The 2.8-liter Nissan RD28 diesel engine was produced by the concern from 1987 to 1999 and was installed on many popular Japanese sedans such as Cedric, Gloria and Laurel. A modification of the engine with an electronic high-pressure fuel pump and the RD28E index was installed on a taxi until 2009.
RD family: RD28, RD28T, RD28ETi.
Specifications
| Production years | 1987-1999 |
| Displacement, cc | 2825 |
| Fuel system | vortex chamber |
| Power output, hp | 95 – 100 |
| Torque output, Nm | 175 – 180 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 85 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
| Compression ratio | 21.2 – 22.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 10W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.4 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 1/2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Laurel 1994) — city — highway — combined |
11.8 7.9 9.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 220 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Cedric 6 (Y30) in 1985 – 1987, Cedric 7 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991, Cedric 8 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995, Cedric 9 (Y33) in 1995 – 1999;
- Nissan Gloria 8 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991, Gloria 9 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995, Gloria 10 (Y33) in 1995 – 1999;
- Nissan Laurel 5 (C32) in 1986 – 1989, Laurel C33 in 1989 – 1993, Laurel C34 in 1993 – 1997;
- Nissan Patrol 4 (Y60) in 1987 – 1995;
- Nissan Skyline R31 in 1985 – 1990;
- Nissan Crew K30 in 1993 – 2009.
Disadvantages of the RD28 engine
- The cylinder head of this diesel engine cracks easily from overheating;
- The timing belt resource is about 90 thousand km, and when it breaks, the valve bends;
- Engine revs at idle usually float due to sensors or their wiring;
- There are oil leaks from the crankshaft oil seal or oil cooler gasket;
- By about 100 – 150 thousand km, hydraulic lifters most often begin to knock.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan RD28
How much power does the Nissan RD28 make?
The Nissan RD28 develops 95 - 100 hp and 175 - 180 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan RD28 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 6.4 liters. Recommended oil: 10W-40.
Does the Nissan RD28 have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan RD28 uses a timing belt.
Is the Nissan RD28 turbocharged?
No, the Nissan RD28 is naturally aspirated.
Does the Nissan RD28 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Nissan RD28 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Nissan RD28 last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan RD28 is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan RD28?
Nissan Laurel 1994: city 11.8, highway 7.9, combined 9.8 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan RD28 installed on?
Nissan Cedric 6 (Y30) in 1985 - 1987, Cedric 7 (Y31) in 1987 - 1991, Cedric 8 (Y32) in 1991 - 1995, Cedric 9 (Y33) in 1995 - 1999; Nissan Gloria 8 (Y31) in 1987 - 1991, Gloria 9 (Y32) in 1991 - 1995, Gloria 10 (Y33) in 1995 - 1999; Nissan Laurel 5 (C32) in 1986 - 1989, Laurel C33 in 1989 - 1993, Laurel C34 in 1993 - 1997; Nissan Patrol 4 (Y60) in 1987 - 1995; Nissan Skyline R31 in 1985 - 1990; Nissan Crew K30 in 1993 - 2009.
What are the common problems of the Nissan RD28?
The cylinder head of this diesel engine cracks easily from overheating. The timing belt resource is about 90 thousand km, and when it breaks, the valve bends. All known problems.
