Engine Nissan TD42

Displacement
4.2 L4169 cc
Power
115–160 hp
Torque
265–340 Nm
Timing drive
Gears
Engine oil
9.4 L10W-30
Lifespan
~500 000 km

The 4.2-liter Nissan TD42 diesel engine was first introduced back in 1987 and was intended for the new generation of the Patrol SUV or its Japanese brother Safari. This motor is still popular in car markets with liberal environmental standards.

The Nissan TD42T has been produced since 1993 in Japan and is mainly used in commercial vehicles, but it is better known for the local Safari SUV. There are five versions of this unit in total: TD42T1, TD42T2, TD42T3, TD42T4, and TD42T5.

TD family: TD23, TD25, TD27, TD27T, TD27Ti, TD27ETi, TD42, TD42T.

Specifications

Production years 1987
Displacement, cc 4169
Fuel system vortex chamber
Power output, hp 115 – 125 (TD42)
145 – 160 (TD42T)
Torque output, Nm 265 – 275 (TD42)
330 – 340 (TD42T)
Cylinder block cast iron R6
Block head cast iron 12v
Cylinder bore, mm 96
Piston stroke, mm 96
Compression ratio 22.7 – 23.0 (TD42)
22.0 – 22.8 (TD42T)
Hydraulic lifters no
Timing drive gears
Turbocharging no (TD42)
Hitachi HT18 (TD42T)
Recommended engine oil 10W-30
Engine oil capacity, liter 9.4
Fuel type diesel
Euro standards EURO 1/2/3
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Patrol 1990)
— city
— highway
— combined
16.2
10.8
13.4
Engine lifespan, km ~500 000
Weight, kg 340 (TD42)
365 (TD42T)
Features no
Phase regulator no

The engine was installed on:

Disadvantages of the TD42 engine

  • One of the world’s most reliable diesel engines is noisy and vibrates;
  • A proprietary breakdown is cutting the splines of the vacuum pump drive in frost;
  • The oil pressure sensor is afraid of water, and its replacement will cost you a lot;
  • On long runs, there are pump leaks and timing gear block gaskets;
  • Timing gears wear out over time, the phases go astray and the motor starts to triple;
  • From the detonation through the fault of bad diesel fuel, the jumpers between the vortex chambers crack.

Frequently asked questions about the Nissan TD42

How much power does the Nissan TD42 make?

Power output of the Nissan TD42, hp: 115 - 125 (TD42); 145 - 160 (TD42T). Torque, Nm: 265 - 275 (TD42); 330 - 340 (TD42T).

How much oil does the Nissan TD42 take and which one?

Engine oil capacity: 9.4 liters. Recommended oil: 10W-30.

Does the Nissan TD42 have a timing belt or chain?

Timing drive of the Nissan TD42: gears.

Is the Nissan TD42 turbocharged?

Yes, the Nissan TD42 is turbocharged (no (TD42); Hitachi HT18 (TD42T)).

Does the Nissan TD42 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 TD42 last?

The typical lifespan of the Nissan TD42 is ~500 000 km with proper maintenance.

What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan TD42?

Nissan Patrol 1990: city 16.2, highway 10.8, combined 13.4 L/100 km.

What cars was the Nissan TD42 installed on?

Nissan Patrol 4 (Y60) in 1987 - 1998, Patrol 5 (Y61) in 1997 -.

What are the common problems of the Nissan TD42?

One of the world's most reliable diesel engines is noisy and vibrates. A proprietary breakdown is cutting the splines of the vacuum pump drive in frost. All known problems.

What engines are related to the Nissan TD42?

TD family: TD23, TD25, TD27, TD27ETi.

El Guardiola
Author
El Guardiola

Doctor of Technical Sciences, former engineer at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee (10 years of experience), holder of certificates and patents for inventions, author of a training manual for employees of the Volkswagen Group of America.
I consider the internal combustion engine to be the greatest technological achievement and I want to provide information about them to a wide range of car owners.

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