Is the Nissan X-trail prone to fuel system failure?

I have just bought a used 2.4 L petrol 2004 Nissan XTrail against a back drop of warnings that it is prone to fuel system failure. Is that true, how I can avoid it?
Moses.

Hello Moses, the claim that Nissan X-Trail fuel systems are prone to failure is false. However, what is true, not only for Nissan but for all other vehicle models, is the fact that vehicle fuel systems must be maintained in line with manufacture’s guideliness using recommended genuine fuel filters and fuelled with non-adulterated fuel.

Nissan Xtrail and every other vehicle fuel system in the course of its working life, accumulates debris or sticky sludge (gunk), dust particles and corrosion due to moisture collected from the environment during fuelling.

Overtime, these elements if left unchecked will accumulate in the fuel tank, clog fuel lines and the fine holes in the fuel injectors.

This development can reduce engine performance by preventing prompt fuel delivery pressure. Nissan and other car manufacturers build fuel systems with filtering kits to trap this expected debris and try to contain the above problem.

Some vehicles have fuel filters fitted in the engine bay while others, especially the long life ones, are fitted in the fuel tank.

Most manufacturers fit filtering strainers onto the fuel pump. Fuel filters although largely effective in containing the above problem ought to be replaced in line with manufacturer’s guidelines.

For some diesel fuelled vehicles, short life fuel filters are replaced at every 5,000 km interval.
For other vehicles that are fuelled with petrol (gasoline) or diesel, the long life filters should be replaced at or before 100,000 kilometres. This is because the filters become clogged as they trap the sludge, micro particles and corrosion from fuel tanks.
This curtails fuel delivery pressure as well as it overworks and damages the fuel pump.

Maintenance of the Nissan Xtrail fuel system will also include a conscious choice of where you fuel from to avoid what Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) calls ‘adulterated fuel’ (fuel mixed with kerosene or water).

Some fuel companies like Shell sell petrol that is composed of additives that prevent deposit, sludge (gunk) and corrosion build up.

Buy a fuel filter from a Nissan genuine parts dealer only and find a qualified mechanic to safely replace it.

How to avoid high fuel consumption

problem I have just bought my first car, I would like to know what I should do to avoid high fuel consumption.
Calvin.

Fuel is the main source of energy burnt by internal combustion engines to propel a vehicle therefore it has to be consumed. However fuel consumption becomes a concern when an engine becomes less efficient. In other words the amount of work done per kilometre covered is not commensurate to the amount of fuel used.

Today fuel economy is a concern of both motorists and car manufacturers. In order to avoid high fuel consumption of your car there are few things you must do. Ensure that your car engine is properly tuned and its maintenance up to date.

Over the last three decades, car manufacturers have been innovating newer and more efficient fuel delivery technology. Today in petrol engines we have the direct electronic fuel injection systems and in diesel engines we have the common rail high pressure fuel delivery systems.

The current technology and that one before it are very sensitive to tuning and up to date maintenance of filters, lubricants and choice fuels used.

Tuning an engine is to keep it running in a state in line with the manufacturer’s standard.

Periodic maintenance is the replenishing of serviceable ignition parts like spark plugs (petrol) or glow plugs (diesel), filters (air, fuel and oil) in order to maintain an optimum fuel air ratio for prompt and efficient combustion. Renewal of engine lubricants with the correct manufacture recommended viscosity grade (thickness) reduces frictional engine damage and load which reduces fuel consumption.

Using lubricants and fuels with detergency (cleaning) and performance enhancing additives is recommended by car manufacturers in this regard. Other ways to improve your car’s fuel economy is by adjusting your driving style to avoid aggressive acceleration, delay to shift gears up, using innovations like over drive facility, avoiding overloading of vehicles and use of correctly inflated tyres with good treads. Tyre condition will influence your vehicle’s rolling resistance and affect the fuel consumption.

I am planning to buy a Subaru forester and would like to know a few basic facts

1. How is its fuel consumption?
2. How easy is it to get its parts / mechanics to handle it in case of a problem?
3. What is the difference between a Subaru Forester version X20, Forester XT and Xbackpack and which one of these three would you recommend me to buy?

Hello, the 2.0 litre EJ20T will give you a delicate balance between fuel economy and performance. While you can get a fuel economy result of 10-12 km per litre driving on the highway if you get carried away by the thrilling performance of the engine and floor the gas pedal your fuel economy result may drop down to 8km/litre.

There is a better availablity of service and general parts with the independent parts and repair shops in town. However, Subaru parts remain pricy. There are several independent Subaru repair workshops in town and you have to visit them to identify which one is professional or suits your needs.

The Subaru Forester X20 and XT have engine power and performance differences. The X20 is naturally aspirated and delivers 137 horsepower while the XT is turbo charged and delivers 250 horsepower.

Ask the mechanic / By Paul Kaganzi (0772316145)

or email them to [email protected]