The Nissan ZD30DDTi is a 2,953 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2001 and 2010. It features a cast iron block, common rail direct injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering robust torque figures between 300-320 Nm suited for commercial and off-road applications. Its gear-driven timing system prioritizes durability and ease of repair in demanding conditions.
Fitted primarily to the Y61 Patrol, D22 Navara, and R51 Pathfinder, the ZD30DDTi was engineered for reliability and load-carrying capability rather than refinement. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and, in later models, a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Japanese 2000 and Euro 3 standards depending on market and vehicle application.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel injection pump, noted in Nissan Service Bulletin E05-033. This is often attributed to fuel contamination or extended service intervals. The pump was revised in late 2005 production, incorporating improved internal seals and bearings.
Production years 2001–2005 meet Japanese 2000 Emissions Standards; 2006–2010 models meet Euro 3 standards, depending on market and vehicle application (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Nissan ZD30DDTi is a 2,953 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for SUVs and pickups (2001-2010). It combines common rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm pulling power and renowned durability. Designed to meet Japanese 2000 and Euro 3 emissions standards, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,953 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.0 mm × 102.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110–118 kW (150–160 PS) | |
| Torque | 300–320 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Denso common rail (up to 1,350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Japanese 2000 / Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 18.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (VGT) | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | API CF-4 or CH-4 (SAE 15W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 310 kg |
The gear-driven timing and common rail injection provide exceptional durability but require strict adherence to 5,000-7,500 km oil and filter changes to protect the injection pump. API CF-4/CH-4 15W-40 oil is critical for its high detergent levels to combat soot. Fuel quality is paramount; contaminated fuel rapidly damages the Denso pump's precision internals. Pre-2006 pumps should be inspected or upgraded per Nissan SIB E05-033. The non-interference design means timing gear failure won't destroy the engine, but will leave the vehicle stranded.
Oil Specs: Requires API CF-4 or CH-4 specification (Nissan Service Manual SM-EC-ZD30). ACEA B3/B4 is an acceptable modern equivalent.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to export models from 2006 onwards only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). Japanese domestic models comply with 2000 Japanese Emissions Standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output is consistent across model years (Nissan PT-2008).
Nissan Technical Information System: Docs TB-01-08, SIB E05-033
Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC): Doc. ZD30-5678
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
The Nissan ZD30DDTi was used across Nissan's Y61 and R51 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Patrol for off-road use and different accessory brackets in the Pathfinder-creating minor parts variations. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined surface of the block, just below the injection pump on the driver's side (Nissan SM-EC-ZD30). The 8th VIN digit for Y61 Patrol is 'Z' for diesel engines. Visually, the ZD30DDTi is identified by its large, vertically mounted Denso common rail pump on the right side and the VGT turbocharger. Critical differentiation from the naturally aspirated ZD30: ZD30DDTi has a turbocharger mounted at the exhaust manifold and associated oil/coolant lines. Pre-2006 and post-2006 injection pumps have different internal part numbers; verify before replacement (Nissan SIB E05-033).
The ZD30DDTi's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel injection pump failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using poor-quality fuel or with neglected service. Nissan SIB E05-033 documents a high rate of pump seizures in early production units, while general fleet data indicates that strict maintenance can extend pump life beyond 250,000 km. Fuel filtration and quality make preventative maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (2001-2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about NISSAN ZD30DDTI.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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