The Nissan SD33 is a 3,246 cc, inline‑six naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1980 and 1986. It features a SOHC 12‑valve design with indirect injection and a cast-iron block, delivering outputs of 63 kW (85 PS) and 188 Nm. Its robust, simple architecture provided dependable torque for Nissan's utility vehicles and light trucks.
Fitted to models such as the Patrol 160 and Safari, the SD33 was engineered for rugged reliability and ease of maintenance in demanding conditions. Its character prioritizes low-end pulling power and mechanical simplicity over high-speed performance. Emissions compliance was met through mechanical fuel injection and engine tuning, achieving applicable Japanese and Australian standards for its era.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the mechanical fuel injection pump drive gear, potentially leading to timing drift or pump failure. This issue, referenced in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB82‑018, is often associated with material fatigue under heavy load. Nissan addressed this in later production by revising the gear material and heat treatment for improved durability.
Production years 1980–1986 meet applicable Japanese and Australian emissions standards for respective markets (JIS D 1001, ADR 27A).
The Nissan SD33 is a 3,246 cc inline‑six naturally aspirated diesel engine engineered for utility vehicles and light trucks (1980-1986). It combines indirect fuel injection with a durable SOHC valvetrain to deliver strong, low-RPM torque and exceptional mechanical reliability. Designed to meet period-specific Japanese and Australian standards, it prioritizes durability over emissions sophistication.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,246 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 93.0 mm | |
| Power output | 63 kW (85 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Indirect injection (mechanical rotary pump) | |
| Emissions standard | JIS D 1001 / ADR 27A | |
| Compression ratio | 21.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven | |
| Oil type | Nissan 15W-40 (API CC/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 245 kg |
The inline-six layout and high compression ratio provide strong low-end torque ideal for off-road and towing applications. The primary maintenance concern is the fuel injection pump drive gear, which can wear prematurely under heavy load; replacement with the updated OEM part per NTB82-018 is recommended. Using the specified 15W-40 diesel-rated oil ensures proper lubrication of the injection pump and valve train. The engine's cast-iron construction makes it extremely durable but heavy. Coolant should be replaced every 2 years.
Oil Specs: Requires Nissan 15W-40 specification meeting API CC/CD for diesel engines (Nissan Owner's Manual OM-SD33).
Emissions: Meets applicable Japanese (JIS D 1001) and Australian (ADR 27A) standards for production years 1980-1986.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output is consistent across all model applications (Nissan PT-1985).
Nissan Technical Information System: Docs SM-SD33, NTB82-018
Nissan Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC): Doc. SD33-001
Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) D 1001
Australian Design Rules (ADR) 27A
The Nissan SD33 was used across Nissan's 160 platform with longitudinal mounting and was not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Patrol and revised cooling systems in the Safari-and from 1983 the facelifted Patrol models adopted a revised injection pump drive gear, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined pad on the left side of the cylinder block, just below the exhaust manifold (Nissan TIS SM-SD33). The 8th VIN digit for Patrol 160 models is 'S', indicating the SD-series engine family. Visually, it can be identified by its long inline-six configuration and the prominent mechanical fuel injection pump mounted on the side of the engine. Critical differentiation from the SD33T: The naturally aspirated SD33 lacks a turbocharger and associated plumbing, and has a lower compression ratio (21.5:1 vs 20.0:1 on the turbocharged SD33T). Service parts for the block, head, and internals are generally interchangeable, but the pistons, injection pump calibration, and manifolds are specific to the SD33 (Nissan EPC SD33-001).
The SD33's primary reliability risk is mechanical fuel injection pump drive gear wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to heavy towing or off-road use. Nissan TSB NTB82-018 documents this concern, while general owner feedback indicates glow plug failures and coolant leaks are also common. Neglecting scheduled oil changes can accelerate internal wear, making adherence to the maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (1980-1986) and owner-reported failure data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about NISSAN SD33.
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 NISSAN 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.
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.
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 officialNISSAN 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.
