The 2.0-liter Nissan SR20DE engine was produced at the company’s plants from 1989 to 2002 and was used in many popular models of the concern, such as Almera, Primera or Sylvia. The same powertrain, but in a mono-injection version, was assembled under a different index SR20Di.

The SR family also included SR16VE, SR18DE, SR20DET, SR20VE and SR20VET engines.

Engine specifications for Nissan SR20DE 2.0 l

Configuration Inline
Number of cylinders 4
Number of valves 16
Displacement 1998 cc
Cylinder diameter 86 mm
Stroke 86 mm
Power system Distributor Injection System
Engine power 130 – 165 hp
Torque 170 – 195 Nm
Compression ratio 9.5 – 10
Fuel type Regular
Euro class EURO 2/3

SR20DE engine dry weight is 160 kg

Description of the SR20DE 2.0L Engine

The Nissan SR family of engines was ahead of its time in October 1989 – the 2.0-litre variant featured distributed fuel injection, an aluminium cylinder block, 16-valves with hydro-compensators and a chain timing system. It was thoroughly engineered to ensure optimal performance and could generate up to 165 hp depending on the modifications made. An essential identifying point for this engine is the SR20DE engine number located at the junction of the engine and gearbox. Thanks to these advanced features, owners of vehicles featuring this revolutionary motor benefit from reliable power and unbeatable performance for many years after its initial release.

The first versions of the unit were designed with sports cars in mind and featured distinctive bright-colored valve covers, earning them the “Red or Blue Top” moniker in catalogs. In 1994, production of standard editions started, though they were heavy on emissions, with a small camshaft lift and subdued black and silver valve covers. Fast forward to 2000, where a new modification of the model was released with a lightweight crosshead and roller rockers incorporated for greater efficiency. This iteration marked an important transition for the unit and cemented its place as an industry leader in its setup.

Fuel consumption SR20DE

Nissan Primera P11 with a manual transmission as an example (l/100km):

City 11.4 l
Highway 6.2 l
Combined 8.1 l

What cars have the Nissan SR20DE

Nissan
180SX 4 (S13) 1991 – 1998
200SX 5 (S14) 1995 – 1998
Almera 1 (N15) 1995 – 2000
Almera Tino 1 (V10) 1998 – 2006
Avenir 1 (W10) 1990 – 2001
Bluebird 8 (U12) 1989 – 1992
Bluebird 9 (U13) 1991 – 1997
Bluebird 10 (U14) 1996 – 2001
Presea 1 (R10) 1990 – 1995
Presea 2 (R11) 1995 – 2000
Primera 1 (P10) 1990 – 1996
Primera 2 (P11) 1995 – 2002
Pulsar 4 (N14) 1990 – 1995
Pulsar 5 (N15) 1995 – 2000
Sentra 3 (B13) 1990 – 1994
Sentra 4 (B14) 1995 – 1999
Silvia 5 (S13) 1991 – 1994
Silvia 6 (S14) 1993 – 2000
Serena 1 (C23) 1991 – 2000
Wingroad 1 (Y10) 1996 – 1998
Infiniti
G20 P10 1990 – 1996
G20 P11 1998 – 2002

Reviews on the engine CP20DE

Advantages:

  • Simple and reliable motor design
  • Common and inexpensive spare parts
  • Timing chain drive with a long service life
  • The hydro-compensators in the cylinder-head are included

Disadvantages:

  • Difficult to find an engine in good condition
  • Quite picky about the quality of lubrication
  • Clogging of ECG and EGR system on a regular basis
  • Frequent failure of detonation sensor

SR20DE 2.0 l engine maintenance

Oil Service

Interval Every 15 000 km
Oil capacity 4.0 l
Need to change 3.4 l
Type of oil 5W-30, 5W-40

Timing gear

Timing Chain Type Chain
Service life not limited
In practice 300 000 km
At breakage/trans-skip Bending of valves

Valve clearances

Re-adjustment not required
Adjustment principle hydrocompensators

Service

Oil filter 15 000 km
Air filter 30 000 km
Fuel filter 60 000 km
Spark plugs 30 000 km
Drive belt 90 000 km
Coolant 3 years or 45 000 km

Problems & disadvantages of the SR20DE

Floating RPMs

This power unit has gained a reputation for being fairly reliable and is noted for not having apparent weaknesses. Appreciated by professionals worldwide, on forums the most common complaints are usually related to issues with contamination of the idle valve resulting in floating revolutions. This is frequently due to a fault with either the DMV or lambda probe that needs replacing if instability persists. As such, these components should be included in scheduled checkups and maintenance runs to ensure maximum output performance from this dependable unit.

Ignition system

Engine durability is a must for a reliable series, and the inclusion of an ignition system with a flame arrestor is key to this. The long life expectancy of parts such as the shaft seal usually comes with ease of replacement – grease may start to leak, but this part can be changed easily and quickly. For users that wish to go beyond maintenance, they may also change the high-voltage wires for improved performance; it is recommended that these be sourced from the original supplier to ensure cohesiveness with the other engine components.

The EGR valve

An EGR valve is a vital component of most engines, yet when it gets clogged up due to dirt and debris build-up, it can have catastrophic effects on the engine’s performance. Owners may instinctively try to muffle such problems, but this usually results in increased fuel consumption which is both costly and environmentally unfriendly. Fortunately, a simple maintenance check involving a thorough cleaning will usually suffice to restore the EGR valve’s normal functioning; however, if regular maintenance practices are not adhered to, the problem could persist and require the expertise of a qualified mechanic.

The manufacturer says the SR20DE engine life is 200,000 km, but it can go up to 400,000 km.

Categories: 2.0Nissan

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