When you talk about rugged four-wheel drives, the fourth-generation Nissan Patrol—known globally as the Y60 or GQ Patrol—holds a legendary status. Built between 1987 and 1997, it swapped out old leaf springs for a robust coil-sprung suspension setup that transformed its ride quality and articulation off-road. Under the bonnet, Nissan offered a diverse lineup of petrol and diesel powerplants. Knowing the exact specifications of each engine helps you pick the right vehicle for restoration, touring, or heavy off-road work.
The Y60 engine lineup is split across distinct options: the naturally aspirated 4.2-litre diesel (TD42), the smaller 2.8-litre turbo-diesel (RD28T), and the large 4.2-litre petrol inline-six (TB42). Each brings specific advantages and weaknesses to the chassis. If you're looking at buying, restoring, or maintaining one of these classics, understanding what bolted into the engine bay determines how the vehicle performs under load.
The TD42 Diesel: The Indestructible Workhorse
The 4.2-litre TD42 inline-six diesel is the engine most enthusiasts look for when hunting down a Y60 Patrol. Built with a cast-iron block and cylinder head, it uses an overhead valve layout with a gear-driven camshaft. Because there is no rubber timing belt or chain to snap, the valvetrain is exceptionally durable.
In standard naturally aspirated form, the GQ-generation TD42 pushes out roughly 85 kW (115 PS) and 260 Nm of torque. While those numbers look modest on paper, the engine's real strength lies in its low-end grunt and mechanical simplicity. It uses a Zexel or Bosch-licensed mechanical injection pump, meaning it requires minimal electrical wiring to run.
- Displacement: 4,169 cc (4.2 litres)
- Configuration: Inline-six diesel, OHV, 12 valves
- Bore x Stroke: 96 mm x 96 mm
- Aspiration: Naturally aspirated (factory turbo options arrived later on specific markets and the subsequent Y61 generation)
- Power Output: 85 kW at 4,000 rpm
- Torque: 260 Nm at 2,000 rpm
Many owners bolt aftermarket turbochargers onto the TD42. The bottom end is notoriously strong and handles moderate boost well, though cooling system upgrades are mandatory if you start pushing more fuel and air through it.
The TB42 Petrol: Smooth Power and Thirsty Work
If you didn't need diesel range for remote outback crossing, Nissan offered the TB42 inline-six petrol engine. Available in carbureted (TB42S) and electronic fuel-injected (TB42E) variants, this engine provides a much smoother, quieter power delivery than its diesel sibling.
The fuel-injected TB42E produces around 125 kW (170 hp) and roughly 325 Nm of torque. It turns the heavy Y60 with ease on the highway and revs freely compared to the tractor-like TD42. The catch is fuel consumption. A Y60 running a TB42 will easily chew through 15 to 20 litres per 100 kilometres, and even more when towing heavy loads off-road.
- Displacement: 4,169 cc (4.2 litres)
- Configuration: Inline-six petrol, OHV or OHC depending on exact spec, 12 valves
- Bore x Stroke: 96 mm x 96 mm
- Power Output: ~125 kW (170 hp) at 4,200 rpm
- Torque: ~325 Nm at 3,200 rpm
The RD28T Diesel: High-Revving and Light
For regions where tax laws or fuel economy favored smaller displacements, Nissan slotted in the 2.8-litre RD28T inline-six turbo-diesel. Derived from Nissan's RB passenger car petrol blocks, the RD28 features a light alloy head and a seven-bearing crankshaft.
In the Y60, the RD28T pushes out roughly 85 kW (115 hp) and 235 Nm of torque. It runs smoother and quieter than the TD42, but it lacks the low-down displacement torque required to haul a heavily modified touring rig through deep sand or thick mud without heavy gear management.
- Displacement: 2,826 cc (2.8 litres)
- Configuration: Inline-six turbo-diesel, OHC
- Bore x Stroke: 85 mm x 83 mm
- Power Output: 85 kW (115 hp) at 4,400 rpm
- Torque: 235 Nm at 2,400 rpm
Drivetrain and Transmission Specifications
No matter which engine sits up front, power routes through a heavy-duty drivetrain designed to handle abuse. Nissan paired these engines with robust mechanical transmissions and transfer cases.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (FS5R30A) standard across almost all variants, with rare 4-speed automatic options available on select petrol models.
- Transfer Case: Part-time dual-range 4WD system with a gear-driven high and low range.
- Axles: Heavy-duty live beam axles front and rear, featuring Nissan's tough H233B differential housing on many variants. Factory limited-slip differentials (LSD) or vacuum-operated rear diff locks were available depending on the trim level.
You can read more about broader Nissan 4WD heritage and vehicle lineups directly on the Nissan Global Website.
Common Engine Problems to Inspect
Because every Y60 Patrol is well past the two-decade mark, factory specifications matter less than current mechanical condition. Inspect these specific areas before purchasing or building an engine bay:
- TD42 Injection Pump Leaks: The mechanical fuel pump develops leaks at the governor shaft seals as it ages, creating diesel weeps and fire risks near hot exhausts.
- RD28 Cooling Vulnerabilities: The light alloy head on the RD28 cracks easily if the engine experiences even brief overheating events. Check coolant condition meticulously.
- TB42 Intake and Carburetor Wear: Early carbureted models suffer from vacuum line degradation and rough idling when the automatic choke or fueling components drift out of tune.
- Chassis and Rust Proximity: While not an internal engine part, check the chassis rails directly beneath the exhaust manifold dump area, as trapped heat and leaking fluids often accelerate rust in those zones.
To check broader specifications and vehicle records globally, consult regulatory transport databases like the UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency for historical vehicle classification standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap a TD42 into a petrol Y60 Patrol?
Yes, this is one of the most common engine conversions performed on the Y60 chassis. Because Nissan designed the engine bay to accommodate both the 4.2-litre petrol and diesel blocks, the physical mounts line up closely, though you must swap out wiring looms, fuel lines, and exhaust routing.
What is the fuel range of a TD42 Y60?
With a standard 95-litre main fuel tank (and optional sub-tanks bringing total capacity up to roughly 135 litres on dual-tank configurations), a naturally aspirated TD42 touring setup achieves around 11 to 13 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway, translating to a substantial cruising range.
Is the factory manual transmission strong?
The 5-speed manual gearbox paired with the 4.2-litre engines is notoriously durable. It handles heavy towing and large tyres well, provided the gear oil has been changed regularly and the input shaft bearings aren't neglected.
How much weight can a Y60 Patrol tow?
When properly equipped with a rated tow bar, a Nissan Patrol Y60 features a braked towing capacity of up to 3,500 kilograms, making it a capable platform for hauling trailers and caravans.
