The Nissan RD28Ti is a 2,826 cc, inline‑six turbo‑diesel engine produced between 1990 and 1996. It features an SOHC, 12‑valve design with indirect injection and a Garrett T3 turbocharger, prioritising low — end torque and rugged durability. Peak output is rated at 98 kW (133 PS) and 294 Nm, making it suitable for heavy — duty SUVs and commercial vehicles where towing and load capacity were paramount.
Fitted primarily to the Patrol Y60 and Safari, the RD28Ti was engineered fo…
Nissan
Production years 1990–1996 meet Japanese 1988 emissions standards for relevant markets (MLIT Japan Type Approval #JIS-D-1001).
The Nissan RD28Ti is a 2,826 cc inline‑six turbo‑diesel engineered for heavy-duty SUVs (1990-1996). It combines indirect injection with a robust SOHC valvetrain and a Garrett T3 turbo to deliver exceptional low‑end torque and legendary off-road durability. Designed to meet Japanese 1988 emissions standards, it prioritises mechanical simplicity over emissions performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,826 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 81.0 mm | |
Power output | 98 kW (133 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
Torque | 294 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Indirect injection (Zexel VE-type pump) | |
Emissions standard | Japanese 1988 | |
Compression ratio | 21.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Garrett T3 (non-intercooled) | |
Timing system | Chain | |
Oil type | API CD or equivalent (SAE 15W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 245 kg |
The Nissan RD28Ti was used across Nissan's heavy-duty SUV platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts and transmission coolers in the Patrol for off-road use-and no significant facelift revisions occurred during its production run, ensuring broad parts interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The RD28Ti's primary reliability risk is turbocharger oil feed line failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Nissan internal service data indicated this was a leading cause of turbo-related repairs for this model, while its simple mechanical design otherwise proved exceptionally durable. Neglecting oil and coolant maintenance makes adherence to the OEM service schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (1990-1996) and internal service reports. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The RD28Ti is renowned for its exceptional mechanical durability and torque when properly maintained. Its main weakness is the turbo oil feed line and potential for head gasket failure under extreme stress. With strict adherence to coolant, oil, and preventative turbo line replacement, these engines can easily exceed 400,000 km. Its non-electronic, indirect injection design has minimal components to fail.
The most critical issue is turbo oil feed line failure, leading to turbo destruction. Other common problems include injection pump timing drift (causing smoke and poor running), head gasket failure (often after overheating), and rocker arm wear (causing top-end noise). These are well-documented in Nissan service manuals.
The RD28Ti was used exclusively in the Nissan Patrol (Y60, 1990-1996) and its twin, the Nissan Safari (Y60, 1990-1996), primarily in GR and Ti trim levels. It was the top-tier diesel engine option for these heavy-duty off-road vehicles.
Significant power gains are possible. Adjusting the injection pump and adding an aftermarket intercooler can yield substantial improvements. The engine's robust internals can handle moderate increases in boost and fueling. However, pushing power too far increases stress on the head gasket and bottom end.
Modest, as expected for a large, heavy, turbo-diesel SUV. In a Nissan Patrol, expect real-world figures of approximately 12-14 L/100km (20-24 mpg UK) on the highway and 16-20 L/100km (14-18 mpg UK) off-road or in the city. Its design prioritizes torque and durability over fuel efficiency.
No. The Nissan RD28Ti is a non-interference (free-wheeling) engine. If the timing chain were to fail, the pistons will not contact the valves. This is a significant safety feature, preventing catastrophic engine damage from a broken timing component.
Nissan specifies an API CD (or ACEA B2) rated diesel engine oil. SAE 15W-40 is the recommended viscosity for all operating conditions. Using the correct specification is vital for protecting the engine's components, especially the injection pump, turbocharger, and valve train.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
NISSAN 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.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
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.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.