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Nissan A15 Specifications
| Engine Model: Nissan A15 |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder OHV 8-valve liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 90.7 cu.in (1.49 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 67-85 Hp (50-63 kW) at 5200 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Single or two barrel downdraft carburetor |
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| General Technical Data |
The Nissan A15 engine is part of the long-running Nissan A-series family of inline-four gasoline engines first introduced in the 1960s. The A15, produced primarily from 1979 through the late 1990s in various global markets, represents the largest-displacement version of the A-series. With a displacement of 1.5 liters, compact iron block, aluminum cylinder head, and simple OHV valvetrain, the A15 was engineered for reliability, fuel economy, and ease of service rather than high performance.
It was used extensively in pickup trucks, compact commercial vans, and certain passenger vehicles where durability, simplicity, and low operating costs were critical. The engine is well known for its smooth idle, long service life, and tolerance for low-octane fuels. In many markets, the A15 became synonymous with rugged utility and minimal maintenance requirements.
Because of its conservative design and
under-stressed operation, the A15 commonly exceeds 300,000 km or 200,000
miles with basic service. Versions included carbureted, feedback
carbureted, and LPG variants for commercial applications.
The Nissan A15 engine is a four-stroke, inline-four, naturally aspirated
gasoline engine. It features a bore of 76 mm, or 2.99 inches, and a
stroke of 82 mm, or 3.23 inches. Total displacement is 1,487 cc or 90.7
cubic inches. The longer stroke contributes to a strong low-end torque
curve, making the A15 well suited to light trucks and commercial
vehicles. The compression ratio varies from 8.9:1 to about 9.5:1
depending on year, emissions equipment, and fuel type.
Power output ranges from approximately 67 to 85
horsepower, or 50 to 63 kW, at around 5,200 revolutions per minute.
Torque typically falls between 114 and 130 Nm, or 84 to 96 lb-ft, at
roughly 3,200 rpm. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. The crankshaft is
supported by three main bearings, a characteristic of the A-series
engines, and although simple, the design is extremely durable. The rods
and pistons are conventional cast components engineered for longevity
rather than high-power applications.
The A15 uses an OHV valvetrain configuration with a single camshaft
located inside the engine block. The camshaft is gear-driven from the
crankshaft, eliminating the need for a timing chain or belt. Pushrods
transfer motion from the camshaft lobes to the rocker arms located in
the cylinder head.
The head contains two valves per cylinder, one intake and one exhaust, using valve springs and adjustable rocker arms. Valve lash must be set manually and periodically checked. Intake valve clearance is typically 0.35 mm or 0.014 inches hot, while exhaust valves are set to 0.40 mm or 0.016 inches hot. The simple valvetrain arrangement contributes greatly to the A15’s serviceability and reliability.
| Fuel System |
The fuel system depends on the version. Most A15 versions use a downdraft carburetor, either Hitachi or Nikki design, supplying an air-fuel mixture to the intake manifold. Some later versions adopt feedback carburetors equipped with mixture control solenoids governed by a basic ECU using oxygen sensor feedback. These versions improve emissions without complicating the overall system. The fuel pump is mechanical on most models, driven by the camshaft eccentric, delivering fuel from the tank to the carburetor.
Fuel pressure is low, usually around 20 to 30 kPa or 3 to 4 psi. The carburetor includes choke mechanisms, idle mixture adjustments, and throttle linkages that must be periodically tuned. LPG versions use gaseous-fuel mixers and dedicated regulators. Fuel filter replacement should occur every 20,000 km or 12,000 miles.
| Lubrication System |
The lubrication system is a pressurized wet-sump design using a gear-type oil pump driven by the camshaft. Oil is drawn from the sump, passed through a strainer, then delivered to a full-flow spin-on oil filter. From there, oil feeds the main bearings, connecting rod journals, camshaft bearings, and rocker shaft via internal galleries. Oil capacity with filter is approximately 3.2 liters or 3.4 US quarts or 2.8 imperial quarts.
Recommended oil viscosity ranges from SAE 10W-30 to SAE 20W-50 depending on climate. Oil pressure at 3,000 rpm typically measures around 300 to 400 kPa or 43 to 58 psi, while idle pressure may fall between 70 and 120 kPa or 10 to 17 psi. The PCV system routes crankcase vapors through a calibrated valve to maintain proper internal ventilation and reduce emissions.
| Cooling System |
The A15 uses a conventional liquid cooling system with a belt-driven centrifugal water pump circulating coolant through the block, head, and radiator. Coolant capacity is approximately 6 liters or 6.3 US quarts. The thermostat opens at about 82 C or 180 degrees F.
Most versions use a cross-flow radiator with an engine-driven fan, although later versions employ a thermostatic clutch or electric fan depending on vehicle application. The cooling system is rugged and simple, requiring periodic inspection of hoses, water pump, and radiator cap.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
The intake manifold is cast aluminum or cast iron depending on application. Runner design favors low-end torque. The air filter housing uses a replaceable paper element. Replacement interval is generally every 20,000 km or 12,000 miles. The exhaust manifold is cast iron, feeding a simple exhaust system with catalytic converter on later vehicles.
| Ignition and Electrical System |
Ignition is a mechanical distributor system using points or electronic ignition modules depending on production year. Point-gap or dwell must be periodically adjusted on early versions. Ignition timing is adjustable and generally set around 8 degrees before top dead center at idle with vacuum advance disconnected. Spark plugs are gapped to approximately 0.9 mm or 0.035 inches. Alternators range from 35 to 50 amperes. The starter motor is a reduction type. Battery voltage is 12 volts.
| Dimensions and Weight |
The A15 engine is compact and lightweight. Approximate length is 570 mm or 22.4 inches; width about 520 mm or 20.5 inches; height around 650 mm or 25.6 inches. Dry weight is roughly 110 kg or 243 lbs. This compact size facilitates installation in narrow engine bays.
| Maintenance Data |
Oil and filter change every 5,000 to 7,500 km or 3,000 to 4,500 miles. Valve lash adjustment every 20,000 km or 12,000 miles. Spark plug replacement every 20,000 km or 12,000 miles. Air filter replacement every 20,000 km.
Coolant replacement every 40,000 km or 25,000 miles. Fuel filter every 20,000 km. Carburetor cleaning and adjustment recommended at each major service. Ignition timing check every 10,000 km.
| Tightening Torques |
Cylinder head bolts tighten in sequence to 88 Nm or 65 lb-ft. Main bearing cap bolts to 78 Nm or 58 lb-ft. Connecting rod bolts to 44 Nm or 33 lb-ft. Rocker shaft bolts to 25 Nm or 18 lb-ft. Spark plugs to 25 Nm or 18 lb-ft. Oil drain plug to 35 Nm or 26 lb-ft. Flywheel bolts to 74 Nm or 55 lb-ft. Intake and exhaust manifold bolts to 25 Nm or 18 lb-ft.
| Vehicle Applications |
The A15 engine was widely used in Nissan pickup trucks such as the 720 series, certain versions of the Sunny, Sentra, and Cherry in some regions, and commercial vehicles including the Nissan Vanette. Its combination of durability and simplicity made it an ideal powerplant for developing markets.
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