Nissan VK56DE/VD 5.6L Engine Specs, Problems & Reliability
Nissan VK56DE/VD 5.6L Engine
Here in this post, I have gathered information about the Nissan VK56DE/VD 5.6L Engine from its official website, including its specifications, Problems, and Reliability.
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This article, which has been updated, has all the information you require about the Nissan VK56DE/VD 5.6L Engine.
The 2004 North American-market Nissan Armada was the first vehicle to feature Nissan’s VK56DE/VD 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine.
The motor is a product of American industry (in Decherd, Tennessee).
These 5.6-litre V8s are available for the Nissan Titan, Nissan Patrol, Infiniti QX56, Nissan NV2500, 3500 HD, and other large trucks, SUVs, and vans produced by Nissan.
The 5.0-litre VK50VE was the largest of the Nissan VK engines, but the 4.5-litre VK45DE was also available.
Engine Specifications | |
| Engine code | VK56DE |
| Layout | Four-stroke, V8 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline (petrol) |
| Production | 2003-present |
| Displacement | 5.6 L, 5,552 cc (338.80 cu in) |
| Fuel system | Multi Point Fuel Injection |
| Power adder | None |
| Power output | 305 HP (227 kW, 309 PS) at 4,900 rpm 315 HP (235 kW, 319 PS) at 4,900 rpm 320 HP (240 kW, 326 PS) at 5,200 rpm |
| Torque output | 522 Nm (53.2 kg·m, 385.0 lb·ft) at 3,600 rpm 530 Nm (55.4 kg·m, 390.0 lb·ft) at 3,600 rpm 533 Nm (54.3 kg·m, 393.0 lb·ft) at 3,400 rpm |
| Firing order | 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | – |
| Weight | 225 kg (496 lbs) |
Cylinder block | ||
| Cylinder block alloy | Aluminium | |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 | |
| Cylinder bore: | 98.0 mm (3.86 in) | |
| Piston stroke: | 92.0 mm (3.62 in) | |
| A number of piston rings (compression/oil): | 2 / 1 | |
| A number of main bearings: | 5 | |
| Cylinder inner diameter (standard): | 98.000 mm (3.8583 in) | |
| Piston skirt diameter (standard): | 97.980-7.990 mm (3.8575-3.8579 in) | |
| Piston pin outer diameter: | 21.989-21.995 mm (0.8657-0.8659 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance: | Top | 0.035-0.085 mm (0.0014-0.0033 in) |
| Second | 0.030-0.070 mm (0.0012-0.0028 in) | |
| Oil | 0.015-0.050 mm (0.0006-0.0020 in) | |
| Piston ring end gap: | Top | 0.23-0.33 mm (0.0091-0.0130 in) |
| Second | 0.25-0.40 mm (0.0098-0.0157 in) | |
| Oil | 0.20-0.60 mm (0.0079-0.0236 in) | |
| Connecting rod bushing inner diameter: | 22.000-22.006 mm (0.8661-0.8664 in) | |
| Connecting rod big end diameter: | 57.000 mm (2.2441 in) | |
| Connecting rod centre distance: | 154.45-154.55 mm (6.08-6.08 in) | |
| Crankshaft main journal diameter: | 63.963 mm (2.5182 in) | |
| Crankpin diameter: | 53.968 mm (2.1247 in) | |
| Crankshaft centre distance: | 45.96-46.04 mm (1.8094-1.8126 in) | |
Cylinder head | ||
| Blockhead alloy | Aluminium | |
| Valve Arrangement: | DOHC, chain drive | |
| Cylinder head height: | 126.3 mm (4.97 in) | |
| Valves: | 32 (4 valves per cylinder) | |
| Intake valve timing: | W/o CVTC: 230° With CVTC: 232° | |
| Exhaust valve timing: | W/o CVTC: 232° With CVTC: 244° | |
| Valve head diameter: | INTAKE | 37.0-37.3 mm (1.457-1.469 in) |
| EXHAUST | 31.2-31.5 mm (1.228-1.240 in) | |
| Valve length: | INTAKE | 96.21-96.71 mm (3.7878-3.8075 in) |
| EXHAUST | 93.74-94.24 mm (3.6905-3.7102 in) | |
| Valve stem diameter: | INTAKE | 5.965-5.980 mm (0.2348-0.2354 in) |
| EXHAUST | 5.965-5.970 mm (0.2344-0.2350 in) | |
| Valve spring free length: | INTAKE | 50.58 mm (1.9913 in) |
| EXHAUST | 50.58 mm (1.9913 in) | |
| Camshaft cam height: | INTAKE | 44.465-44.655 mm (1.7506-1.7581 in) |
| EXHAUST | 44.465-44.655 mm (1.7506-1.7581 in) | |
| Camshaft journal diameter: | 25.953-25.970 mm (1.0218-1.0224 in) | |
Maintenance Data
Valve clearance (HOT) | |
| Intake valve | 0.304-0.416 mm (0.012-0.016 in) |
| Exhaust valve | 0.308-0.432 mm (0.012-0.017 in) |
Compression pressure | |
| Standard | 15.5 kg/m2 (220 psi) / 200 rpm |
| Minimun | 13.5 kg/m2 (192 psi) / 200 rpm |
| Compression differential limit between cylinders | 1.0 kg/m2 (15 psi) / 200 rpm |
Oil system | |
| Oil consumption, L/1000 km (qt. per mile) | up to 0.5 (1 qt. per 1200 miles) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 10W-30, 10-W40 |
| Oil type API | – |
| Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity) | With filter change 6.5 l (6-7/8 US. qt., 5-3/4 Imp. qt.) Without filter change 6.2 l (6-1/2 Us. qt., 5-1/2 Imp. qt.) |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 5,000-10,000 (3,000-6,000) |
| Oil Pressure, kPa (kg/cm 2, psi) | Idle speed: More than 98 (1.0, 14) 2,000 rpm: More than 294 (3.0, 43) |
Ignition system | |
| Spark plug | NGK: DILFR5A-11 |
| Spark plug gap | 1.1 mm (0.043 in) |
Nissan VK56DE/VD 5.6L Engine Problems & Reliability
The performance of the VK56’s 5.6-litre V8 engine might be affected by poor fuel. This is related to the same widespread issue that affects the VQ35 V6 engine.
The catalyst converters in these engines are vulnerable to damage from contaminated gasoline, and the destruction of these components creates a trace amount of dust and debris.
The engine takes in the dust from the catalytic converters, which then grinds against the cylinder walls and is eventually rinsed away by the oil.
As a result, all internal parts (piston rings, cylinder walls, bearings) wear out much faster than normal.
In that case, you’ll have to get a new engine. High oil usage, power outages, and a harsh idle are all signs of that catastrophe.
It’s not possible to trust timing chains. The right one is usually a problem area. Sometimes, after only 30,000 kilometres, it already begins to lengthen.
The lifespan of timing chains is noticeably shortened by aggressive driving with frequent accelerations.
The high-pressure fuel pump is likewise driven by the right chain; therefore, a faulty pump may be to blame here.
Therefore, it is preferable to replace the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain together to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
Furthermore, the VK56’s high-pressure gasoline pump is notoriously problematic, typically failing between 50,000 and 60,000 miles into the vehicle’s lifetime (80,000–90,000 km).
Also, especially in older models, it’s important to keep a check on the engine’s cooling system (radiator health, coolant levels, etc.).
They have a potentially overheated air conditioner condenser radiator cooling fan.
The engine has already taken enough of a hit due to the overheating; the heads have been bent and the head gaskets have blown.
The 5.6-litre Nissan engine can go over 250,000 miles with regular maintenance and high-quality fuel, oil, and other consumables (400,000 km).
Nissan VK56DE/VD 5.6L Engine Review
Nissan VK56DE/VD 5.6L V8 engine is a robust and durable engine, which has been utilized in a range of Nissan as well as Infiniti cars since. It’s a 90-degree V8 engine, equipped with aluminum blocks and heads, and comes with a range of modern technology. For a full review, please check this YouTube video Here.
Nissan VK56DE/VD 5.6L Engine FQA
What did the VK56 engine come in?
In 2004, Nissan released its 5.6-litre V8 engine, the VK56DE. Its design is comparable to that of the more compact V6 VQ35DE.
The Nissan Titan, Pathfinder, Armada, and QX56 are some of the most recognizable vehicles equipped with Nissan’s 5.6L engine.
The VK56DE has a power range of 305–320 hp, making it a competent performer.
Is the Nissan 5.6 direct injection?
Nissan claims that the engine is a 5.6-litre V8 with direct injection. The maximum horsepower and torque for this truck are 400 and 413, respectively.
A nine-speed automatic transmission powers the 2022 Nissan Titan’s four-wheel drive.
Is the Nissan Titan 5.6 reliable?
To what extent can the Nissan Titan be relied on? According to our reliability ratings, the 2022 Nissan Titan will be an extremely dependable vehicle 85 times out of 100.
