The 1986 Nissan pickup, sold in the United States as the Datsun 720, was typically powered by one of two gasoline inline-four engines: a 2.0-liter L20B or a 2.4-liter Z24. In US-spec trucks, the 2.4-liter Z24 was the more common choice, though some base models used the smaller 2.0-liter engine. International markets sometimes offered different options, including diesel versions.
To understand what engine a specific 1986 Nissan pickup has, it helps to know the model’s context. The Datsun/Nissan pickup line carried two four-cylinder gasoline engines during the mid-1980s: the 2.0 L L20B and the 2.4 L Z24. Which engine a particular truck received depended on regional market, trim level, and production year. The Z24 could appear with either carburetion or electronic fuel injection depending on configuration, while the L20B also had variations by market.
Engine options for the 1986 Nissan pickup (Datsun 720)
Below are the primary gasoline engine choices you would typically encounter for a 1986 Datsun/Nissan pickup in most markets. This list helps identify the engine when evaluating or restoring a truck from that year.
- 2.0-liter inline-four L20B
- 2.4-liter inline-four Z24
In practice, U.S.-spec 1986 pickups were more commonly equipped with the 2.4-liter Z24, while the 2.0-liter L20B appeared on earlier or base configurations and in some international variants. The Z24 engine could appear with carburetion or, in some configurations, electronic fuel injection, depending on the model year and market.
Market variations and how to verify the engine
Outside the U.S., Nissan’s Datsun pickups sometimes offered additional options, including diesel-powered configurations. Regardless of market, the exact engine in a given 1986 truck can be confirmed by checking the engine code stamped on the block or the VIN/engine tag. Look for references to L20B or Z24 to identify the correct powerplant.
Why the engine choice matters
The engine determines not only performance and fuel economy but also parts compatibility and restoration approach. If you’re buying, restoring, or parting out a 1986 Nissan pickup, knowing whether it has the L20B or Z24 will guide sourcing of intake manifolds, carburetors vs. fuel injection components, exhaust parts, and service manuals.
Summary
For a 1986 Nissan pickup (Datsun 720), the usual engine options were the 2.0-liter L20B and the 2.4-liter Z24 inline-fours. The 2.4L Z24 was the prevalent choice in many U.S. models, with the 2.0L L20B appearing on certain base or international variants. Always verify the specific engine by checking the engine code on the block or the vehicle’s documentation to ensure accuracy for maintenance or restoration.
What motor is in a 1986 Nissan pickup?
The D21 Hardbody was produced for model years 1986.5-1997 with four-cylinder and V-6 engine options. The four-cylinder offerings were the 106-hp 2.4-liter Z24i throttle-body injected four-cylinder (1986-1989) followed by the 134-hp 2.4-liter KA24E multi-point fuel-injected four-cylinder (1990-1997).
What is the 2.4 L 1986 D21 engine called?
Z24 (fuel injected and carbureted) The Z24 Nissan engine is a 2.4-liter engine produced by Nissan from 1983-1989 and it was used in the 1983-1986 Datsun / Nissan 720, 1986-1989 Nissan Hardbody Truck, 1986-1989 Nissan Pathfinder, and the 1987-1990 Nissan Nomad.
How much is a Nissan D21 worth?
A: The average price of a Nissan Truck - D21 is $11,683. Q: When was the Nissan Truck - D21 produced? A: The Nissan Truck - D21 was produced for model years 1986 to 1997.
Is the D21 engine reliable?
The 1991 Nissan D21 is generally considered a reliable truck, but like any vehicle of its age, it does have its quirks. One of the key things to watch out for is the timing chain, which can be prone to failure if regular maintenance and oil changes aren't performed.