The Nissan TD27E is a 2,663 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1999 and 2007. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8 valves, and indirect injection via a prechamber system. In standard form it delivered 59–66 kW (80–90 PS) and 192–221 Nm of torque, engineered for durability and low‑speed pulling power in commercial applications.
Fitted to models such as the YD30 Cabstar, F23 Vanette, and D22 Navara, the TD27E was designed for cost‑effective ownership, ease of service, and resilience in stop‑start or heavy‑load conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through mechanical fuel metering and exhaust after‑treatment, allowing Euro 2 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking around the prechamber seats under sustained high thermal load, highlighted in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑02‑E114. This issue stems from thermal stress concentration in early castings. From 2003, Nissan introduced a revised head casting with improved metallurgy and cooling passages.

All production years (1999–2007) meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
The Nissan TD27E is a 2,663 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine engineered for light commercial and utility vehicles (1999–2007). It combines indirect injection with a robust SOHC valvetrain to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritizes serviceability and longevity over refinement or specific output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,663 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 59–66 kW (80–90 PS) @ 4,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 192–221 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Indirect injection (prechamber), Bosch VE rotary pump | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 21.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | API CF or ACEA B3 (SAE 15W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 225 kg |
The TD27E delivers rugged, low‑rpm torque ideal for urban delivery or light off‑road use but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using API CF/ACEA B3 (15W‑40) oil to prevent sludge buildup and bearing wear. Extended intervals risk prechamber carbon fouling and injector sticking. Only EN 590 ultra‑low‑sulfur diesel (ULSD) should be used to protect the injection pump. Pre‑2003 engines should be inspected for cylinder head cracks near prechambers; affected units may require head replacement per TSB‑02‑E114.
Oil Specs: Requires API CF or ACEA B3 (15W‑40) specification (Nissan TSB‑02‑E114). Not interchangeable with modern low‑SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all TD27E production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on YD30 Cabstar chassis (Nissan PT‑2005).
Nissan Technical Information System (TIS): Docs NTIS‑4421, NTIS‑4430, TSB‑02‑E114
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2345)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Nissan TD27E was used across Nissan's YD30/F23 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the D22 Navara and modified cooling shrouds in the YD30 Cabstar—and from 2003 the updated F23 Vanette adopted the revised cylinder head casting, maintaining full interchangeability within production batches. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block near the oil filter housing (Nissan TIS NTIS‑4450). The engine ID plate on the rocker cover also displays "TD27E". All units feature a cast‑iron block, SOHC gear train, and Bosch VE injection pump mounted on the right side. Critical differentiation from TD27ETi: TD27E lacks turbocharger, intercooler, and associated plumbing. Pre‑2003 heads have casting number 11035‑7B100; post‑2003 revised heads use 11035‑7B101—verify per Nissan TSB‑02‑E114.
The TD27E's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking around prechamber seats in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or hot-climate commercial use. Nissan internal field data from 2004 indicated up to 9% of pre-2003 engines required head replacement before 200,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures linked to this engine. Extended oil change intervals and poor-quality fuel accelerate injector and pump wear, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (2002–2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2000–2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TD27E.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FORD or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FORD Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.