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MOTRS

Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34)

1989-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems All workshop issues
Critical Engine

Head Gasket Failure

Symptoms

Coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, milky oil, and/or combustion gases in the coolant (detectable with a block tester).

Cause

The factory multi-layer steel (MLS) head gasket is adequate for stock boost levels (0.55-0.7 bar) but is the first point of failure when boost is increased. The RB26's long, slender head is prone to lifting between cylinders under high boost, which breaks the gasket seal. Even on stock cars, age and thermal cycling can cause the gasket to fail after 200,000+ km.

Fix

Replace the head gasket.

On a stock engine, a genuine Nissan MLS gasket is adequate.

On a modified engine (above 1.0 bar boost), an aftermarket metal gasket (Tomei, HKS) with head studs (replacing the factory bolts) is required.

The head must be checked for flatness and machined if necessary.

Cost: $1,500-3,000 all-in for a stock replacement, $3,000-5,000 for an upgraded gasket with studs.

Cost mentioned in fix
Cost: $1,500-3,000$3,000-5,000 for an

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// More Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems

Other known issues

Minor Engine

Oil Pump Drive Collar Failure (R32, R33, CRITICAL)

The engine loses oil pressure instantly and without warning. The oil pressure gauge drops to zero, the engine seizes within seconds. Total engine destruction.
Critical Engine

Ceramic Turbo Wheel Failure (All Models)

Loss of boost on one or both turbochargers. In severe cases, ceramic wheel fragments are ingested by the engine, causing catastrophic damage to the cylinders and pistons.
Critical Engine

CAS (Crank Angle Sensor) Failure

Engine misfire, loss of power, intermittent cutting out, or complete no-start. The misfire may be random or consistent, and can come and go.
Common Engine

Coil Pack Failure

Misfire on one or more cylinders, rough idle, loss of power.
Critical Engine

Injector Issues

Rough idle, misfire, rich or lean running on individual cylinders.
Common Turbocharger System

Boost Leaks

Sluggish acceleration, reduced boost pressure, the car feels slow despite the turbos appearing to spool.
View all 16 Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems