The MR16DDT engine, also known as the 1.6 DIG-T engine, is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct fuel injection. This engine has been developed and produced by Nissan since 2010. It is fitted to sporty and supercharged versions of many Nissan car models, such as the Nissan Juke and Nissan Pulsar. Under the M5MT index, this motor is also used in some cars of Renault, an alliance partner.
Nissan MR16DDT 1.6 specifications
| Characteristics | Reference |
|---|---|
| Years of release | 2010-present |
| Location of production | Japan |
| Marking | MR16DDT |
| Engine type | Cylinder, 4-cylinder |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Power | 163 – 218 hp |
| Exact engine displacement | 1618 cc |
| Number of valves | 16 |
| Valve drive | DOHC |
| Cylinder block material | Aluminum + cast iron liners |
| Cylinder head material | Aluminum |
| Piston stroke | 81.1 mm |
| Cylinder diameter | 79.7 mm |
| Power system | DIG direct fuel injection, turbocharged |
| Maximum power, hp (kW) at rpm | 163 (120) / 5600 188 (138) / 5600 190 (140) / 5600 197 (145) / 6000 200 (147) / 6000 214 (157) / 6000 218 (160) / 6000 |
| Maximum torque, N-m (kg-m) at rpm | 240 (24) / 1600 240 (24) / 2000 240 (24) / 4000 240 (24) / 5200 250 (26) / 2400 250 (26) / 4800 250 (26) / 5200 250 (26) / 6000 280 (29) / 4800 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5-10.5:1 |
| Environmental standards | Euro-4, Euro-5 |
| CO2 emission | 138 – 175 g/km |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | 5.7 – 8.7 |
| Start-stop system | Optional |
| Motor weight | 137 kg |
MR16DDT engine design
The MR16DDT engine uses an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron liners, which has an open cooling jacket. On top is an aluminum 16-valve cylinder head, two camshafts and direct injection fuel injectors. The timing is driven by a chain. There are no hydraulic valve clearance compensators, but both camshafts have Twin CVTC variable valve timing controllers. The turbocharger is a MHI TF035HL8 turbine, which provides high efficiency and good power.
MR16DDT maintenance: oil, plugs, filters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Oil volume in the engine | 4.5 liters |
| Oil and filter change interval | Every 15,000 km or once every 1 year |
| Recommended oil | 5W-30 |
| Oil filter | 152089F60A |
| Interval of air filter replacement | Every 30,000 km |
| Air filter part number | 16546JG30A |
| Spark Plug Replacement Interval | Every 30,000 km |
| Spark plugs part number | 224011KC1C |
| Replacement interval of timing chain | Resistance 150,000 km |
| Transmission chain part number | 130281KC2A |
The MR16DDT 1.6 turbo engine is one of the MR family, which also includes the MR18DE, MR20DE, MR20DD and MR15DDT. These motors are known for their reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency, making them popular among car enthusiasts and professionals.
Which cars are equipped with the MR16 DDT engine
- Nissan Juke 1 (F15) 2010 – 2019
- X-Trail 3 (T32) 2014 – 2019
- Altima 5 (L33) 2013 – 2018
- Sylphy 3 (B17) 2015 – present
- Sentra 7 (B17) 2016 – present
- Pulsar 6 (C13) 2014 – present
MR16DDT engine problems and features
The MR16DDT engine was developed for advanced Nissan models. In Russia, this engine was installed on the Nissan Juke and its charged version Nissan Juke Nismo. For Japanese consumers, this unit was installed on a wider range of models of this manufacturer. Renault equips Clio Sport (200 hp), Talisman, Espace and Megane models with this engine.
Engine design
On this model, a silent sliding chain is used to drive the timing. The sixteen-valve cylinder head is equipped with two camshafts. There are no hydraulic compensators for thermal clearances. Each camshaft has a clutch for changing the timing.
High engine reliability
The turbocharged unit of Japanese manufacture has been produced since 2010 and is known for its high reliability. Repair-free mileage of the car can reach 300 thousand kilometers and more, provided that the manufacturer’s prescriptions for technical inspections and maintenance are followed.
Problems and weak points
Despite the high reliability, the MR16DDT engine has several weak points:
- Gasoline pump
- Air flow sensor
- Recall companies
- Turbocharger
- Fuel supply system
- Distributor shafts and valves
- Spark plugs
- Phase adjustment clutches
- Timing chain
- Oil consumption
Gasoline Pump Problems
Nissan Juke with a turbo and a 1.6-liter engine is equipped with a submersible gasoline pump. Problems with the performance of this element sometimes occurred during the warranty period. The failure of the gasoline pump was accompanied by a decrease in engine thrust and activation of the emergency mode.
Air flow rate sensor (ATS)
Malfunction of the air flow sensor has similar symptoms to the gasoline pump failure: unexpected engine traction reduction and emergency mode activation. Incorrect flow meter readings require cleaning or replacement.
Recalls
The first car owners encountered poor quality intake manifold and throttle gaskets. The gasket under the fuel pressure sensor could also leak. Such cars were recalled by the manufacturer to replace worn elements.
Turbocharger
The 1.6-liter engine is equipped with a turbocharger MHI TF035HL. The turbocharger has a reliable design, but its operation can be disturbed by clogging of the drain tube, freezing of emulsion in the crankcase gas ventilation tube or malfunction of the electro-vacuum valve.
Fuel supply system
The direct injection fuel delivery system has a similar arrangement to diesel systems. It includes a fuel injector that generates pressures up to 270 MPa. Possible problems include failure of the fuse (F20) and clogging of the filter at the pump inlet connection.
Camshafts and Valves
The cams of the camshafts are specially coated to reduce friction. Periodic adjustment of the thermal valve clearance is necessary due to the lack of hydrocompensators.
Spark plugs
The MR16DDT engine is very dependent on the quality of spark plugs. It is recommended to use original iridium spark plugs. Copies and replicas can cause ignition coil failure and skips.
Phasing clutches
Timing clutches are present on both camshafts and are controlled by electro-hydraulic valves. Periodic cleaning of the clutches and controls is necessary for reliable operation.
G timing chain
The timing chain is the weak point of the engine. The manufacturer has constantly improved its design. The fifth version of the chain has a longer life (150 thousand kilometers). The main factor in the wear of the chain is the manner of driving.
Oil consumption
The MR16DDT engine practically does not consume oil under normal operation. Changing oil every 10 thousand kilometers helps to prolong the engine life.