Parts for your 2018 Nissan Serena-Oil pump

2018 Nissan Serena oil pump – purpose, care and when to sort it

Technical sources confirm the 2018 Nissan Serena does use an engine oil pump. The Nissan C27 Serena Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for the MR20DD petrol and the HR12-series engine used in e-POWER lists a crank-driven, trochoid-type oil pump integrated into the front cover within the Lubrication System (LU) section. Nissan’s FAST parts catalogue for C27 (Group 150 – Engine Lubrication) also lists an Oil Pump Assembly for these engines. So the oil pump is absolutely relevant on the 2018 Serena.

On this model, the oil pump’s job is to pull oil from the sump and push it under pressure through the filter, galleries and out to the bearings, camshafts, timing gear and the variable valve timing hardware. Without it, the Serena’s smooth, family-friendly manners would be out the window in seconds. Because it’s driven off the crank, it responds directly to engine speed, keeping pressure where it needs to be as revs climb.

For everyday servicing, the best way to look after the oil pump is to look after the oil. Stick to the Nissan-recommended grade and service schedule in the handbook, use a quality filter, and don’t stretch intervals—especially if the van does lots of short trips, towing, or stop–start work. Clean, correctly weighted oil prevents varnish, sludge and wear that can stick the pump’s pressure relief valve or starve the pickup screen.

• Watch for warning signs: red oil pressure light, rattly starts after an oil change, persistent ticking from the top end, VVT faults, or metallic glitter in drained oil.
• If the sump has been off or the pump replaced, prime the pump with clean oil and verify pressure with a mechanical gauge on first start.
• If the front cover is coming off for timing-chain work, assess the pump and pickup O-ring