The 2.3-liter Nissan VQ23DE engine (or VQ23 for short) was introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the junior representative of the popular V6 engine line and was installed only on the Teana sedan and its clones. This power unit was produced in the only version of the boost for 173 hp and 225 Nm.
VQ20 family: VQ20DE, VQ23DE, VQ25DE, VQ25DET, VQ25DD, VQ25HR.
Specifications
| Production years | 2003 |
| Displacement, cc | 2349 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 173 |
| Torque output, Nm | 225 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 85 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 69 |
| Compression ratio | 9.8 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | three chains |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Teana 2007) — city — highway — combined |
13.7 8.3 10.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~320 000 |
| Weight, kg | 180 |
| Features | NDIS |
| Phase regulator | at the CVTC intake |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Cefiro 4 (J31) in 2003 – 2008;
- Nissan Teana 1 (J31) in 2003 – 2008;
- Samsung SM5 2 (EX1) in 2005 – 2010;
- Samsung SM7 1 (EX2) in 2004 – 2011.
Disadvantages of the VQ23DE engine
- The main problem with these engines is that catalyst crumbs get into the combustion chamber;
- If your oil consumption exceeds 1 liter per 1000 km, check the cylinders for scuffing;
- A lot of complaints about floating speed due to contamination of the idle valve;
- Monitor the thermal regime of the motor, overheating quickly leads to warping of the cylinder head;
- Closer to 200,000 km of run, it usually already stretches and the timing chain begins to rattle;
- There are leaks from the camshaft position sensors or from under the valve cover.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan VQ23DE
How much power does the Nissan VQ23DE make?
The Nissan VQ23DE develops 173 hp and 225 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan VQ23DE take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.0 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Nissan VQ23DE have a timing belt or chain?
Timing drive of the Nissan VQ23DE: three chains.
Is the Nissan VQ23DE turbocharged?
No, the Nissan VQ23DE is naturally aspirated.
Does the Nissan VQ23DE 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 VQ23DE last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan VQ23DE is ~320 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan VQ23DE?
Nissan Teana 2007: city 13.7, highway 8.3, combined 10.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan VQ23DE installed on?
Nissan Cefiro 4 (J31) in 2003 - 2008; Nissan Teana 1 (J31) in 2003 - 2008; Samsung SM5 2 (EX1) in 2005 - 2010; Samsung SM7 1 (EX2) in 2004 - 2011.
What are the common problems of the Nissan VQ23DE?
The main problem with these engines is that catalyst crumbs get into the combustion chamber. If your oil consumption exceeds 1 liter per 1000 km, check the cylinders for scuffing. All known problems.
