Nissan Terrano 1991 is not just a car, but a real legend of domestic roads. Released in an era when SUVs were just beginning to gain popularity, this compact frame SUV became a symbol of reliability and maneuverability. Based on Mitsubishi Pajero first generation Terrano inherited the best features of Japanese engineering, adapted to European realities.

Today, more than 30 years later, these vehicles continue to travel off-road, surprising with their survivability. However, owning a retro SUV requires specific knowledge: from the features diesel engines TD27 to the nuances of servicing the transfer case. In this article we will look at everything you need to know about Nissan Terrano 1991 - from technical characteristics to the secrets of repair and tuning.

1991 Nissan Terrano Specifications

The 1991 model range offered buyers a choice of three main modifications, differing in body types and engines. The basis for all versions was frame structure with dependent suspension on springs (front - torsion bar), which ensured excellent cross-country ability with minimal design complexity.

The most common on the Russian market are versions with diesel TD27 (2.7 l, 92 hp) and gasoline Z24S (2.4 l, 101 hp). The latter, despite its lower power, was valued for its ease of maintenance and resistance to low-quality fuel. The transmission is represented by a 5-speed manual transmission and transfer case with a reduction gear - a mandatory attribute of a real SUV.

  • 🔧 Engines: TD27 (diesel), Z24S (petrol), less often TD25 (diesel)
  • 🚙 Body: 3-door (SWB), 5-door (LWB), pickup Terrano II
  • ⚙️ Drive: full (Part-Time) with manual front axle connection
  • 🛣️ Ground clearance: 210 mm (no load), approach/departure angles - 36°/25°
Parameter TD27 (diesel) Z24S (petrol)
Volume, l 2.7 2.4
Power, hp 92 101
Torque, Nm 205 172
Fuel consumption, l/100 km 9.5 (city) / 7.5 (highway) 12.0 (city) / 9.0 (highway)
Resource before overhaul, km 400,000+ (with proper maintenance) 300 000–350 000
⚠️ Attention: Diesel versions TD27 extremely sensitive to fuel quality. The use of modern "Eurodiesel" with low sulfur content can lead to fuel pump jamming due to lubricant washout. It is recommended to add additives or dilute the fuel with kerosene (up to 20%).

Weaknesses and typical malfunctions

Nissan Terrano The 1991 is famous for its reliability, but even it has “diseases” that every owner should be aware of. The main problem is frame and body corrosion. Due to the lack of galvanization and weak factory anti-corrosion treatment, rust often affects side members, sills and wheel arches after 10–15 years of operation.

The second "Achilles heel" - automatic transmission (if there is one). 4-speed automatic RL4R01A afraid of overheating and requires regular oil changes every 40,000 km. Manual transmissions are more durable, but often suffer from wear and tear on the 2nd and 3rd gear synchronizers.

  • 🔥 Engine TD27: camshaft wear, valve cover leakage, problems with the turbine (on turbo versions)
  • 🔧 Suspension: destruction of torque rod bushings, wear of ball joints (every 50,000 km)
  • ⚡ Electrical: oxidation of contacts in the fuse box, failure of the generator (especially when installing additional equipment)
  • 🛢️ Fuel system: clogged filters on diesel engines, leaking fuel pump Z24S
📊 What engine does your 1991 Terrano have?
  • TD27 (diesel)
  • Z24S (petrol)
  • TD25 (diesel)
  • Other
  • I don't know

Deserves special attention transfer case. Over time, the bearings and gears of the downshift wear out, which manifests itself howling at speed or difficult to turn on. The solution is to replace the oil with a more viscous one (for example, GL-5 85W-140) or major repairs.

⚠️ Attention: Never turn it on downshift at speeds above 30 km/h! This leads to instant destruction of the transfer case gears. The correct sequence is: stop → depress the clutch → shift down → release the clutch.

Maintenance and repair: what needs to be done regularly

The Key to Longevity Terrano — systematic maintenance. Unlike modern cars, where the electronics themselves indicate problems, here everything depends on the attentiveness of the owner. The minimum set of procedures that need to be carried out every 10,000 km:

  • 🛢️ Changing the engine oil (for TD27 - semi-synthetic 10W-40, for Z24S - mineral water 15W-40)
  • 🔧 Checking the oil level in the transfer case, gearbox and axles (interval - 20,000 km)
  • 🔥 Cleaning the air filter (every 5,000 km when driving on dusty roads)
  • ⚡ Electrical equipment diagnostics: checking battery charge, wiring condition, starter operation

Check engine and transmission oil levels|Inspect brake pads and hoses|Make sure handbrake is working|Check tire pressure (recommended: 2.0 bar front, 2.2 rear)|Get a spare alternator belt and fuel filter-->

Pay special attention brake system. On Terrano 1991 models often have problems with brake master cylinders and vacuum boosters. Signs of a malfunction: a “soft” brake pedal or its jamming. The solution is to replace the cuffs or completely replace the assembly.

No less important valve adjustment (every 20,000 km for Z24S and 40,000 km for TD27). On diesel versions, this procedure requires a special tool to turn the crankshaft, so it is better to entrust it to professionals.

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When changing axle oil, use GL-5 90W — it better protects gears from wear under high loads. After replacing, drive 10–15 km and check the level: often the oil “leaks” into the cavities and requires topping up.

Tuning and modernization: what can be improved

Despite his venerable age, Nissan Terrano 1991 has huge potential for modernization. The most popular tuning areas:

  1. Suspension: replacing springs with reinforced ones (for example, from Toyota Hilux) or installing air suspension to adjust ground clearance. It is also recommended to replace the shock absorbers with gas-oil ones (for example, Kayaba or Monroe).
  2. Engine: for TD27 It is important to install a turbine (if you don’t have one) or chip tuning to increase power to 120–130 hp. On Z24S often install a carburetor from Nissan Patrol for better traction at the bottom.
  3. Transmission: replacing the transfer case with a model with a center differential lock (for example, from Mitsubishi Pajero second generation).
  4. Electrical: installation of additional batteries, winch and lighting (with mandatory installation of relays and fuses!).

One of the most effective upgrades is replacement stepped power take-off on an electric winch. This allows you to use the winch without having to turn on the transfer case, which greatly simplifies self-rescue.

How to increase ground clearance without a body lift?

The easiest way is to install spacers under the springs (2–3 cm) and shock absorbers with increased travel. However, this may impair handling. An alternative is to replace the springs with stiffer ones (for example, from Isuzu Trooper), which will add 3–4 cm of ground clearance without loss of comfort.

When tuning a diesel TD27 pay special attention cooling system. Installing an intercooler (for turbo versions) or an additional oil cooler will help avoid overheating under increased loads.

Search for spare parts and analogues

One of the main problems of owners of retro cars is the shortage of original spare parts. Fortunately, Nissan Terrano 1991 has many intersecting parts with other models:

  • 🔧 Engine TD27: compatible with Mitsubishi L200 (1986–1996), Pajero I (1982–1991)
  • 🚗 Gearbox and transfer case: interchangeable with Mitsubishi Delica And Isuzu Trooper
  • 🔥 Brake system: calipers and pads fit from Nissan Patrol GR (1988–1994)
  • ⚡ Electrical: generators, starters and relays are interchangeable with Suzuki Vitara first generation

When searching for spare parts, pay attention to catalog numbers. For example, the original oil filter for TD27 has an article number 15208-4M500, but analogues from Mann (W 914/2) or Bosch (0 451 103 336).

Detail Original article Analogues
Air filter (TD27) 16546-4M000 Mann C 25008, Framm CA 4386
Fuel filter (diesel) 16400-4M010 Bosch 0 450 905 279, Mahle KL 83
Clutch (Z24S) 30500-40X00 Sachs 3000 951 008, Luk 620 3160 10
Wheel bearing 40520-40X00 SKF VKBA 3603, NTN 4T-30205
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing used spare parts for TD27 be sure to check the condition of the turbine (if there is one). Turbine bearing wear appears as blue smoke from the exhaust pipe and metallic knocking when the engine is running. There is no point in restoring such a turbine - only replacement.

To search for rare parts, we recommend contacting specialized groups on social networks (for example, "Nissan Terrano Club") or sites like eBay with a filter for Eastern European countries, where these machines are still actively used.

Operation in winter: features and tips

Nissan Terrano 1991 is not afraid of frost, but requires special preparation for the winter season. The main problem with diesel versions is fuel freezing. Even at −10°C, summer diesel fuel can turn into a gel, blocking the fuel system.

Solutions:

  • Use winter diesel fuel with additives (for example, Liqui Moly Diesel Fliess-Fit).
  • Install fuel filter heater (For example, Webasto or homemade based on a resistive heater).
  • Keeping the tank full reduces the formation of condensation, which turns into ice in winter.

For petrol Z24S the main problem is oil thickening. If you use mineral oil, in winter it must be replaced with semi-synthetic oil 5W-40 or 10W-30.

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Before the first winter start, warm up the battery with a headlight (turn on the high beam for 1-2 minutes) and crank the engine several times with the starter without starting - this will help the oil to distribute throughout the system.

Preparation is just as important body and suspension:

  • Treat all rubber seals with silicone grease - this will prevent them from freezing.
  • Check status brake hoses — in the cold they become fragile.
  • Install winter tires with studs or velcro (recommended size: 215/80 R15).

Cost and Outlook: Is a 1991 Terrano Worth Buying Today?

Prices for Nissan Terrano 1991 models range from 150,000 to 500,000 rubles depending on condition, configuration and region. The cheapest examples are, as a rule, cars with rusted frame or a faulty engine requiring major repairs.

Is it worth buying? Yes, but only if three conditions are met:

  1. You are ready to invest time and money in repairs (the minimum budget for putting things in order is 100,000–150,000 rubles).
  2. Do you need real SUV, not a city crossover.
  3. You have access to spare parts and know how (or know someone who can) repair the car yourself.

From an investment point of view Terrano 1991 is unlikely to become a rarity, but well-preserved examples (especially with diesel TD27) are slowly but surely growing in price. The main thing is to avoid cars with body repair (especially after an accident) and check the service history.

1. Condition of the frame (especially in the places where the springs are attached).

2. Play in the steering (a common problem is wear of the steering bipod).

3. Compression in the cylinders (norm for TD27: 28–32 kg/cm², for Z24S: 10–12 kg/cm²).-->

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install an engine from a newer model in a 1991 Terrano?

Yes, but with reservations. The most popular swaps:

  • TD27T (turbo version of the same engine, requires modification of the fuel system).
  • 4D56 from Mitsubishi Pajero (adaptation of fastenings and electrics is required).
  • ZD30 (3.0 diesel from Navara, but the gearbox and transfer case will need to be replaced).

The simplest option is TD27T, since it was installed on later versions Terrano and has identical mounting points.

What is the real gas mileage of a 1991 Terrano?

Depends on engine and driving style:

  • TD27 (diesel): 8–10 l/100 km on the highway, 11–13 l in the city. When driving off-road, consumption can reach 15–18 liters.
  • Z24S (petrol): 10–12 l/100 km on the highway, 14–16 l in the city. Off-road - up to 20 liters.

To reduce diesel consumption it is recommended:

  • Use fuel with a cetane number of at least 51.
  • Clean the air filter regularly.
  • Avoid prolonged idling.

What to do if the Terrano does not start when cold?

Causes and solutions:

  • Diesel (TD27):
    • Airing of the fuel system - bleed the pump.
    • Worn glow plugs - check resistance (should be 0.5–6 ohms).
    • Thickened oil - warm up the engine with a blowtorch (carefully!).
  • Petrol (Z24S):
    • The carburetor is dirty - wash the jets.
    • The distributor is faulty - check the ignition timing.
    • Weak spark - replace spark plugs (NGK BP6ES) and high-voltage wires.

What kind of oil should I put in the transfer case and axles?

Oil recommendations:

  • Transfer case: GL-5 80W-90 (For example, Castrol Syntrax Universal Plus).
  • Front and rear axles: GL-5 85W-140 (For example, Liqui Moly Hypoid-Getriebeoil TDL).
  • Gearbox (manual): GL-4 80W-90 (For example, Motul Gear 300).

Volumes:

  • Transfer case - 1.3 l.
  • Front axle - 1.5 l.
  • Rear axle - 1.8 l.
  • Gearbox - 2.5 l.

What is the maximum weight that a 1991 Terrano can tow?

Officially Nissan Terrano 1991 is designed to tow trailers weighing up to 1,500 kg (with brakes) or 750 kg (without brakes). However, in practice:

  • For TD27 the real limit is 2,000 kg (assuming a working transmission and good cooling).
  • For Z24S - no more than 1,200 kg due to lower torque.

When towing heavy trailers, be sure to:

  • Use downshift.
  • Check the oil temperature in the axles (overheating leads to destruction of the seals).
  • Install an additional cooling radiator (relevant for diesel engines).