Nissan GA16DS Specifications
| Engine Model: Nissan GA16DS |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 97.5 cu.in (1.59 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 94-105 Hp (70-78 kW) at 6000 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Single-barrel or two-barrel downdraft carburetor |
____________________________________________________________________________________
The Nissan GA16DS is a 1.6-liter inline-four,
DOHC, 16-valve carbureted gasoline engine belonging to Nissan’s
GA-series, which also includes the GA13, GA14, GA15, and GA16 families.
Produced during the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, the GA16DS served
as a bridge between earlier carbureted engines and the later electronic
fuel-injected GA16DE.
It delivered improved breathing efficiency,
enhanced combustion, and superior overall refinement compared with older
E-series carbureted engines, while maintaining simplified fuel-system
architecture and low running costs - a combination that made it
extremely popular in developing markets.
The GA16DS was commonly installed in compact passenger cars such as the
Nissan Sunny, Sentra (regional versions), Pulsar, and various regional
derivatives. Its design philosophy emphasizes reliability, long service
life, and easy mechanical service without the need for specialized
diagnostic tools.
The aluminum DOHC cylinder head, 16-valve
layout, timing-chain valvetrain, and lightweight internals give the
engine a level of refinement unusual for carbureted economy engines of
its era. Although the carburetor limits ultimate efficiency compared
with fuel-injected versions, the GA16DS remains highly regarded for its
robust performance, low maintenance cost, and real-world durability.
The Nissan GA16DS is a water-cooled, inline-four, four-stroke gasoline
engine with a displacement of 1597 cc, equivalent to about 97.5 cubic
inches. The engine uses a bore of 76.0 mm (2.99 inches) and a stroke of
88.0 mm (3.46 inches). This long-stroke geometry contributes to strong
low- and mid-range torque, steady idle quality, and good fuel economy.
The compression ratio typically ranges from 9.5:1 to 9.9:1 depending on
market and emissions calibration. Power output generally falls between
94 and 105 horsepower (70 to 78 kW) at approximately 6000 rpm. Maximum
torque output is typically between 135 and 140 Nm (100 to 103 lb-ft) at
4000 rpm. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Idle speed is normally specified
at 750 ± 50 rpm.
The crankshaft is a forged-steel, fully counterweighted unit supported
by five main bearings. This configuration ensures smooth operation and
long service life even under high-mileage usage. Connecting rods are
forged steel with full-floating wrist pins, providing good heat
resistance and durability. Pistons are lightweight aluminum alloy with
molybdenum-coated skirts for reduced friction, enhanced cold-start
behavior, and minimized bore wear. Pistons use two compression rings and
one oil-control ring.
The GA16DS features an aluminum alloy dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) cylinder
head housing 16 valves - four per cylinder. The DOHC system improves
high-rpm breathing efficiency, torque development, and combustion
quality. The combustion chambers are pent-roof shaped, promoting
efficient flame propagation and reduced detonation tendency.
The timing system uses a roller-type timing chain designed for long-term
operation. Chain tension is maintained automatically via a hydraulic
tensioner using engine oil pressure. Valve actuation is achieved through
shim-over-bucket tappets requiring periodic inspection and adjustment.
The valve clearances when cold are:
- Intake: approximately 0.22 mm (0.009 in)
- Exhaust: approximately 0.28 mm (0.011 in)
Intake valves are about 30–31 mm (1.18–1.22 inches) in diameter, while
exhaust valves are typically 25–27 mm (0.98–1.06 inches). Valve timing
is tuned to provide broad torque delivery suitable for city driving and
light-duty operation.
Unlike the GA16DE, which uses multi-point fuel injection, the GA16DS
employs a downdraft carburetor.
Depending on market, several carburetor
configurations exist:
- Single-barrel or dual-barrel units
- Vacuum-operated secondary throttle
- Automatic or manual choke
- Feedback carburetor with oxygen sensor and electronic mixture-control
solenoid
- Fully mechanical carburetors with basic idle and main circuits
Fuel delivery is handled by a mechanical pump driven by the camshaft
eccentric. Fuel pressure is low - typically 20 to 30 kPa (3 to 4 psi). A
replaceable inline fuel filter cleans the fuel prior to entering the
carburetor.
Carburetor systems include:
- Idle mixture circuit
- Main jet and power valve system
- Accelerator pump
- Vacuum secondary throttle
- Fast-idle cam
- Choke enrichment system
Feedback-equipped versions include:
- Oxygen sensor
- ECU-controlled air-bleed solenoid
- Throttle-position idle switch
- Idle-up solenoids for air conditioning and power steering
The GA16DS uses a pressurized wet-sump lubrication system. A
trochoid-type oil pump mounted on the crankshaft nose draws oil from the
sump and pumps it through a full-flow spin-on oil filter. Oil is then
distributed to the crankshaft bearings, connecting rod bearings,
camshaft journals, and valve gear. Additional oil jets and splash
lubrication ensure proper cooling of pistons and lubrication of the
timing chain and tensioner.
Oil capacity with filter is typically 3.3 to 3.5 liters (3.5 to 3.7 U.S.
quarts). Recommended oil viscosities are SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending
on climate.
Oil pressure is normally:
- 350–450 kPa (50–65 psi) at 3000 rpm
- 70 kPa (10 psi) at idle
Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining chain-tensioner
performance and overall valvetrain health.
Cooling is provided by a liquid-cooled forced-circulation system using a
belt-driven centrifugal water pump. Coolant flows through the cast-iron
block, aluminum head, radiator, and heater core. The thermostat begins
to open around 82°C (180°F) and is fully open at roughly 95°C (203°F).
Cooling system capacity is approximately 5.5 liters (5.8 U.S. quarts).
Temperature control is achieved by:
- ECU-controlled electric radiator fan (feedback models)
- Thermo-switch-controlled fan (non-feedback models)
- Pressure cap rated at approximately 88 kPa (13 psi)
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
The induction system includes a molded plastic air duct, resonator
chamber, replaceable dry-paper filter, and aluminum intake manifold. The
carbureted intake manifold differs from the fuel-injected version,
typically featuring smaller runners tuned for low- and mid-rpm torque.
The exhaust manifold is cast iron, engineered for durability under high
thermal loads
Formations vary by emissions regulations
and may include:
- Single-bed catalytic converter
- Oxygen sensor (feedback carburetor models)
- EGR system in regulated markets
| Ignition and Electrical System |
The GA16DS uses a distributor-based ignition system.
The distributor contains:
- Magnetic pickup coil or reluctor
- Vacuum-controlled timing advance
- Mechanical advance mechanisms (early versions)
- Integrated ignition module (later versions)
The ECU (feedback models) may control ignition timing based on signals
from TPS, oxygen sensor, and coolant temperature. A single ignition coil
provides spark, routed to each cylinder via the distributor rotor.
Spark plug type: NGK BKR5E or BPR5ES
Gap: approx. 1.1 mm (0.043 in)
The alternator output ranges from 70 to 90 amperes. System voltage is 12
V DC. The starter motor is a reduction-gear type.
Depending on region, GA16DS engines may
include:
- PCV (positive crankcase ventilation)
- EVAP charcoal canister
- EGR valve
- Air-injection pump (older markets)
- Idle-up solenoids for air-conditioning load
- OBD-I feedback carburetor controls
- Length: 580–600 mm (22.8–23.6 in)
- Width: 520–540 mm (20.5–21.3 in)
- Height: 650–670 mm (25.6–26.4 in)
Dry weight: approximately 115–125 kg (254–276 lb) depending on
carburetor and accessories.
Recommended maintenance intervals:
- Oil and filter: 5000–10,000 km (3000–6000 miles)
- Air filter: every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
- Fuel filter: every 20,000–30,000 km
- Spark plugs: every 20,000–30,000 km
- Coolant: every 40,000 km or 2 years
- Valve clearance: every 60,000–80,000 km
- Timing chain: inspect at high mileage
- Compression: 1300–1600 kPa (189–232 psi), max variation 100 kPa (15
psi)
- Cylinder head bolts: 98 Nm (72 lb-ft)
- Main bearing cap bolts: 50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
- Connecting rod bolts: 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) + 60° turn
- Camshaft bearing cap bolts: 9 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- Flywheel bolts: 88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
- Crankshaft pulley bolt: 120 Nm (89 lb-ft)
- Intake manifold bolts: 22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
- Exhaust manifold nuts: 28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
- Spark plugs: 18 Nm (13 lb-ft)
- Oil drain plug: 34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
The GA16DS engine was used in several
compact Nissan models:
- Nissan Sunny (B13 regional carbureted versions)
- Nissan Sentra (selected carbureted trims)
- Nissan Pulsar regional models
- Nissan Almera regional carb versions
- Export taxis and fleet vehicles in Latin America, Asia, and Africa
____________________________________________________________________________________
| Car Engines Technical Specifications |
| Small Engines Technical Specifications |
| Industrial Engines Technical Specifications |
| Outboard Engines Technical Specifications |
