Nissan CR12DE Specifications
| Engine Model: Nissan CR12DE |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve CVTC liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 77 cu.in (1.24 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 80-90 Hp (59-66 kW) at 6000 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Multi-point electronic fuel injection |
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0The Nissan CR12DE engine is a 1.2-liter,
dual-overhead-cam, multi-point fuel injected inline-four gasoline engine
introduced in the early 2000s as part of Nissan’s CR-series family. It
succeeded the older CG-series engines and was engineered to provide
quiet operation, low emissions, high fuel economy, and reduced
maintenance requirements for compact passenger cars. The engine was most
widely used in the Nissan Micra and March K12 platform, but also
appeared in a number of export-market vehicles.
The CR12DE emphasizes lightweight construction, utilizing an aluminum
block with cast-in cylinder liners and an aluminum DOHC cylinder head.
It incorporates a timing chain for long service life, four valves per
cylinder, modern EFI control, and electronically managed ignition. In
later versions, Nissan’s CVTC (Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control)
system was used on the intake camshaft to improve torque delivery and
efficiency across a broad rpm range. The engine is designed to operate
smoothly at high engine speeds and deliver dependable performance for
urban and highway driving.
Despite its modest displacement, the CR12DE produces responsive throttle
behavior and reliable performance. Its robust construction, efficient
combustion chambers, and modern control systems make it a durable and
efficient small-displacement engine. When maintained correctly, the
CR12DE is known to deliver high mileage with minimal issues.
The CR12DE is a four-stroke inline-four gasoline engine with a total
displacement of 1240 cc. Bore is 71.0 mm (2.80 inches), and stroke is
78.3 mm (3.08 inches), creating a long-stroke configuration that
supports strong low-speed torque. Compression ratio is generally around
9.8 to 1 depending on model year and market. Power output normally
ranges between 80 and 90 horsepower at approximately 6000 rpm, with
maximum torque of 110 to 120 Nm (81 to 88 lb-ft) achieved around 3600 to
4000 rpm. Idle speed is regulated at approximately 700 to 750 rpm.
Firing order is 1-3-4-2.
The block is an aluminum casting with cast-iron liners that provide
durability and wear resistance. Five main bearings support the
crankshaft for smooth operation and long-term reliability. The
crankshaft is a forged-steel unit, fully counterweighted and designed
for low vibration. Pistons are aluminum alloy with low-friction
coatings, and the connecting rods are forged steel. The piston ring set
includes two compression rings and one oil-control ring. The crankcase
uses an integrated bed-plate structure that increases rigidity and
reduces noise and vibration.
The cylinder head is a lightweight aluminum casting, crossflow in
design, containing two overhead camshafts operating four valves per
cylinder. Bucket-type tappets are used, with shim adjustment required
during major service intervals. Later versions include CVTC on the
intake camshaft for improved torque characteristics and fuel efficiency.
The combustion chambers are compact pent-roof structures that promote
efficient airflow and mixture motion. The intake and exhaust port
geometry is tuned for stable low-rpm response and sufficient high-rpm
breathing.
Valve diameters approximate the following:
Intake valves about 27 to 29 mm (1.06 to 1.14 inches)
Exhaust valves about 23 to 25 mm (0.91 to 0.98 inches)
Fuel delivery is provided by an electronically controlled multi-point
fuel injection system. Fuel is supplied by an electric in-tank pump and
delivered through a high-pressure line to a fuel rail feeding four
solenoid-type injectors. The fuel pressure regulator maintains
approximately 300 kPa (43 psi).
Fuel mixture is controlled by the engine
control module using input from sensors such as:
- Mass Air Flow sensor
- Throttle Position sensor
- Engine Coolant Temperature sensor
- Intake Air Temperature sensor
- Oxygen sensor
- Knock sensor
- Crankshaft and camshaft position sensors
The throttle body is either cable-actuated or electronically controlled
depending on year and market. Idle air control is handled through an
integrated control valve or by the electronic throttle actuator.
Closed-loop fuel control ensures stable operation and low emissions.
A full-pressure lubrication system is used, with a crankshaft-driven
trochoid oil pump drawing oil through a sump pickup screen and
delivering it through a full-flow spin-on filter. Oil is routed to
crankshaft bearings, connecting rod bearings, camshaft journals, and
timing chain lubrication points. Piston cooling jets spray oil onto the
underside of each piston to reduce thermal loads and improve durability.
Oil capacity is approximately 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts). Recommended
viscosity is SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on climate. Normal oil
pressure is around 45 to 55 psi at 3000 rpm and above 10 psi at idle.
Regular oil and filter changes every 5000 to 10,000 km are essential for
maintaining chain tensioner function and long engine life.
The engine uses a liquid cooling system with a belt-driven centrifugal
water pump. Coolant flows through the block, head, heater core, and
aluminum radiator. The thermostat begins to open at approximately 82 C
(180 degrees F) and is fully open around 95 C (203 degrees F). Cooling
system capacity is around 5.0 to 5.3 liters (5.3 to 5.6 US quarts). An
electric cooling fan is controlled by the engine control module using
coolant temperature inputs.
The recommended coolant mixture is a 50/50 blend of ethylene glycol and
distilled water. Coolant should be replaced every two years. The cooling
system includes a reservoir for overflow expansion and sensors for
engine control and dashboard indication.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
The induction system includes an air cleaner housing with a replaceable
paper filter, intake ducting, a throttle body, and an aluminum intake
manifold. The intake runners are tuned for mid-range torque and stable
idle. The exhaust system consists of a high-temperature steel manifold
feeding a catalytic converter located close to the exhaust ports for
rapid warm-up.
Downstream piping includes a resonator and muffler. One or two oxygen
sensors are used depending on emission standard requirements. Some
versions include exhaust gas recirculation to meet emissions
regulations.
The ignition system is fully electronic, with coil-on-plug modules used
on most versions. Earlier variants may use paired coil packs with short
plug wires. Timing advance is controlled by the ECM based on load, rpm,
temperature, knock activity, and throttle input. Typical spark plug gap
is around 1.0 millimeter or 0.039 inches. Standard spark plug service
interval is around 20,000 to 30,000 km for conventional plugs and up to
80,000 km for platinum or iridium types.
The CR12DE uses a steel roller timing chain instead of a belt. The chain
drives both camshafts from the crankshaft through a set of sprockets. A
hydraulic tensioner maintains appropriate chain tension. Chain
lubrication is supplied by pressurized engine oil. Under normal
conditions, the chain does not require periodic replacement, though
noise or slack at high mileage may indicate wear requiring inspection or
replacement.
Length approximately 500 to 520 mm (19.7 to 20.5 inches)
Width approximately 490 to 510 mm (19.3 to 20.1 inches)
Height approximately 600 mm (23.6 inches)
Dry weight ranges from about 80 to 95 kg (176 to 209 lbs) depending on
accessory configuration.
Routine maintenance is required for long
service life:
Engine oil and filter every 5000 to 10,000 km
Air filter every 20,000 km
Spark plugs every 20,000 to 30,000 km for standard plugs
Fuel filter around every 40,000 km
Coolant replacement every two years
PCV valve inspection every 20,000 km
Valve clearance inspection around 80,000 to 100,000 km
Timing chain inspection at high mileage only
Compression pressure in a healthy CR12DE engine ranges from
approximately 170 to 190 psi, with less than 10 percent variation
between cylinders. Idle speed is around 700 rpm. No regular adjustment
of ignition timing is required, as it is electronically controlled.
Cylinder head bolts: approximately 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) with additional
angle tightening as specified.
Main bearing caps: around 55 to 60 Nm (41 to 44 lb-ft).
Connecting rod bolts: around 30 to 35 Nm (22 to 26 lb-ft).
Flywheel bolts: approximately 75 to 80 Nm (55 to 59 lb-ft).
Crankshaft pulley bolt: around 130 to 150 Nm (96 to 111 lb-ft).
Intake manifold bolts: around 22 Nm (16 lb-ft).
Exhaust manifold nuts: around 28 Nm (21 lb-ft).
Spark plugs: around 18 Nm (13 lb-ft).
Oil drain plug: around 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
The CR12DE engine was used primarily in the Nissan Micra and March K12
platform. It also appeared in several regional and export variants,
including compact hatchbacks and small sedans. Its compact size, fuel
efficiency, and dependable performance made it suitable for city-focused
vehicles requiring low emissions and low operating cost.
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