The Nissan SD33 is a 3.2 l (3,245 cc; 198.0 cu-in) straight six, water-cooled diesel engine from the SD-family, manufactured by the Minsei Diesel Industries, Ltd., which was renamed in Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd in 1960.
The Nissan SD33 most known for its use in the Nissan Patrol MQ/MK (160 series). In 1983 the engine was updated. Revisions included the use of three piston rings instead of five, piston oil squirters and spin-on oil filter instead of a paper cartridge type.
The Nissan SD33 produced 95.2 PS (70.0 KW; 94.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm of maximum horsepower and 220.0 Nm (22.4 kg·m; 162.4 lbf·ft) at 1,500 rpm of peak torque.
In Australia and some other parts of the world, the SD33-engined Patrols were revised to standard 12-volt electronics. (First generation has a 24-volt electronics). Revisions in electronics included another alternator, starter motors, glow plug relays.
The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:
- SD – Engine Family
- 33 – 3.3 Liter Displacement
General information
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine code | SD33 |
| Layout | Straight-6, vertical |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Production | – |
| Displacement | 3.2L, 3,245 cc (198.0 cu-in) |
| Horsepower net | 95.2 PS (70.0 KW; 94.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm |
| Torque output | 220.0 Nm (22.4 kg·m; 162.4 lbf·ft) at 1,500 rpm |
| Injection pump | Diesel Kiki-Bosch (in-line) |
| Power adder | None |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooling |
| Firing order | 1-4-2-6-3-5 |
| Dimensions (L x H x W): | – |
| Weight | |
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 Nissan SD33 motor has an aluminum alloy piston for high strength, lightweight and good heat conductivity; three compression and two oil control rings (before 1983) and two compression and single oil control ring (after 1983), they are chrome-plated for long service life. The cylinder bore is 83 mm, piston stroke is 100 mm and a compression ratio rating is 20.8:1.
| Cylinder block | ||
| Cylinder block alloy | Cast-iron | |
| Compression ratio: | 20.8:1 | |
| Cylinder bore: | 83.0 mm (3.27 in) | |
| Piston stroke: | 100.0 mm (3.94 in) | |
| Number of piston rings (compression / oil): |
Before 1983: 3 / 2 After 1983: 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 with 3 rings | ||
| Piston skirt diameter | 82.905-82.945 mm (3.2640-3.2655 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance (№1): | 0.06-0.010 mm (0.0024-0.0039 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance (№2): | 0.04-0.08 mm (0.0016-0.0031 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 with 5 rings | ||
| Piston skirt diameter | 82.845-82.885 mm (3.2616-3.2632 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance (№1): | 0.06-0.010 mm (0.0024-0.0039 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance (№2): | 0.04-0.08 mm (0.0016-0.0031 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance (№3): | 0.04-0.08 mm (0.0016-0.0031 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance (№4,5): | 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): | 0.200-0.350 mm (0.0079-0.0138 in) | |
| Piston ring end gap (№4,5): | 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 (5.5295 – 5.5335 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 SD33 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: single intake and single exhaust valves are 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 length (INTAKE): | 117.0 mm (4.61 in) |
| Valve length (EXHAUST): | 117.0 mm (4.61 in) |
| Valve stem outer diameter (INTAKE): | 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) |
| Compression pressure | |
| Standard | 30.0 kg/cm2 (29.4 bar, 427 psi) / 200 rpm |
| Minimun | 25.0 kg/cm2 (24.5 bar, 356 psi) / 200 rpm |
| Compression differential limit between cylinders | 3.0 kg/cm2 (2.9 bar, 43 psi) / 200 rpm |
| 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 | |
| Injection timing | 20° B.T.D.C. / 600 rpm |
| Idling |
550-600 rpm (withuot power steering) 650-750 rpm (wiht power steering) |
| Max engine speed under no load | 4200-4400 rpm |
| Glow plugs | NGK Y-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 |
Type 1: 59-69 Nm; 6.0-7.0 kg·m; 43-51 ft·lb Type 2: 69-78 Nm; 7.0-8.0 kg·m; 51-58 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 | 11-13 Nm; 1.1-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 ft·lb |
| Diesel pump controller bracket bolt | 45-61 Nm; 4.6-6.2 kg·m; 33-45 ft·lb |
| Thermostat housing | 10-131 Nm; 1.0-1.3 kg·m; 7-9 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 |
Type 1: Part № of injection nozzle: 16600-90060; 16600-36W00; 16600-T9000
Type 2: Part № of injection nozzle: 16600-37502; 16600-90012; 16600-90019; 16600-J5571; 16600-T3401; 16600-T3470; 16600-T6200; 16600-T6201; 16600-Y8400; 16600-Y8401
Vehicle applications
The SD33 engine was used in the UD 3400 series light truck, large forklifts, marine applications and following vehicles:
| Model | Years Produced |
| Nissan Patrol MQ | – |
| Nissan C80 | – |
| International Scout* | 1976–1979 |
| Jeep CJ-10/Cj-10A | 1985–1986 |
| Monteverdi Sahara | – |
* – Nissan 6-33 engine code.
Author:
Have two SD_33’s in my 1974 32′ Uniflite boat. Am in the middle of installing Machined filter adapters in place of canisters and mounting remote full flow filters. Using 1/2″ oil lines and B-118 Baldwin oil filters. Have 3 spare engines also.
Hi Chuck, I have a bayliner with two of these engines as well. I might need to replace one of them. What area are you located in ? I’m in Seattle.
I’m in Longview Washington. Engines are not rebuilt though. How fast is your Bayliner? My 20,000# uniflite is a 12 knot boat. Someone said 7 knots max for me.
Need a thermostat housing for CN6-33SD33PU. 503-325-0998
Hi Chuck
Are you still picking up late comments?
I am based in the U.K. I have a 32 foot RLM cruiser with 2 SD33 or M6-33 Chrysler / Nissan diesels with Volvo Penta 275 outdrives. Is your boat on outdrives / Z drives or shafts?
Regards
Steve
LOOKING FOR 5 SPEED GEAR BOX FOR SD 33
I want to replace pushrod tubes, does anyone know which direction they are removed
I have a nissan sd33 marine engine. I am trying to find repair manuals, adapter plate pattern from bell housing to borg warner, and injector part numbers. Removed the Ford lehman in our large trimaran and we are putting in the sd33. Any websites, info and knowledge greatly appreciated.
I found a source for Nissan Marine engines: Source of Nissan SD 33 partsBlue Ridge Marine Supply in Everett WA.
(425)275-1190 Also: https://www.engine-specs.net/nissan/sd33.html
A downloadable copy of the Engine Repair manual for the SD33
https://procarmanuals.com/pdf-online-nissan-diesel-engine-sd22-sd23-sd25-sd33-service-repair-manual/
In addition, is your transmission a direct or V-Drive?