Parts for your 2017 Nissan Serena-Head gasket

2017 Nissan Serena head gasket — what it does and when to sort it

Yes, the 2017 Nissan Serena (C27) uses a conventional cylinder head gasket. This applies to the 2.0-litre MR20DD S-HYBRID as well as the e-POWER models that run a 1.2-litre HR12-series petrol engine as a generator. This fitment is documented in Nissan’s C27 Serena Electronic Service Manual (Engine Mechanical – Cylinder Head) and in Nissan’s global Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST), which both list a “Gasket – Cylinder Head” for these engines.

On this Serena, the head gasket sits sandwiched between the engine block and the cylinder head, sealing combustion pressure while separating oil and coolant passages. It keeps compression tight so the van pulls smoothly under load, and it stops coolant sneaking into oil (or vice versa), which protects bearings, timing components and the catalytic converter. It’s a multi-layer steel design on these late-model Nissan engines, built to handle heat cycles, vibration and long-distance family life across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

It’s not a routine service item, so there’s no set replacement interval. Instead, the best “maintenance” for a healthy head gasket is looking after the cooling system and not letting the engine overheat. Stick with Nissan-approved long-life blue coolant and change it at the factory interval