Skip to content
MOTRS

Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34)

1989-2002 / Coupe / Japan

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

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

Symptoms

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

Cause

The RB26DETT oil pump is driven by a collar (sleeve) that fits over the crank snout. On R32 and R33 engines, this collar is made from relatively soft steel and is retained by a single roll pin. Under high RPM, the roll pin can shear or the collar can spin on the crank, causing the oil pump to stop turning. The engine loses oil pressure immediately and the bearings are destroyed within 10-15 seconds.

Fix

Install an aftermarket hardened oil pump collar.

Nismo and several aftermarket companies (Tomei, GReddy) produce upgraded collars with improved retention.

The job requires removing the front timing cover and, on some configurations, the gearbox.

Cost: $200-400 for the collar, $300-600 for labour.

This is a non-negotiable modification for any R32 or R33 GT-R.

It should be the first thing done on a newly purchased car if the history is unknown.

Cost mentioned in fix
Cost: $200-400 for the collar$300-600 for labour

Know something we don't?

Owned a Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34)? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

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

Other known issues

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.
Critical Engine

Head Gasket Failure

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