The 1.7-liter Nissan CD17 diesel engine was produced by the concern from 1981 to 1998 and was installed on a number of popular models of its time such as Sunny, Sentra, Pulsar and AD. A turbocharged version of the CD17T power unit with 75 hp and 145 Nm was installed on the Stanza liftback.
Specifications
| Production years | 1981-1998 |
| Displacement, cc | 1680 |
| Fuel system | vortex chamber |
| Power output, hp | 55 – 60 |
| Torque output, Nm | 104 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 80 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83.6 |
| Compression ratio | 21.8 – 22.2 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 10W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.4 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 1/2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Sunny 1989) — city — highway — combined |
7.6 5.1 5.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 170 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Sunny 1 (B11) in 1981 – 1985, Sunny 2 (B12) in 1985 – 1990, Sunny 3 (B13) in 1990 – 1993;
- Nissan Pulsar N12 in 1982 – 1986, Pulsar N13 in 1986 – 1990, Pulsar N14 in 1990 – 1995;
- Nissan Sentra 1 (B11) in 1982- 1986, Sentra 2 (B12) in 1985- 1990;
- Nissan AD VB11 in 1982 – 1990, AD 2 (Y10) in 1990 – 1998.
Disadvantages of the CD17 engine
- The motor does not tolerate bad fuel, problems immediately begin with injectors and a high pressure fuel pump;
- The most common malfunction is the airing of the cooling system;
- The engine is afraid of overheating, it breaks the gasket and cracks the head of the block;
- Monitor the condition of the timing belt, because if it breaks, the valve will definitely bend;
- By a run of 250,000 km, the compression in the cylinders usually drops and an overhaul is required.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan CD17
How much power does the Nissan CD17 make?
The Nissan CD17 develops 55 - 60 hp and 104 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan CD17 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.4 liters. Recommended oil: 10W-30.
Does the Nissan CD17 have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan CD17 uses a timing belt.
Is the Nissan CD17 turbocharged?
No, the Nissan CD17 is naturally aspirated.
Does the Nissan CD17 need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Nissan CD17 last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan CD17 is ~250 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan CD17?
Nissan Sunny 1989: city 7.6, highway 5.1, combined 5.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan CD17 installed on?
Nissan Sunny 1 (B11) in 1981 - 1985, Sunny 2 (B12) in 1985 - 1990, Sunny 3 (B13) in 1990 - 1993; Nissan Pulsar N12 in 1982 - 1986, Pulsar N13 in 1986 - 1990, Pulsar N14 in 1990 - 1995; Nissan Sentra 1 (B11) in 1982- 1986, Sentra 2 (B12) in 1985- 1990; Nissan AD VB11 in 1982 - 1990, AD 2 (Y10) in 1990 - 1998.
What are the common problems of the Nissan CD17?
The motor does not tolerate bad fuel, problems immediately begin with injectors and a high pressure fuel pump. The most common malfunction is the airing of the cooling system. All known problems.





