Nissan SR18DE engine

The SR engine range includes four-stroke four-cylinder engines with a displacement of 1.6, 1.8 and 2 liters. They were based on an aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head, and the manifolds were made of steel. These power units equipped cars of medium and small class from Nissan. In addition, some motors were equipped with a turbine. The SR engine series has replaced the CA line.

The Japanese SR18DE power unit from Nissan is a 1,8-liter engine, the production of which began back in 1989 and continued until 2001. He has established himself as a motor with good durability without any significant design flaws and diseases.

History of the Nissan SR18DE engine

The SR18DE power plant from Nissan was produced at the same time as all the beloved two-liter SR20 engines and the sporty 1,6-liter SR16VE engine. The SR18DE was positioned as a quiet and economical engine with a displacement of 1,8 liters.

The basis of his project was a two-liter SR20 engine with some modifications in the form of smaller pistons and intake and exhaust valves. The developers also replaced the camshafts, thereby changing the phase and lift parameters. In addition, a new control unit was responsible for all the operation of the engine, but otherwise it is still the same SR20DE, only 1,8-liter.

For reference! In addition to the SR18DE engine, which was distinguished by a distributive fuel injection system, an alternative 1,8-liter SR18Di engine was also produced, but with a single injection and, accordingly, a different cylinder head (HC)!

Like its previous two-liter version, the SR18DE was equipped with hydraulic lifters, which allows you to forget about adjusting the valves. The camshafts of the gas distribution mechanism have a chain drive (Timing Chain), which in itself is a very reliable system that can last more than 200 thousand km. The bottom photo shows the ignition distributor (distributor) SR18DE:

The last year of production of this engine is 2001. In the same year, the SR18DE receiver was introduced - a newer and more high-tech QG18DE power unit.

For reference! The SR18DE power unit is equipped with an MPI (Multi-Point Injection) multipoint fuel injection system, which is typical for the first engine models. However, already on later versions of the engine, a newer GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) direct fuel injection system was installed, which does not supply fuel to the intake manifold, but directly to the combustion chamber!

Engine Specifications SR18DE

All the most important technical parameters of this power unit are presented in the table below:

ICE index	SR18DE
Working volume, cm 3	1838
Power, HP	125 – 140
Torque, N * m	184
fuel type	AI-92, AI-95
Fuel consumption, l / 100 km	7,0 – 13,0
Engine information	Petrol, naturally aspirated, in-line 4-cylinder, 16-valve, with a distribution fuel injection system
Cylinder diameter, mm	82,5 – 83
Compression ratio	10
The piston stroke, mm	86
The amount of oil in the engine, l	3.4
Oil change, thousand km	7,5 – 10
Oil consumption, gr. / 1000 km	About 500
Environmental standards	Euro 2/3
Engine resource, thousand km	over 400

Features of the operation of the SR18DE engine

The engines of the SR line, including the SR18DE, are distinguished by their reliability and durability. Despite the fact that they do not have any global shortcomings, sometimes there is a floating idle, which indicates a failed idle speed controller.

XX can be adjusted by replacing the regulator. Floating engine speed can also indicate the use of low-quality fuel. In addition, judging by the reviews of the owners of this engine, a malfunction of the mass air flow sensor (DMRV) occurs periodically.

In general, the resource of the gas distribution mechanism (GRM) is about 300 thousand km, after which the timing chain may rattle. This is the first sign that it is stretched and needs to be replaced.

Important! It is very important to constantly monitor the engine oil level in the engine. Indeed, during oil starvation, the entire piston group is subjected to increased wear, including the main and connecting rod journals and crankshaft liners!

The bottom photo shows the elements of the gas distribution mechanism:

Even the fact that the SR18DE has a high degree of reliability does not negate some of the faults inherent in all engines. For example, an engine that won't start or starts poorly when cold could indicate a faulty spark plug or a fuel pump that isn't producing the correct pressure. It is extremely important to monitor the temperature regime of the engine, which can be disturbed due to a malfunction of the thermostat, which does not open a large circle of coolant circulation.

For reference! In addition to SR18DE engine problems, there are also problems with the automatic transmission - often the gears simply disappear, which leads to the repair or replacement of the entire gearbox. An important feature of these two units is that they hold each other, that is, the motor together with the automatic transmission are fixed by special pillows, one of which holds the engine and the second gearbox. In order to remove the automatic gearbox, it is necessary to install an additional fulcrum under the motor!

Overheating of the engine can disrupt the integrity of the pistons and cylinder liners, as well as drive the GCB, which will lead to a decrease in engine compression or even to the replacement of the cylinder head. As for the cooling system, it is recommended to replace the pump (water pump) along with the replacement of the timing drive. Some owners of cars with SR18DE engines complain about increased engine vibration. Here, the engine mount, which has worn out and lost its rigidity, may be to blame.

For reference! The thermostat opening temperature varies from 88 to 92 degrees. Therefore, if the engine has entered its operating mode, and the coolant is still circulating in a small circle (without getting into the radiator), then this indicates a jammed thermostat!

Below is a diagram of the location of the main elements of the engine: thermostat, starter, ICE relay installation locations, and so on.

The SR18DE power unit can be tuned, although this will slightly increase its power. It is much easier to swap on SR20DET/SR20VE and already in the basic version, the power output will be 200 hp. SR20DET after the boost produces 300 hp.

Vehicles with SR18DE engines

This power unit was installed on the following cars from Nissan:

ICE index	Nissan model
SR18DE	Future w10, Wingroad, Sunny, Rasheen, Pulsar, First, First Way, Presea, NX-Coupe, Lucino, Bluebird «Блюберд», Future Health