The 1.6-liter Nissan QG16DE engine (or QG16 for short) was produced from 2000 to 2013 and was installed on many popular models of the concern, mostly in the version for developing countries.
The 79 kW QG16DE engine with two camshafts has four valves per cylinder. The engine camshafts are driven by a chain. The cylinder block of the QG16DE engine is a single casting that forms the cylinders, a cooling jacket, the upper part of the crankcase and five crankshaft bearings made in the form of crankcase baffles. The block is made of special ductile iron with cylinders bored directly into the block body. The engine main bearing caps are machined with blocks and are therefore not interchangeable.
QG family: QG13DE, QG15DE, QG16DE, QG18DE, QG18DD.
Specifications
| Production years | 2000-2013 |
| Displacement, cc | 1597 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 100 – 120 |
| Torque output, Nm | 145 – 165 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 76 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 88 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 – 9.8 |
| Features | EGR |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | at the N-VCT inlet |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 2.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Almera Classic 2008) — city — highway — combined |
9.2 5.3 6.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 135 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Almera 2 (N16) in 2000 – 2006;
- Nissan Almera Classic (B10) in 2006 – 2012;
- Nissan Bluebird Sylphy N16 in 2000 – 2006;
- Nissan Primera 3 (P12) in 2001 – 2008;
- Nissan Sentra 5 (B15) in 2000 – 2006;
- Nissan Sunny Neo N16 in 2000 – 2005;
- Renault Scala in 2002 – 2013;
- Samsung SM3 2 (L38) in 2002 – 2013.
Disadvantages of the QG16DE engine
- Dips in traction appear due to stretching of the timing chain, it serves about 150,000 km;
- Engine speed usually floats due to contamination of the throttle or EGR valve;
- A rather small resource has a generator belt and only a replacement helps it;
- There are no hydraulic lifters here, so the valves require periodic adjustment;
- Cases of destruction of the catalyst are described, the crumbs of which were drawn into the cylinders.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan QG16DE
How much power does the Nissan QG16DE make?
The Nissan QG16DE develops 100 - 120 hp and 145 - 165 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan QG16DE take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 2.7 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Nissan QG16DE have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan QG16DE uses a timing chain.
Is the Nissan QG16DE turbocharged?
No, the Nissan QG16DE is naturally aspirated.
Does the Nissan QG16DE 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 QG16DE last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan QG16DE is ~250 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan QG16DE?
Nissan Almera Classic 2008: city 9.2, highway 5.3, combined 6.8 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan QG16DE installed on?
Nissan Almera 2 (N16) in 2000 - 2006; Nissan Almera Classic (B10) in 2006 - 2012; Nissan Bluebird Sylphy N16 in 2000 - 2006; Nissan Primera 3 (P12) in 2001 - 2008; Nissan Sentra 5 (B15) in 2000 - 2006; Nissan Sunny Neo N16 in 2000 - 2005 and 2 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Nissan QG16DE?
Dips in traction appear due to stretching of the timing chain, it serves about 150,000 km. Engine speed usually floats due to contamination of the throttle or EGR valve. All known problems.
Which engine, if any, can be swapped into the Almera that is close to the 1.6-liter Nissan QG16DE engine, to get more power?