The Nissan TD15 is a 1,483 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1969 and 1977. It features a SOHC 8‑valve design with indirect injection and a cast-iron block, delivering outputs of 33 kW (45 PS) and 98 Nm. Its simple, rugged architecture provided dependable torque for Nissan's light commercial vehicles of the era.
Fitted primarily to the Datsun 520 and 521 pickup trucks, the TD15 was engineered for basic utility and ease of field repair. Its character prioritizes low-RPM pulling power and mechanical simplicity over speed or refinement. Emissions compliance was met through mechanical fuel injection and engine tuning, achieving applicable Japanese standards for its production period.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the mechanical fuel injection pump drive coupling, potentially leading to timing drift or hard starting. This issue, referenced in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB72‑008, is often associated with vibration fatigue in high-mileage units. Nissan addressed this by revising the coupling material and adding a reinforcing bracket in later production.
Nissan
Production years 1969–1977 meet applicable Japanese emissions standards for respective markets (JIS D 1001).
The Nissan TD15 is a 1,483 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine engineered for light commercial vehicles (1969-1977). 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 standards, it prioritizes durability over emissions sophistication.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,483 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 33 kW (45 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 98 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Indirect injection (mechanical rotary pump) | |
| Emissions standard | JIS D 1001 | |
| Compression ratio | 21.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven | |
| Oil type | Nissan 20W-40 (API CC) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The high compression ratio provides strong low-end torque ideal for hauling and off-road use. The primary maintenance concern is the fuel injection pump drive coupling, which can wear and cause hard starting; replacement with the updated OEM part per NTB72-008 is recommended. Using the specified 20W-40 diesel-rated oil ensures proper lubrication. The engine's cast-iron construction makes it extremely durable. Coolant should be replaced every 2 years.
Oil Specs: Requires Nissan 20W-40 specification meeting API CC for diesel engines (Nissan Owner's Manual OM-TD15).
Emissions: Meets applicable Japanese (JIS D 1001) standards for production years 1969-1977.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output is consistent across all model applications (Nissan PT-1975).
Nissan Technical Information System: Docs SM-TD15, NTB72-008
Nissan Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC): Doc. TD15-001
Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) D 1001
The Nissan TD15 was used across Nissan's 520/521 platforms with longitudinal mounting and was not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the 521 and revised cooling fan shrouds in export models-and from 1973 the facelifted 521 models adopted a revised injection pump drive coupling, 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-TD15). The 8th VIN digit for 520/521 models is 'T', indicating the TD-series engine family. Visually, it can be identified by its inline-four configuration and the prominent mechanical fuel injection pump mounted on the side of the engine. Critical differentiation from the TD18: The TD15 has a smaller 83.0mm bore (vs 85.0mm on the TD18) and a correspondingly smaller displacement. Service parts for the head, timing gears, and many ancillaries are interchangeable, but the block, pistons, and crankshaft are specific to the TD15 (Nissan EPC TD15-001).
The TD15's primary reliability risk is mechanical fuel injection pump drive coupling wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Nissan TSB NTB72-008 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 (1969-1977) and owner-reported failure data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about NISSAN TD15.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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