this problem (Terry Chin@Boustead Service Manager already aware about this - we talked and he will investigate the issue - Thanks Terry.)
  2. Inform Nissan Japan about this problem - Anyone knows Nissan Japan email address. I did asked from staff in Boustead but no information is disclosed. So strict lah...
  3. Terry@Europlink will do the general overhaul for the car.
  4. EGR to block or not - Part 1 (Adjust EGR) | Original article -> download | template | link| link to pdf
    EGR to block or not - Part 2 (Adjust boost) link | link to pdf
  5. Find out if EGR cooler available from Agent | picture
  6. Install intercooler fan - read | installation | picture
  7. Install gauges to monitor engine performance - exhaust gas temperature (EGT) and boost gauges linklink 2.| link3 |
Recommendation from Zahreen's and Zul's for installation of Item 6 - In Brunei,
1) HKS Sen Yong (Alan) - kadai nya sebaris showroom volksagen, next to kadai 50sen ke atas,
2) SHH Pro Shop (Danny)- kadai nya opposite NBT gadong, next to bangunan purple and
3) Jimmy - kadai nya sebaris WYWY KB

Recommendation from Carzine
4) SinHiaphin at Gadong..Location it is just the other side of the road of NBT Gadong.
5) Hayashi at Menglait Gadong Warisan Complex
(Telphone no. +6738728806), Address: Spg 24-8, Block B, Unit 8, Warisan Complex, Jln Gadong,
6) Sen Yeong autoparts (telephone no. +6738621511), Address: No.1, Spg. 659, Jln. Jangsak, Kg. Beribi, BE1118 B.S.B

Reference:-
ZD30 Y61 Reference Document: link | link 2
Forum: http://forum.patrol4x4wa.com/index.php
Forum: http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/
Forum: http://forum.australia4wd.com/index.php?act=idx
Forum: http://4x4ph.com/forum/index.php
What does the smoke indicate?
Wheel alignment on Patrol - solution
Chaz's mod: link
Jack180's mod: link