Nissan LD20
A reliable, long-lived diesel with a cast-iron block and head.
Nissan Bluebird engines
The Nissan Bluebird is a Japanese mid-range car manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. from 1959 to 2001 There are 10 generations of the model in total. Over the years, cars were produced in sedan, hatchback and station wagon body modifications. Translation of the name of the model means “bestowing happiness.” The car was assembled in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and sold almost all over the world. Auto competed with Toyota Crown and Toyota Corona.
The Nissan Bluebird was offered with 10 engines between 1980 and 2000 (8 petrol, 2 diesel). Displacement ranges from 1.8 to 2.4 liters, power output from 65 to 250 hp. 8 use a timing chain and 2 a timing belt. 3 are turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Nissan SR20DE (about 400,000 km).
Nissan Bluebird engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Bluebird 6 (910) 1980–1983 | |||||||
| Nissan LD20 | 1980–1983 | 2.0 L R4 | 65 hp | diesel | chain | 4.7 L | ~350,000 km |
| Nissan LD20T | 1982–1983 | 2.0 L R4 | 81 hp | diesel, turbo | chain | 4.7 L | ~300,000 km |
| Nissan Bluebird U11 1983–1990 | |||||||
| Nissan CA18 | 1983–1990 | 1.8 L R4 | 91–175 hp | petrol, NA / turbo | belt | ||
| Nissan CA20 | 1985–1990 | 2.0 L R4 | 82–110 hp | petrol | belt | ||
| Nissan Bluebird U12 1988–1992 | |||||||
| Nissan KA24E | 1988–1992 | 2.4 L R4 | 115–140 hp | petrol | chain | 4.3 L | ~375,000 km |
| Nissan SR20DE | 1989–1992 | 2.0 L R4 | 130–165 hp | petrol | chain | 4 L | ~400,000 km |
| Nissan SR20DET | 1989–1990 | 2.0 L R4 | 200–250 hp | petrol, turbo | chain | 3.7 L | ~300,000 km |
| Nissan Bluebird U13 1991–1997 | |||||||
| Nissan SR18DE | 1991–1997 | 1.8 L R4 | 110 hp | petrol | chain | 3.4 L | ~380,000 km |
| Nissan KA24DE | 1993–1997 | 2.4 L R4 | 140–155 hp | petrol | chain | 4.1 L | ~350,000 km |
| Nissan Bluebird U14 1997–2000 | |||||||
| Nissan SR20VE | 1997–2000 | 2.0 L R4 | 190–205 hp | petrol | chain | 3.4 L | ~330,000 km |
Nissan Bluebird engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Nissan Bluebird?
Nissan Bluebird 6 (910) (1980–1983): Nissan LD20 and Nissan LD20T; Nissan Bluebird U11 (1983–1990): Nissan CA18 and Nissan CA20; Nissan Bluebird U12 (1988–1992): Nissan KA24E, Nissan SR20DE and Nissan SR20DET; Nissan Bluebird U13 (1991–1997): Nissan SR18DE and Nissan KA24DE; Nissan Bluebird U14 (1997–2000): Nissan SR20VE.
Which Nissan Bluebird engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Nissan Bluebird engines are: Nissan SR20DE — about 400,000 km; Nissan SR18DE — about 380,000 km; Nissan KA24E — about 375,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Nissan Bluebird engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Nissan KA24DE — 4.1 L (5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30 / 10W-40); Nissan KA24E — 4.3 L (5W-30); Nissan LD20 — 4.7 L (10W-40); Nissan LD20T — 4.7 L (10W-40); Nissan SR18DE — 3.4 L (5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30 / 10W-40); Nissan SR20DE — 4 L (5W-30, 5W-40); Nissan SR20DET — 3.7 L (5W-30); Nissan SR20VE — 3.4 L (5W-30).
Does the Nissan Bluebird have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Nissan KA24DE, Nissan KA24E, Nissan LD20, Nissan LD20T, Nissan SR18DE, Nissan SR20DE, Nissan SR20DET and Nissan SR20VE; timing belt: Nissan CA18 and Nissan CA20. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Nissan Bluebird available with a diesel engine?
Yes: Nissan LD20 and Nissan LD20T.
Engine details
Nissan CA18
The timing belt must be replaced on schedule, its failure means an expensive repair.
Nissan LD20T
A reliable cast-iron diesel, but it is very afraid of overheating: high temperatures quickly destroy the gaskets.
Nissan KA24E
Most often, owners complain about very high fuel consumption or oil consumption.
Nissan SR18DE
Almost trouble-free motor, easily runs 300 - 400 thousand km without major repairs.
Nissan SR20DE
This is a fairly reliable power unit without any pronounced weaknesses. On the forums, they regularly complain only about floating speed due…
Nissan SR20DET
If you do not save on oil, this motor quietly drives more than 300 - 350 thousand km.
Nissan SR20VE
This motor is demanding on oil quality due to the complex phase control system.
Models with the same engines
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