Re:1980 Diesel-What is it worth?

[EldonMcf@domain.elided]

In a message dated 12/29/98 10:09:36 AM Central Standard Time, Darrel
Kline<darrelK@domain.elided> writes:

> I don't know how long those Nissan Diesel's last (Eldon?), so I can't
>  comment on that.

   Just wanted to de-lurk (de-cloak?) for my $.002 on this topic, actually I
haven't been lurking as much as skimming the digest lately.  also it seems to
have been my turn for the dreaded email/ hard drive/ memory/ congested
phoneline/etc. problems lately.  I think things are finally working a bit
better for now at least.

    As far as the Nissan Diesel goes, with proper care & maintenance the
engine will live a long time.  It has many heavy duty features normally found
on larger, more expensive Diesel engines.  some of these are replaceable
cylinder sleeves, piston cooling nozzles (80 only),  gear driven cam &
injection pump, in-line injection pump, oil cooler, turbocharger (80 only),
etc. 

     I have heard of Nissan Diesel powered Scout owners that have gotten more
than 500,000 miles with no major problems, and have also heard of some that
have had multiple  major catastrophies in less than 100,000 miles.  Most early
failures can be traced to poor maintenance, or abuse.  A very common problem
is installing the oil filter improperly for example.  The oil filter cartridge
can be installed so that the oil completely bypasses the filter, causing major
engine damage.  

    The SD-633 Diesel engine has a displacement of 198 cu in, just 2 cu in
more than a 196 4 cylinder, but often owners expect more performance from
these engines than what is available.  Overall the Diesel does a fine job for
everyday driving, but is not suitable for towing heavy loads.

    Generally middle aged & up original owners that live in rural areas, and
are familiar with Diesel engines & Diesel powered equipment are the ones that
get the most life from their Diesel Scout's.  In fact most of these owners
won't part with their Diesel Scouts  for anything.  OTOH, the younger city
folks, who are the 3rd & 4th owners seem to be the ones that have the most
problems.  As i said before most problems can be traced to a lack of
understanding of the Diesel engines, lack of proper maintenance, and improper
repairs being made.

     I got my 1980 Scout new, and now have around 165K on it.  There have been
no major repairs done, and from all indications the thing will go another 165
with no problem.  I am also guilty of some torture / abuse ocasionally, even
tho i should know better.

    As far as price goes I think it would have to be a real cream puff before
i would pay $4000 for it, but I agree if it doesn't have any rust it is worth
much more than the average 'normal' rusted unit, and it usually comes down to
the availability of non butchered up units which seem to be getting scarcer
all the time.  Also there does seem to be a pretty good demand for 1980 turbo
Diesel Scouts.

  Back to trying to catch up

   Eldon McFarling
   Ceresco, NE
   '80 Scout II Turbo-Diesel
    A bunch of other binders

    HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!