Produced in Japan between 1999 and 2012, the 3.0-liter Nissan ZD30DD diesel engine was fitted to a wide range of Caravan minivans, including the Homi and Elgrand versions.
From 1999 to 2004, the company produced the Nissan ZD30DDT, which was exclusively installed in the rear of Navara pickup trucks with a single or double cab. An engine with an intercooler soon replaced this power unit.
Since 1999, the Nissan ZD30DDTi, or simply ZD30, has been manufactured for use on commercial vehicles; however, it is most commonly associated with Patrol or Terrano SUVs. With its ZD30CDR index, this power unit is present in the Common Rail modification.
The engine was mounted on:
- Nissan Caravan 5 (E25) in 2001 – 2012 (ZD30DD and ZD30DDTi);
- Nissan Elgrand 1 (E50) in 1999 – 2002 (ZD30DD and ZD30DDTi);
- Nissan Navara 2 (D22) in 1999 – 2004 (ZD30DDT);
- Nissan Pathfinder 2 (R50) in 1995 – 2004 (ZD30DDTi);
- Nissan Patrol 5 (Y61) in 1999 – 2013 (ZD30DDTi);
- Nissan Terrano II (R20) in 1999 – 2006 (ZD30DDTi).
Specifications
| Displacement, cc | 2953 |
| Fuel system | NEO-Di direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 105 (ZD30DD) 110 – 150 (ZD30DDT) 120 – 170 (ZD30DDTi) |
| Torque output, Nm | 210 – 225 (ZD30DD) 315 – 355 (ZD30DDT) 260 – 380 (ZD30DDTi) |
| Cylinder block alloy | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 96 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 102 |
| Compression ratio | 18.5 (ZD30DD) 17.9 (ZD30DDT) 18 (ZD30DDTi) |
| Engine features | no (ZD30DD) no (ZD30DDT) intercooler (ZD30DDTi) |
| Hydraulic compensators | no |
| Timing | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no (ZD30DD) yes (ZD30DDT) yes (ZD30DDTi) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.9 (ZD30DD) 6.3 (ZD30DDT) 6.4 (ZD30DDTi) |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | Euro 3/4 |
| Engine lifespan | 250 000 km |
| Weight, kg | 210 (ZD30DD) 225 (ZD30DDT) 242 (ZD30DDTi) |
Nissan produces the relatively well-known diesels ZD30DDTi and ZD30DD. Although the company began designing them in the latter part of the 1990s, active production did not begin until 1999 and 2000. The automotive community harshly condemned these units at first due to their numerous defects.
Nissan has improved and drastically altered the ZD30DDTi and ZD30DD over time to address the current situation. For drivers, vehicles with such names that were introduced after 2002 are not frightening or unpleasant. ZD30s that have been redesigned are excellent and useful diesels.
The idea behind the ZD30s is identical to that of their 2000s counterparts. An aluminum block and a similar head with two shafts, a “DOHC” gas distribution system, and four cylinders form the foundation of diesel engines.
The cylinder block is divided into two sections and is made of cast iron:
- block of cylinders;
- crankcase of the main bearing caps (bottom of the cylinder block).
The engine’s rigidity is increased by the crankcase of the main bearing caps, which lowers noise levels. To lessen engine vibration, two balance shafts are utilized. These shafts rotate at twice the speed of the crankshaft and are situated at the base of the cylinder block. The timing drive mechanism’s intermediate gears power the balance shafts, which rotate in opposition to one another.