The Nissan SD33T is a 3.2 l (3,245 cc; 198.0 cu-in) straight-six, water-cooled, turbo-charged diesel engine from SD family, manufactured by the Nissan Diesel Motor Company since 1980.
The Nissan SD33T with AiResearch T03 turbo-charger produced from 103 PS (75 kW, 101 HP) up to 110 PS (81 kW, 108 HP) at 4,000 rpm of horsepower and from 237 Nm (24.2 kg·m; 174.9 lbf·ft) at 2,000 rpm to 255 Nm (26.0 kg·m; 188.2 lbf·ft) at 2,000 rpm of torque.
The turbo-charged Nissan SD33T was based on naturally aspirated SD33, but a number of modifications have been made to assure durability under the increased power output generated by turbocharging:
- An oil jet to cool the piston has been intalled on each cylinder and three oil passages been established to connect left and right oil galleries;
- The oil pump has been redesigned to increase oil flow from 42 liters (11 US gal) per minute to 48 liters (12.4 US gal), to accomodate the piston oil jet spray and lubrications of the turbocharger;
- The oil pump drive spindle has been strengthened;
- Camshaft journals have been enlanrged;
- Crankshaft arms have been redesigned;
- Cylinder head ports have been enlanrged;
- A full keystone design has been adopted for the top ring of the pistons and a ring carrier has been added to the ring groove;
- The oil cooler capacity has been increased from the three cores to five cores;
- A larger air cleaner element has been used;
The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:
- SD – Engine Family
- 33 – 3.3 Liter Displacement
- T – Turbocharged
General information
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine code | SD33T |
| Layout | Straight-6, vertical |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Production | 1980- |
| Displacement | 3.2L, 3,245 cc (198.0 cu-in) |
| Horsepower |
From 103 PS (75 kW, 101 HP) at 4,000 rpm to 110 PS (81 kW, 108 HP) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque output |
From 237 Nm (24.2 kg·m; 174.9 lbf·ft) at 2,000 rpm to 255 Nm (26.0 kg·m; 188.2 lbf·ft) at 2,000 rpm |
| Injection pump | Diesel Kiki-Bosch (in-line) |
| Power adder | Turbocharger AiResearch T03 |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooling |
| Firing order | 1-4-2-6-3-5 |
| Dimensions (L x H x W): | – |
| Weight | 305 kg (452 lb) |
Cylinder block
The cylinder block has a monoblock high-strength cast-iron structure with replaceable dry liners and four-bearing-support system. The engine has a drop-forged steel crankshaft with balance weights, all main and connecting rod bearing surfaces are induction-hardened. Bearings are a precision type, steel-backed trimetal shell.
The SD33T motor has an aluminum alloy piston for high strength, lightweight and good heat conductivity; two compression and single oil control ring are chrome-plated for long service life. The cylinder bore is 83 mm, piston stroke is 100 mm and the compression ratio rating is 21.6:1.
| Cylinder block | ||
| Cylinder block alloy | Cast iron | |
| Compression ratio: | 21.6:1 | |
| Cylinder bore: | 83 mm (3.27 in) | |
| Piston stroke: | 100 mm (3.94 in) | |
| Number of piston rings (compression / oil): | 2 / 1 | |
| Number of main bearings: | 4 | |
| Block Height: | 268.00 mm (10.55 in) | |
| Cylinder liner inner diameter: | 82.995-83.025 mm (3.2675-3.2687 in) | |
| Piston skirt diameter | 82.935-82.965 mm (3.2652-3.2663 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance (№1): | 0.06-0.010 mm (0.0024-0.0039 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance (№2): | 0.05-0.09 mm (0.0020-0.0035 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance (№3): | 0.02-0.06 mm (0.0008-0.0024 in) | |
| Piston ring end gap (№1): | 0.300-0.450 mm (0.0118-0.0177 in) | |
| Piston ring end gap (№2): | 0.200-0.350 mm (0.0079-0.0138 in) | |
| Piston ring end gap (№3): | 0.150-0.300 mm (0.0059-0.0118 in) | |
| Piston pin outer diameter | 25.993-26.000 mm (1.0233-1.0236 in) | |
| Piston pin bore diameter | 26.025-26.038 mm (1.0246-1.0251 in) | |
| Connecting rod center distance: | 170.0 mm (6.69 in) | |
| Crankshaft journal diameter: | 70.907-70.920 mm (2.7916-2.7921 in) | |
| Crankpin diameter: | 52.913-52.926 mm (2.0832-2.0837 in) | |
Cylinder head
The SD33T has a one-piece high-strength cast iron cylinder head, special cast-iron valve inserts are shrink-fitted. It has high-quality cast iron camshaft, lobes are specially processed to improve hardness and durability.
The engine has OHV design with two valves per cylinder: one intake and exhaust made of special heat-resistant steel. The exhaust valve with a stellite-treated surface. Intake valves are 38.0 mm (1.496 in) in diameter, and the exhaust valves are 32.0 mm (1.260 in).
| Cylinder head | |
| Cylinder head alloy | Cast iron |
| Valve Arrangement: | OHV |
| Valves: | 12 (2 valves per cylinder) |
| Valve head diameter (INTAKE): | 38.0 mm (1.496 in) |
| Valve head diameter (EXHAUST): | 32.0 mm (1.260 in) |
| Valve timing (INTAKE): | 275° |
| Valve timing (EXHAUST): | 275° |
| Valve length (INTAKE): | 117.0 mm (4.61 in) |
| Valve length (EXHAUST): | 117.0 mm (4.61 in) |
| 7.970-7.985 mm (0.3138-0.3144 in) | |
| Valve stem outer diameter (EXHAUST): | 7.945-7.960 mm (0.3128-0.3134 in) |
| Camshaft journal diameter: |
Front:45.434-45.447 mm (1.7887-1.7892 in) Center:43.897-43.910 mm (1.7282-1.7287 in) Front:41.218-41.231 mm (1.6228-1.6233 in) |
| Cam height: | 37.28-37.32 mm (1.4677-1.4693 in) |
Problems and malfunctions
The SD33 family of Nissan engines are very reliable, strong, and ask for little in the way of maintenance. The engine uses industry-standard BOSCH injection system components (license-built by Diesel Kiki) and is known worldwide as a reliable, long-lived powerplant.
Maintenance data
| Valve clearance | |
| Intake valve | 0.35 mm (0.014 in) |
| Exhaust valve | 0.35 mm (0.014 in) |
| Oil system | |
| Recommended engine oil | Semi Synthetic 10W-30 or 10W-40 (“CD” or higher: “CH”, “CI”) |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.0 liters (9.5 US.qts, 7.9 Imp. qts) |
| Oil filters |
Nissan: 15208-61525 Baldwin: PT-153 FleetGuard: LF 720 AC DELCO: PF-1052 Purolator: L44754 FRAM: CH3505 |
| Fuel system | |
| Idling |
550-600 rpm (withuot power steering) 650-750 rpm (wiht power steering) |
| Max engine speed under no load | 4,200-4,400 rpm |
| Glow plugs | NGKY-103 |
| Primary fuel filters – Spin-on, mounts on core support |
LONG STYLE Baldwin – BF-979 FleetGuard – FF5020 WIX – 33341 SHORT STYLE Baldwin – BF-984 FleetGuard – FF196 WIX – 33339 |
| Secondary fuel filters – Cartridge filter, mounts in canister above injector pump |
Nissan – 16444-99125 Baldwin – PF-861 FleetGuard – FF221 |
Tightening torque specs
| Tightening torque specs (engine outer parts) | |
| Water outlet bolt | 10-13 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Water pump bolt (M8) | 10-13 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Water pump bolt (M10) | 20-25 Nm; 2.0-2.5 kg·m; 14-18 ft·lb |
| Manifold bolt and nut | 15-18 Nm; 1.5-1.8 kg·m; 11-13 ft·lb |
| Injection pump nut (in-line) | 20-25 Nm; 2.0-2.5 kg·m; 14-18 ft·lb |
| Injection nozzle to cylinder head | 59-69 Nm; 6.0-7.0 kg·m; 43-51 ft·lb |
| Oil cooler bolt | 10-13 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Oil cooler pipe nut | 10-13 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Timing gear cover bolt | 10-13 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Injection pump timer nut | 59-69 Nm; 6.0-7.0 kg·m; 43-51 ft·lb |
| Injection tube flare nut | 29-34 Nm; 3.0-3.5 kg·m; 22-25 ft·lb |
| Spill tube with cap nut | 39-49 Nm; 4.0-5.0 kg·m; 29-34 ft·lb |
| Oil filter bracket bolt | 26-36 Nm; 2.7-3.7 kg·m; 20-27 ft·lb |
| Alterator bracket bolt | 26-36 Nm; 2.7-3.7 kg·m; 20-27 ft·lb |
| Alterator to adjusting bar bolt | 11-14 Nm; 1.1-1.4 kg·m; 20-27 ft·lb |
| Diesel pump controller bolt | 10-13 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Thermostat housing | 10-131 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Turbocharger to exhaust manifold | 29-39 Nm; 3.0-4.0 kg·m; 22-29 ft·lb |
| Turbocharger to connector | 29-39 Nm; 3.0-4.0 kg·m; 22-29 ft·lb |
| Engine internal parts | |
| Main bearing cap bolt | 167-172 Nm; 17.0-17.5 kg·m; 123-127 ft·lb |
| Crank pulley nut | 294-324 Nm; 30-33 kg·m; 217-239 ft·lb |
| Flywheel bolt | 44-49 Nm; 4.5-5.0 kg·m; 33-36 ft·lb |
| Flywheel bolt w/washer | 127-147 Nm; 13-15 kg·m; 94-108 ft·lb |
| Front cover bolt (M6) | 4-6 Nm; 0.4-0.6 kg·m; 2.9-4.3 ft·lb |
| Front cover bolt (M8) | 10-13 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Front end plate bolt | 10-13 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Camshaft gear bolt | 44-49 Nm; 4.5-5.0 kg·m; 33-36 ft·lb |
| Oil pump bolt | 13-19 Nm; 1.3-1.9 kg·m; 9-14 ft·lb |
| Oil pan bolt | 7-10 Nm; 0.7-1.0 kg·m; 5.1-7.2 ft·lb |
| Cylinder head bolt |
Sub: 44-54 Nm; 4.5-5.5 kg·m; 33-40 ft·lb Main: 118-127 Nm; 12-13 kg·m; 87-94 ft·lb |
| Rocker arm shaft bolt | 20-25 Nm; 2.0-2.5 kg·m; 14-18 ft·lb |
| Rocker arm lock nut | 20-25 Nm; 2.0-2.5 kg·m; 14-18 ft·lb |
| Camshaft thrust plate bolt | 4-6 Nm; 0.4-0.6 kg·m; 2.9-4.3 ft·lb |
| Connecting rod big end nut | 51-56 Nm; 5.2-5.7 kg·m; 38-41 ft·lb |
| Rocker cover bolt | 10-13 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Oil jet (for piston) | 29-39 Nm; 3.0-4.0 kg·m; 22-29 ft·lb |
Vehicle applications
| Model | Years Produced |
| Nissan Patrol MK 160 | 1983-1987 |
| International Scout II | 1980 |
Author:
Suppose it is not a good idea to add a turbo to a 1980’s standard SD33; considering all the changes made by Nissan to add a turbo package in the 90’s.
Is there another way to boost power in my CJ-10
No, the cj10a motors are all upgraded the same as a turbo motor. Different injection pump,no turbo,timing different. I’ve been running a turbo setup on my tug motor for 40k mls. No problems, adjusted/turned up fuel pump and running an intercooler. Pyrometer is a must for long life.
What is the diameter and length of the push rod for nissan patrol safari SD33 Engine.
is it a direct or indirect injection ?
Turbo specs on the Hitachi HT18S-BM used?
Look to me the same turbo used on Mazda Rx7 1984 12AT.
Looking for sd33t turbo kit but cant find one up now aug 11, 2021 please help
Did you find one in the end Edger
My Nissan patrol SD33T has excessive oil blowback and has done 444000 km, with no loss of power easy starting, no loss of oil pressure, and runs like a dream any suggestions would be helpful and greatly appreciated
Hi Ma’am/ Sir,
Good Day!
Kindly submit your proposal CIF MANILLA, PHILIPPINES for the following item/s on or before March 27, 2024.
Material
OLD SN
Long Text
Quantity
Unit of Measure
1645419
947194
TURBOCHARGER ASSEMBLY, AIR INLET AND EXHAUST SYSTEM, FOR NISSAN DIESEL ENGINE DRIVE WATER PUMP MODEL RD8
3
EA
ROLLY/MANIL AOVERSEAS INC.
TEL;6328004227