The 2.3-liter Nissan TD23 diesel engine was assembled for a very short time from 1985 to 1995 and was installed on commercial vehicles, Caravan minibuses and D21 pickups. This power unit is the least common in a series of motors under the TD index.
TD family: TD23, TD25, TD27, TD27T, TD27Ti, TD27ETi, TD42, TD42T.
Specifications
| Production years | 1985-1995 |
| Displacement, cc | 2289 |
| Fuel system | vortex chamber |
| Power output, hp | 75 |
| Torque output, Nm | 150 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | cast iron 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 89 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 92 |
| Compression ratio | 22 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | gear |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 10W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.2 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 1/2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Caravan 1988) — city — highway — combined |
10.5 8.1 9.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~440 000 |
| Weight, kg | 230 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Navara 1 (D21) in 1985 – 1992;
- Nissan Caravan E24 in 1986 – 1990.
Disadvantages of the TD23 engine
- The engine is very noisy and prone to vibrations due to the timing gear drive;
- The gears wear out by a run of 250,000 km and the valve timing goes astray;
- At about the same mileage, a pump or a gear block gasket starts to flow;
- On the electrical side, only the oil pressure sensor and crankshaft position are buggy;
- Detonation due to bad fuel cracks the bridges between the vortex chambers.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan TD23
How much power does the Nissan TD23 make?
The Nissan TD23 develops 75 hp and 150 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan TD23 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 6.2 liters. Recommended oil: 10W-30.
Does the Nissan TD23 have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan TD23 has a gear-driven camshaft drive.
Is the Nissan TD23 turbocharged?
No, the Nissan TD23 is naturally aspirated.
Does the Nissan TD23 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 TD23 last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan TD23 is ~440 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan TD23?
Nissan Caravan 1988: city 10.5, highway 8.1, combined 9.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan TD23 installed on?
Nissan Navara 1 (D21) in 1985 - 1992; Nissan Caravan E24 in 1986 - 1990.
What are the common problems of the Nissan TD23?
The engine is very noisy and prone to vibrations due to the timing gear drive. The gears wear out by a run of 250,000 km and the valve timing goes astray. All known problems.






Td27 and td23 are same parts?