Nissan GA16DE

The Nissan GA16DE is a 1.6 liter (1,597 cc, 97.45 cu in) straight-four 4-stroke natural aspirated gasoline engine from Nissan GA-family. The GA16 engine was produced from 1990 through 1999 on Yokohama Plant (Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan).

The Nissan GA16DE engine has a cast-iron block and aluminum alloy cylinder head and multi-point fuel injection system. The GA16DE shares its cylinder block and crankshaft with its predecessor, the GA16i (throttle-body fuel-injected engine) but, timing chain covers, connecting rods and pistons are different.

Cylinder bore and piston stroke are 76.0 mm (2.99 in) and 88.0 mm (3.46 in), respectively. The compression ratio is 9.8:1 for Europe and Israel or 9.9:1 for other markets.

There are three versions of GA16DE:

• First-generation (1991-1994) This version for North-American market was equipped with NVTCS (Nissan Valve Timing Control System) on intake side and producted 110 PS (81 kW) at 6,000 rpm of horsepower and 146 Nm (14.8 kg⋅m, 110 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm of torque.
• Second-generation (1995-1999) for North-American market was also equipped with NVTCS, but produces 115 PS (85 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 146 Nm (14.8 kg⋅m, 110 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm
• European version without NVCS producted 100 PS (76 kW) at 6000 rpm and 127 Nm（13.0 kg⋅m, 94 lb·ft）at 3,600rpm

The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:

• GA – Engine Family
• 16 – 1.6 Liter Displacement
• D – DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts)
• E – Multi Point Fuel Injection

General information

Cylinder block

The GA16DE motor has a cast-iron cylinder block, cylinder bore is 76.0 mm (2.99 in) and the piston stroke is 88.0 mm (3.46 in). The pistons are each fitted with two compression rings and a single oil ring. For some markets, there was a modification with a single compression ring. The crankshaft for GA16DE supported by five main bearings. The crankshaft is the same as on the GA15DE engine.

Cylinder head

The engine has an aluminum cylinder head with two chain-driven overhead camshafts and sixteen valves (four per cylinder). The GA16DE has two timing chains. Intake valves are 30 mm in diameter and the exhaust valves are 24 mm for engines without VTC system or 25 mm for the version with VTC. Exhaust duration is 222° for all versions, intake duration is 214° for engines without VTC; 236° for GA16GE with VTC system for Australian market and 248° for other markets.

The GA16DE does not have hydraulic lifters, so special shims are used to adjust the valve clearance.

Head tightening procedure and torque specs:

• Step 1: 29.4 Nm; 3.0 kg·m; 22 ft·lb
• Step 2: 58.8 Nm; 6.0 kg·m; 43 ft·lb
• Step 3: Loosen all bolts completely
• Step 4: 29.4 Nm; 3.0 kg·m; 22 ft·lb
• Step 5: Turn main bolts 50-55° or 58.8 Nm; 6.0 kg·m; 43 ft·lb

Problems and malfunctions

The Nissan GA16DE is reliable and durable. The engine has two timing chains, their service life is about 150,000 miles of mileage (200,000-250,000 km). The valve clearance needs to be adjusted every 30,000 miles of mileage (40,000-50,000 km). The GA16DE motor life expectancy is 200,000 miles of mileage (300,000 km) or more.

Maintenance data

Valve clearance adjustment data

Calculate the thickness of new adjusting shim so valve clearance comes within specified values.

R = Thickness of removed shim
N = Thickness of new shim
M = Measured valve clearance

Intake:
N = R + [M – 0.37 mm (0.0146 in)]
Exhaust:
N = R + [M – 0.40 mm (0.0157 in)]

Shims are available in 50 sizes from 2.00 mm (0.0787 in) to 2.98 mm (0.1173 in), in steps of 0.02 mm (0.0008 in).

Example (intake valve):
R = 2.10 mm
M = 0.52 mm
N = 2.10 + (0.52 – 0.37) = 2.25 mm, so we need a shim with code 225 or TS225.

*: At a temperature of approximately 20°C (68°F)

Whenever valve clearances are adjusted to cold specifications, check that the clearances satisfy hot specifications and adjust again if necessary.

Vehicle applications

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About: Co-founder and CEO of a multi-brand auto repair shop (engine repair, chassis repair, body repair and painting) for over 15 years. I have been developing internet sites with technical specifications for more than seven years.