Nissan KA24E

Nissan KA24EThe Nissan KA24E is a 2.4 l (2,389 cc, 145.79 cu-in) straight-4, four-stroke cycle gasoline engine from Nissan Ka-family. The Nissan KA24E motor was produced from 1988 through 1997.

The Nissan KA24E engine has SOHC (single overhead camshaft) design with 12 valves (3 per cylinder). The engine used a cast-iron cylinder block and aluminum cylinder head. The engine is equipped with Hitachi sequential electronic fuel injection system, ignition timing control system and EGR system.

An 89 mm (3.5 in) cylinder bore and 96 mm (3.78 in) piston stroke give the motor a total of 2,389 cc of displacement. The compression ratio is 8.6:1 or 9.1:1 for early 1989 Nissan 240SX. The Nissan KA24E engine produced 143 PS (105 kW; 140 HP) at 5,600 rpm of horsepower and 206 Nm (21.0 kg·m; 152.0 ft·lb) at 4,400 rpm of torque.

The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:

  • KA – Engine Family
  • 24 – 2.4 Liter Displacement
  • None – SOHC
  • E – Multi Point Fuel Injection

General information

Engine Specifications
Engine codeKA24E
LayoutFour stroke, Inline-4 (Straight-4)
Fuel typeGasoline
Production1988-1997
Displacement2.4 L, 2,389 cm3 (145.79 cu in)
Fuel systemElectronic fuel injection system
Power adderNone
Max. horsepower 136 PS (100 KW; 134 HP) at 5,200 rpm
143 PS (105 KW; 140 HP) at 5,600 rpm
Max. torque 206 Nm (21.0 kg·m; 152.0 ft·lb) at 4,400 rpm
209 Nm (21.3 kg·m; 154.2 ft·lb) at 3,600 rpm
Firing order1-3-4-2
Dimensions (L x H x W):
Weight

Cylinder block

The Nissan KA24E motor has a cast-iron cylinder block, cast steel connecting rods, a half-counterweighted forged steel crankshaft. The KA24E engine cylinder bore is 89.0 mm (3.5 in) and the piston stroke is 96 mm (3.78 in), compression ratio rating is 8.6:1 or 9.1:1.

Cylinder block
Cylinder block alloyCast iron
Compression ratio:8.6:1 or 9.1:1
Cylinder bore:89.0 mm (3.50 in)
Piston stroke:96.0 mm (3.78 in)
Number of piston rings (compression / oil):2 / 1
Number of main bearings:5
Cylinder inner diameter (standard):89.000-89.010 mm (3.5039-3.5043) in)
Piston skirt diameter (standard):88.970-88.980 mm (3.5027-3.5031 in)
Piston pin outer diameter:20.989-21.001 mm (0.8263.0.8268 in)
Piston ring side clearance:Top0.040-0.080 mm (0.0016-0.0031 in)
Second0.030-0.070 mm (0.0012-0.0028 in)
Oil0.065-0.135 mm (0.0026-0.0053) in)
Piston ring end gap:Top0.28-0.43 mm (0.0110-0.0169 in)
Second 0.45-0.60 mm (0.0177-0.0236 in) – R or T
0.55-0.70 mm (0.0217-0.0276 in) – N
Oil0.20-0.60 mm (0.0079-0.0236 in)
Connecting rod center distance:164.95-165.05 mm (6.4941-6.4980 in)
Crankshaft journal diameter:59.967-59.975 mm (2.3609-2.3612 in)
Crankpin diameter:49.968-49.974 mm (1.9672-1.9675 in)
Crankshaft center distance:47.97-48.03 mm (1.8886-1.8909 in)

main bearing beam bolts tightening procedure and torque specs:

  • 46-52 Nm; 4.7-5.3 kg·m; 34-38 ft·lb in two-three stages

After securing bearing cap bolts, make sure crankshaft turns smoothly by hand.

Connecting rod bearing nut

  • Step 1: 14-16 Nm; 1.4-1.6 kg·m; 10-12 ft·lb
  • Step 2: Turn nuts 60-65°

Crankshaft pulley bolt

  • 118-157 Nm; 12-16 kg·m; 87-116 ft·lb

Flywheel (M/T) or Drive plate (A/T) fixing bolts

  • 93-103 Nm; 9.5-10.5 kg·m; 69-76 ft·lb

Cylinder head

The cylinder head is made of aluminum alloy. The valve system has a pivot type rocker arm that is activated directly by the cam mechanism. The Nissan KA24E motor use three valves per cylinder (two intake valves and single exhaust valve) and the dual type valve springs. Intake valves are 34.0 mm (1.34 in) in diameter and the exhaust valves are 40.0 mm (1.57 in).

The intake valve duration is 240°, valve lift is 10.4 mm (0.409 in); the exhaust valve duration is 248°, valve lift is 10.4 mm (0.409 in). The KA24E rev limiter is set on 6,500 rpm. The Nissan KA24E engine version for SUV uses a camshaft with duration 232°/232°, and valve lift 9.7/9.7 mm. For this engine, redline is lowered to 6,000 rpm.

The camshaft is driven by a single row roller chain driven by the crankshaft. The tension of the chain is controlled by a chain tensioner which is operated by spring and oil pressure.

Cylinder head
Valve Arrangement:SOHC, chain drive
Valves:12 (3 valves per cylinder)
Intake/Exhaust duration: All models: 240°/248°
SUV: 232°/232°
Valve head diameter:INTAKE34.0-34.2 mm (1.339-1.346 in)
EXHAUST40.0-40.2 mm (1.575-1.583 in)
Valve length:INTAKE119.9-120.2 mm (4.720-4.732 in)
EXHAUST120.67-120.97 mm (4.7508-4.7626) in)
Valve stem diameter:INTAKE6.965-6.980 mm (0.2742-0.2748 in)
EXHAUST7.948-7.960 mm (0.3129-0.3134 in)
Valve spring free length:INTAKE Outer: 57.44 mm (2.2614 in)
Inner: 53.34 mm (2.1000 in)
EXHAUST Outer: 53.21 mm (2.0949 in)
Inner: 47.95 mm (1.8878 in)
Valve lift:INTAKE10.4 mm (0.409 in)
EXHAUST10.4 mm (0.409 in)
Camshaft cam height:INTAKE44.839-45.029 mm (1.7653-1.7728 in)
EXHAUST44.839-45.029 mm (1.7653-1.7728 in)
Outer camshaft journal diameter:32.935-32.955 mm (1.2967-1.2974 in)

Head tightening procedure and torque specs:

  • Step 1: 29 Nm; 3.0 kg·m; 22 ft·lb
  • Step 2: 78 Nm; 8.0 kg·m; 58 ft·lb
  • Step 3: Loosen all bolts completely
  • Step 4: 29 Nm; 3.0 kg·m; 22 ft·lb
  • Step 5: Turn all bolts 80-85° or to 74-83 Nm; 7.5-8.5 kg·m; 54-61 ft·lb

Camshaft sprocket bolt

  • 118-157 Nm; 12-16 kg·m; 87-116 ft·lb

Maintenance data

Compression pressure
Standard13.5 kg/cm2 (192 psi) / 300 rpm
Minimun10.0 kg/cm2 (142 psi) / 300 rpm
Differential limit between cylinders1.0 kg/cm2 (14 psi) / 300 rpm
Oil system
Oil consumption , L/1000 km (qt. per miles)up to 0.5 (1 qt. per 1200 miles)
Recommended engine oil10W-30
Oil type APISF or SG
Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity) With oil filter: 3.5 l
Without oil filter: 3.2 l
Oil change interval, km (miles)12,000 (7,500)
Oil pressure4.2-4.9 kg/cm2 (49.8-56.9 psi) at 3,000 rpm
Ignition system
Spark plug Standard type: ZFR5D-11 (NGK)
Hot type: ZFR4D-11 (NGK)
Cold type: ZFR6D-11 (NGK)
Spark plug gap1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in)
Spark plug tightening torque20-29 Nm; 2.0-3.0 kg·m; 14-22 ft·lb

Vehicle applications

ModelYears Produced
Nissan 240SX1989–1990
Nissan D21 Truck1990–1997
Nissan D22 Navara1997-1999
Nissan Pathfinder1990-1995
Nissan Axxess1989–1995
Nissan Prairie1989–1995
Nissan Stanza1990–1992
Nissan Pintara1989–1992
Ford Corsair1989–1992
Nissan Terrano II1993-1996
Author: Sergei Wers
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.

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We try to use verified sources and official documentation, however, differences between sources or errors in entering information may occur. We do not provide advice on technical issues related to the engines operation or repair. We do not recommend using provided information for engines repairing engines or spare parts ordering, use only official service manuals and spare-parts catalogs.

12 Comments

  1. When replacing the head how do you line up the crank and cam. The gear on the cam has no marks at all just the woodruff where it slides onto the cam. I’m on TDC with the block but what does the head need to be set to??new timing set and everything.

  2. i have 1999 nissan frontier 2,4 engine ka24de got loose and jump 2 teeths isthe engine still good or i have to replace the cylinder head please help

  3. I have a 240sx 1990 ka24e engine, my probles is when I put the transmition gear is on Drive or Reverse, the rpm fall about 300 respect Neutral or Parking gear. Really I don’t think this is normal. Would someone be so kind as to explain what is happening with my car? I would greatly appreciate your help to understand the problem. I offer an apology for the flaws in the wording.

  4. I have a 1995 D21, confirmed original, never opened, KA24e with 5-speed. Bought 3 years ago and drove it, changing only oil and filters. Never touched the ignition until it developed a dead miss early this month. Pulled plugs to see what was going on, normal tan, #2 had simply loosened and backed out too far. It was time, so I put new platinum plugs, wires, cap and rotor into it and runs like new again. When new, these engines ran so clean even California did not require a catalytic converter. Last November this engine passed Arizona emissions, passed all measurements @ 1/3 of what is allowed, with 281,000+ on the odometer. If you still have one of these engines running, you see what is possible. Don’t dog it, just maintain and drive it.

  5. Im looking to upgrade the camshaft for a 95 d21 hardbody but I don’t know any of the specs and it’s hard for me to find the proper cam that would fit or would work with the ka24E engine is there anyone that can recommend one

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