Nissan LD20T Specifications
| Engine Model: Nissan LD20T |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder SOHC 8-valve turbocharged liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 119.1 cu.in (1.95 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 78-85 Hp (58-63 kW) at 4400 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Indirect fuel injection |
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The Nissan LD20T is a 2.0-liter turbocharged
indirect-injection diesel engine derived from the robust LD20 naturally
aspirated platform. Introduced to provide additional torque, improved
performance under load, and better drivability for Nissan’s vans, taxis,
wagons, and commercial vehicles, the LD20T expanded the versatility of
the LD-series diesel family. It was widely used throughout Asia, Africa,
the Middle East, and South America.
The LD20T retains the classic LD architecture: cast-iron block,
swirl-chamber aluminum head, mechanical rotary injection pump,
five-main-bearing crankshaft, and durable wet-sump lubrication system.
The addition of a small turbocharger significantly improves mid-range
torque and fuel efficiency while preserving the LD-series reputation for
reliability, easy maintenance, and long engine life.
The LD20T is well known for its ability to operate in severe conditions,
high thermal loads, and demanding commercial service. It is a popular
engine in regions requiring long-distance reliability, affordable
operation, and ease of repair. Turbocharged versions do not have factory
intercoolers in most markets, but aftermarket installations are common.
The LD20T remains one of Nissan’s most respected small diesel engines.
The LD20T is a water-cooled, inline-four, four-stroke diesel engine with
a displacement of 1952 cc (119.1 cubic inches). Bore is 85.0 mm (3.35
in) and stroke is 86.0 mm (3.39 in). This long-stroke arrangement
supports strong low-rpm torque and diesel fuel efficiency.
Compression ratio for turbocharged versions is 20.5:1 to 21.0:1. This
ratio supports efficient combustion while managing heat and detonation
margins under boosted operation. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Idle speed
is generally calibrated to 750-800 rpm.
Power output: 78-85 hp (58-63 kW) at 4400 rpm
Torque output: 125-140 lb-ft (170-190 Nm) at around 2400-2600 rpm
The LD20T uses a cast-iron block with very thick cylinder walls,
ensuring long-term durability and the ability to sustain repeated
overhauls. The block is engineered with deep coolant passages for stable
temperature control, critical for turbocharged diesel operation.
The crankshaft is a forged-steel five-main-bearing design. The five
large bearing surfaces distribute load evenly, improving reliability
under sustained boost and heavy-duty operation. Connecting rods are
forged steel with generous cross-sectional strength.
Pistons are aluminum alloy with dished combustion bowls that complement
the indirect-injection swirl chamber arrangement. Reinforced ring lands
and heat-resistant crowns withstand the thermal demands of
turbocharging.
Pistons use a three-ring pack:
- Top compression ring
- Secondary compression ring
- Oil-control ring
Wrist pins are fully floating to support longevity.
The cylinder head is aluminum alloy with swirl-type combustion chambers
for indirect injection. Swirl chambers are critical for fuel-air mixing,
enabling smoother combustion, lower noise, and easier cold starting.
The LD20T uses a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) operating two valves
per cylinder, for a total of eight valves. Valves are actuated via
rocker arms with adjustable tappets. Valve lash must be checked
periodically.
Cold valve clearances:
- Intake: approx. 0.30 mm (0.012 in)
- Exhaust: approx. 0.45 mm (0.018 in)
The timing system varies by generation:
- Early LD20T: gear-driven camshaft
- Later LD20T-II: timing belt-driven camshaft
The cast-iron prechamber inserts and hardened valve seats enhance
longevity.
The LD20T uses a mechanically controlled diesel rotary injection pump,
typically a Bosch VE-type produced by Diesel Kiki or Zexel. This pump is
known for reliability, ease of calibration, and long service life with
proper fuel filtration.
Fuel system features:
- Mechanical speed governor
- Fuel cutoff solenoid
- Cam-driven feed pump integrated into injection pump
- Inline paper-element fuel filter
- Boost compensator/aneroid device for additional fueling under boost
- Cold-start device advancing injection timing at low temperatures
Injection pressures range from 140-160 bar (2030-2320 psi). Injectors
are pintle-type, designed for IDI combustion.
The LD20T uses a full-pressure wet-sump lubrication system with a
crankshaft-driven gear-type oil pump.
The system supplies oil to:
- Main and rod bearings
- Camshaft and valve train
- Turbocharger bearings
- Timing components
Oil capacity: 4.5-5.0 liters (4.8-5.3 US qt)
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 15W-40 depending on
climate
Turbocharged engines require strict oil-change intervals to prevent
turbo bearing wear.
Oil pressure:
- 3000 rpm: 350-450 kPa (50-65 psi)
- Idle: above 70 kPa (10 psi)
The cooling system uses a belt-driven centrifugal water pump.
Turbocharged engines experience higher thermal loads, so coolant routing
is optimized compared with naturally aspirated LD20 engines.
Thermostat characteristics:
- Starts opening at approx. 82°C (180°F)
- Fully open near 95°C (203°F)
Cooling system capacity: 6.0-7.0 liters (6.3-7.4 US qt). Some vehicles
include an engine oil cooler for enhanced thermal control.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
Induction components include:
- Dry-type paper air filter
- Air ducting to turbocharger compressor
- Turbo compressor outlet hose
- Intake manifold tuned for low-speed torque
Exhaust components include:
- Cast-iron turbo exhaust manifold
- Turbocharger turbine housing
- Downpipe and wastegate outlet
- Heavy-duty exhaust piping
| Electrical and Control Systems |
Electrical components include:
- 12-volt charging system
- Alternator rated 60-80 amps
- Reduction-gear starter motor
- Glow plug relay and timer module
Some LD20T-II variants incorporate additional electronic idle control.
Glow plug characteristics:
- 11-12 V rapid-heating type
- Preheat time: approx. 5-10 seconds
The LD20T uses a small, fast-spooling turbocharger designed to increase
mid-range torque rather than produce high Hp. Boost pressure: 0.45-0.60
bar (6.5-9 psi).
Turbo features:
- Oil-lubricated bearing housing
- Internal wastegate actuator
- Cast-iron turbine housing
- Compressor designed for low-rpm boost response
Most factory LD20T engines do not include an intercooler, though
aftermarket kits are common.
- Length: 650-700 mm (25.6-27.6 in)
- Width: 520-540 mm (20.5-21.3 in)
- Height: 650-720 mm (25.6-28.3 in)
Dry weight: 170-185 kg (375-408 lb)
- Oil and filter: every 5000-7000 km (3000-4300 mi)
- Fuel filter: every 20,000-30,000 km
- Air filter: every 20,000 km
- Valve clearance: every 20,000-30,000 km
- Glow plugs: check every 40,000 km
- Coolant: every 40,000 km or 2 years
- Timing belt (belt-driven models): every 80,000-100,000 km
- Compression: 400-460 psi (2750-3170 kPa), <10% variation
- Cylinder head bolts: 110-120 Nm (81-89 lb-ft)
- Main bearing caps: 80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
- Connecting rod bolts: 54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
- Flywheel bolts: 98 Nm (72 lb-ft)
- Crankshaft pulley bolt: 155 Nm (114 lb-ft)
- Intake manifold bolts: 22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
- Exhaust manifold bolts: 28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
- Glow plugs: 15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- Oil drain plug: 34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
The LD20T engine powered numerous Nissan
vehicles:
- Nissan Bluebird (910, U11, U12 diesel turbo)
- Nissan Laurel diesel turbo variants
- Nissan Auster/Stanza
- Nissan Vanette / Serena turbo diesel versions
- Nissan AD Van / Expert
- Nissan Sunny diesel turbo (regional markets)
- Nissan Caravan/Homy (select trims)
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