Nissan RD28T Specifications
| Engine Model: Nissan RD28T |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 6-cylinder OHV 12-valve turbocharged liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 172.5 cu.in (2.83 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 110-125 Hp (81-93 kW) at 4000 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Indirect fuel injection |
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The Nissan RD28T engine is a 2.8-liter,
inline-six, water-cooled, four-stroke, turbocharged diesel engine
engineered for heavy-duty automotive use, off-road endurance, and
continuous-load operation. It is one of Nissan’s most respected diesel
powerplants, especially known for its application in the Nissan Patrol
Y60 and Y61 platforms. The RD28T belongs to the broader RD-series, which
includes naturally aspirated versions such as the RD28 and several
region-specific derivatives.
The RD28T emphasizes mechanical endurance, stable torque delivery at low
rpm, and the ability to operate reliably in harsh environments including
deserts, mountainous terrains, and commercial service cycles.
Its cast-iron block, cast-iron OHV cylinder head, gear-driven camshaft,
mechanical injection system, conservative boost levels, and rugged
bottom-end construction ensure exceptional reliability and long-term
service life. It became a favored engine for markets that required
simplicity, serviceability, and dependability above outright
performance.
The RD28T is often chosen for fleet use, off-road expeditions,
agricultural work, and towing applications thanks to its torque-rich
powerband and resistance to overheating when properly maintained.
Although not highly powerful by modern turbo-diesel standards, its ease
of maintenance, rebuild-friendly design, and tolerance for varied fuel
qualities make it a dependable engine for remote and demanding
environments.
The RD28T displaces approx. 2,826 cc (172.5 cubic inches). The bore is
approx. 85.0 mm (3.35 inches), and the stroke is approx. 83.0 mm (3.27
inches). The compression ratio is generally 21.0:1 - 22.0:1. Power
output ranges 110-125 Hp at approx. 4,000 rpm depending on market and
model year. Torque output is approx. 180-195 lb-ft (approx. 245-265 Nm)
at approx. 2,000 rpm. Idle speed is 650-750 rpm. The firing order is
1-5-3-6-2-4.
The block is a heavy cast-iron structure with deep skirts, oversized
water jackets, and large main-bearing saddles. The crankshaft is forged
steel supported by seven main bearings to ensure rotational stability
and smooth engine operation across varied load conditions.
Pistons are cast aluminum alloy with heat-treated crowns and reinforced
ring lands. Connecting rods are forged steel with robust big-end
bearings. The bottom-end architecture supports sustained high-load
operation and protects against thermal fatigue and bearing wear.
The cylinder head is cast iron with an OHV
design. It uses:
- A block-mounted, gear-driven camshaft
- Hardened pushrods
- Rocker arms with screw-and-locknut valve lash adjustment
- Two valves per cylinder
- Indirect-injection combustion chambers
The gear-driven camshaft simplifies maintenance by eliminating timing
belts and chains. Valve lash adjustment is required at intervals to keep
performance stable. The indirect-injection (IDI) design improves cold
starting, reduces combustion noise, and allows smoother operation in a
wide range of temperatures.
The RD28T employs a fully mechanical diesel fuel system.
Components include:
- Mechanical lift pump
- Sediment bowl with water separator
- Primary and secondary fuel filters
- Inline high-pressure mechanical injection pump (Bosch-type)
- Steel high-pressure injector pipes
- Multi-hole mechanical injectors
- Fuel-return galleries
Turbocharged variants include a boost compensator integrated into the
injection pump to supply additional fuel under boost pressure. The
mechanical governor maintains stable rpm, idle quality, and load
response. Injector spray patterns are designed for efficient pre-chamber
combustion.
A full-pressure wet-sump system supplies lubrication.
Specifications:
- Oil capacity 5.5-6.5 liters (5.8-6.9 US quarts)
- Oil pressure approx. 45-65 psi at 3,000 rpm; approx. 15-20 psi at idle
- Recommended oils: 15W-40 or 10W-30 diesel-rated (API CF-CI)
The trochoid oil pump ensures consistent pressure. Oil jets may cool
piston undersides on turbo variants. A spin-on oil filter provides
primary filtration.
The cooling system is liquid-cooled, forced-circulation.
Specifications:
- Thermostat opening approx. 82°C (180°F)
- Fully open approx. 95°C (203°F)
- Capacity 9.0-10.0 liters (9.5-10.5 US quarts)
The system includes:
- Belt-driven centrifugal water pump
- Radiator (copper-brass or aluminum)
- Coolant expansion tank
- Heater core
- Temperature sensors
Proper cooling-system maintenance is vital for preventing overheating
under towing or off-road load.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
The intake system assembly includes:
- Heavy-duty air-cleaner housing
- Replaceable paper filter element
- Intake snorkel (select off-road trims)
- Turbocharger inlet ducting
- Charge pipes
- Intercooler on some variants
The system is optimized for dusty environments.
Exhaust system components:
- Cast-iron turbo exhaust manifold
- Turbocharger turbine housing
- Downpipe
- Catalytic converter (regulated markets)
- Muffler system
- Optional EGR system depending on market
The RD28T uses a 12-volt system:
- Alternator approx. 60-90 amps
- Reduction-gear starter motor
- Glow plugs
- Glow-plug relay and timer
- Battery approx. 70-110 Ah
Glow plugs are essential due to the IDI design, assisting cold
combustion.
Turbocharging is conservative to prioritize longevity.
System includes:
- Single radial-flow turbocharger
- Wastegate boost control
- Approx. 6-10 psi boost pressure
- Oil-lubricated turbine bearings
- Optional intercooler in select trims
The RD28T’s turbo configuration enhances mid-range torque without
overloading the pistons or rods.
- Length 770-820 mm (30.3-32.3 inches)
- Width 620-660 mm (24.4-26.0 inches)
- Height 700-760 mm (27.6-29.9 inches)
Dry weight 230-260 kg (507-573 lb).
Recommended intervals:
- Oil and filter: every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-5,000 miles)
- Fuel filters: every 10,000-20,000 km
- Air filter: every 10,000 km (more often in dust)
- Valve lash: every 20,000-30,000 km
- Coolant: every 2 years
- Glow-plug check: every 20,000 km
- Injection timing: during major service intervals
Compression readings:
- Approx. 380-460 psi
- Variation less than 10 percent
- Cylinder-head bolts: 110-130 Nm (81-96 lb-ft)
- Main-bearing caps: 110-130 Nm (81-96 lb-ft)
- Connecting-rod bolts: 70-80 Nm (52-59 lb-ft)
- Flywheel bolts: 130-150 Nm (96-111 lb-ft)
- Intake-manifold bolts: 20-25 Nm (15-18 lb-ft)
- Exhaust-manifold nuts: 30-35 Nm (22-26 lb-ft)
- Injector-clamp bolts: 25-30 Nm (18-22 lb-ft)
- Oil-drain plug: 30-35 Nm (22-26 lb-ft)
- Nissan Patrol Y60
- Nissan Patrol Y61 (diesel markets)
- Nissan Laurel diesel trims
- Nissan Cedric/Gloria diesel variants
- Fleet and government vehicles
- Agriculture and industrial equipment
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