Will a Turbo get my LD28 up the hills?

Discuss (and cuss) the Nissan LD-series OHC Six diesel engine, popularly available in the US in 1981-83 Datsun/Nissan Maxima Sedans & Wagons.

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asavage
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#16

Post by asavage »

If you still have the performance problem when you get it back together, consider temporarily installing a low pressure gauge on the exhaust downstream of the turbo. This is commonly done in the US to check if the catalytic converter is plugged.

Mount the gauge to the windscreen using duct tape.

Then go for a drive. If at any time you see a reading >2 (two) PSI, you have an exhaust restriction. 1 PSI is really a better target limit.

As you're using the Jag OEM exhaust, it might be a restriction to the diesel. Diesels move a lot more air than gassers (except when the gasser is at WOT). That's why diesel exhaust systems are almost always larger than their gasser counterparts. (Except the 720 SD pickups ;) )

The intake would bear careful scrutiny as well, though it's less likely to be a limiting factor. For a low price, you can install an air filter restriction gauge that "sticks" at the highest restriction level encountered, so that when you are really pushing the engine, if there's a restriction at the intake system, you can later read the gauge and it lets you know that there was a problem. These things are cheap, and are actually factory-installed on a lot of diesel trucks in the US. Here's one type:
Image

(Ryder Fleet Products) Engineered Products Filter Minder Air Restriction Gauge Direct Mount 20lb - C3550100820
Description:
The graduated indicator on the filter minder monitors engine air filters. The position indicator progressively fills the window as air filter restriction increases, locking at the highest restriction. The air filter should be changed when the position indicator reaches the red zone.

The filter minder mounts directly to air cleaner or air induction piping.
Regards,
Al S.

1982 Maxima diesel wagon, 2nd & 4th owner, 165k miles, rusty & burgundy/grey. Purchased 1996, SOLD 16Feb10
1983 Maxima diesel wagon, 199k miles, rusty, light yellow/light brown. SOLD 14Jul07
1981 720 SD22 (scrapped 04Sep07)
1983 Sentra CD17, 255k, bought 06Jul08, gave it away 22Jun10.
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