1987 NISSAN PULSAR air conditioning

General Information 11
Lifting Equipment
When using lifting equipment to lift heavy com-
ponents such as the engine and/or transmission, use
metal slings or chain in preference to rope. If rope
must be used, ensure that it is not placed against sharp
edges on the component.

Automotive Lubricants and Solvents
Avoid prolonged skin contact with oils, greases
and solvents as some can cause skin irritations and
dermatitis.

Exercise caution when us ing cleaning solvents as
many are inflammable. Do not smoke. Keep naked
flames and sparks clear of the work area.

Compressed Air
Never point an air hose at another person or allow
compressed air to blow onto your skin. High pressure
air forced against the skin can enter the bloodstream
and prove fatal.

Suspension and Steering Components
Damaged suspension and steering components
should not be welded. Many of these components are
fabricated from toughened metals. If welded they may
lose their strength or become brittle. Damaged com-
ponents should be renewed.

Air Conditioning
Avoid disconnecting air conditioning hoses as
escaping refrigerant can cause frostbite. The refriger-
ant is highly flammable and when burnt, a poisonous
gas is produced.

VEHICLE SAFETY
To prevent damage to the vehicle during servicing
or repair work, note the following precautions.

Brake Fluid
If spilt on the vehicle paintwork, brake fluid
should be immediately washed away with clean water
and allowed to dry naturally, not wiped with a cloth.

Catalytic Converter
The following should be observed to prevent
damage to the catalytic converter:

Do not operate the vehicle on leaded fuel.
Do not push or tow start the vehicle.
Do not allow the engine to idle for prolonged
periods.

Do not switch the ignition off while the vehicle is
in motion and the transmission is in gear.

Do not 'prime' the engine by pouring fuel into the
inlet manifold.

Do not operate the vehicle if the engine is
misfiring.

Avoid running the vehicle out of fuel.
Ensure that the engine oil is formulated to contain
low phosphorus levels.

Electronic Components
The electronic components of the ignition and
fuel injection systems can be damaged by the use of
incorrect testing equipment.

It is essential in all tests where voltage or resis-
tance is to be measured that a digital display multi-
meter with a minimum 10 megohm input impedance
be used.

Some types of tachometers, timing lights and
ignition system analyzers are not compatible with
certain engine electronic systems. It is therefore
recommended that the manufacturer of the test equip-
ment be consulted before using the equipment.

Jump starting, or being jump started by another
vehicle can cause damage to the electronic compon-
ents of the vehicle. Refer to the Roadside Trouble
shooting section for the correct jump starting proce-
dure.

3. GENERAL REPAIR PROCEDURES
SEIZED FASTENERS
Seized bolts, nuts or screws should first have a
liberal amount of penetrating oil applied. The fastener
should be left for a period of time to allow the oil to
penetrate and soften the corrosion which is causing
the binding.

Often, a sharp hammer blow to the head of the
fastener can dislodge the corrosion and permit it to be
loosened.

An impact driver, which can be fitted with a
socket or screwdriver bit, can be used to loosen a
seized fastener.

Another method is to heat the component in
which the fastener is seized. However, extreme cau-
tion should be exercised when heating aluminum
alloy components as the melting point is much lower
than that of steel.

If the above methods fail to free a seized nut,
carefully hacksaw through one side of the nut until it
can be split. Care should be taken that the threads of
the bolt or stud are not damaged.

Should a bolt or stud break below the surface of
the component, it will be necessary to use a screw
extractor to remove the remaining part. Follow the
screw extractor manuf acturers instructions.


Tap and die set and assorted screw extractors.

26 Engine Tune-up

1.6 Liter Engine
(1) Remove the nuts and washers securing the
upper air cleaner housing to the lower air cleaner
housing and release the retaining clips. (2) Remove the air cleaner element.
(3) Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing
using a damp rag to remo ve all traces of dust.
(4) Install a new air cleaner element ensuring that
the element is correctly seated around the edges.
(5) Install the upper housing and secure the
retaining clips. Tighten th e retaining nuts securely.
TO RENEW FUEL FILTER

filter should
The fuel
40 000 km.

(1) Depressurize the fuel system using the fol-
lowing procedure:

(a) Lift the front edge of the rear seat cushion
and remove the cushion from the vehicle.


When depressurizing the fuel system, remove the rear
seat cushion and disconnect the fuel pump wiring
connector.

(b) Disconnect the fuel pump wiring connector.
(c) Start and run the engine until it stalls.
Operate the starter motor for 10 seconds to ensure
that the fuel pressure has dissipated.
(2) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(3) Release the hose clamps and disconnect the
fuel hoses from the filter. Remove the filter from the
retaining clamp noting the direction of the arrow on
the filter body. On some models it will be necessary to remove the
screw from the side of the clamp to allow the filler to
be removed.

Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Install the fuel filter with the arrow facing the
direction noted on removal, that is, in the direction of
fuel flow.
(2) Ensure that the hose clamps are tightened
securely.
(3) Connect the fuel pump wiring connector and
install the rear seat cushion. (4) Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.
Rectify as necessary.
TO ADJUST DRIVE BELTS

It is essential that all drive belts are adjusted to
the correct tension to prevent slippage or premature
wear of the bearings in the alternator and, if equipped,
the power steering pump and air conditioner compres-
sor.

(1) Push down on the drive belt with a 10 kg
force midway between the pulleys of the drive belt
concerned.

On models with air conditioning, push down on
the upper section of the drive belt between the
compressor and crankshaft pulleys.

If the drive belt deflection is not within Specifi-
cations it will require adjustment as follows.

(2) Loosen the alternator and, if equipped, the
power steering pump pivot and adjusting bolts and

ALTERNATOR
POWER STEERING PUMP


be renewed every
Installed view of the fuel filter. Note the direction of the arrow on the filter prior to removal. Illustration of the alternator, power steering pump and

air conditioner compressor drive belts. The arrows
indicate the deflection measuring points.

Engine Tune-up 27

move the alternator or power steering pump as
required until the drive belt concerned has the
specified deflection.

On models with air conditioning, loosen the nut
in the centre of the idler pulley and turn the adjusting
bolt until the drive belt has the specified deflection.

(3) Tighten the alternator or power steering
pump bolts securely and check the belt tension.

On models with air conditioning, tighten the idler
pulley nut securely.

TO SERVICE SPARK PLUGS
The spark plugs should be renewed at intervals of
40 000 km.

Before removing the spark plugs ensure that the
area around each plug is cl ean to prevent foreign
matter entering the cylinder when the plugs are
removed.

Spark plugs removed from an engine in good
mechanical condition should have a light powdery
deposit ranging from light brown to grayish tan in
color. After considerable service the electrodes will
show signs of wear or no rmal burning. Spark plugs
showing a thick black oily deposit indicate an engine
in poor mechanical condition or possibly, that a plug
with too low a heat range has been installed.

Spark plugs showing a white or yellowish deposit
indicate sustained high speed driving or possibly that
plugs with too high a heat range have been installed,
particularly when these deposits are accompanied by
blistering of the porcelain and burning of the elec-
trodes.

If the spark plugs are to be cleaned, use a
sandblasting machine and blow clean with com-
pressed air. Ensure that all traces of abrasive grit are
removed from the spark plug threads and from the
well in the plug body. Carefully open the electrode gap
a little, by bending the side electrode, and lightly file
the electrodes flat with a points file.


Black damp deposits can be caused by excessive oil
consumption or incorrect plug type. Spark plugs in this
condition are usually not firing.
Cutaway view of spark plug showing a crack in the
insulator nose which can be caused by exerting pres-
sure against the centre electrode when adjusting the
gap. The other crack shown on the insulator is caused
by tilting the plug spanner.

When plug electrodes are eroded to this degree the
spark can be considered worn out and should be
renewed using a plug of the recommended heat range
.
CRACK

Engine 43
CAMSHAFT HOUSING TOP COVER
Front view of the 1.8 liter engine and automatic transaxle assembly removed from the vehicle.
release the driveshafts from the transaxle. Tie the
driveshafts to the underbody of the vehicle using wire
and ensuring that excessive st rain is not placed on the
joints.

NOTE: If the driveshafts will not release
from the transaxle, a lever can be used
between the driveshaft and the transaxle.
Care must be taken when using the lever not
to damage the transaxle oil seals.

(26) Remove the engine pipe from the engine.
Refer to the procedure at the end of this section if
necessary.
(27) Remove the engine crossmember retaining
bolts and nuts and remove the crossmember from
beneath the vehicle. (28) Attach the lifting tackle to the engine and
raise the engine slightly to take the weight off the
engine mountings. (29) Remove the front, rear, left and right engine
mounting bolts and nuts. Withdraw the mountings
from the engine compartment. (30) Slowly lower the engine and transaxle assem-
bly from the engine compartment. On air conditioned vehicles, remove the air
conditioning compressor an d hoses after the engine
has been lowered slightly. Secure the compressor to

one side, clear of the work area, with wire or similar.
NOTE: Do not disconnect the hoses from
the air conditioning compressor. Escaping
refrigerant can cause frostbite and eye dam-
age.

( 3 1 ) Lower the engine and transaxle assembly
onto a suitable trolley and maneuver the engine from
beneath the vehicle.

TO INSTAL
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Position the engine and transaxle assembly
beneath the front of the vehicle.
(2) Install the lifting tackle and raise the engine
assembly into position in the engine compartment.
NOTE: On air conditioned models, ensure
that the air conditioning compressor is in-
stalled to the engine as the engine is in-
stalled to the engine compartment.

(3) Install the engine and transaxle
assembly
mounting nuts, bolts and washers finger tight before
the full weight of the assembly is taken by the

46 Engine
(1) Ensure that all carbon and old gasket mate-
rial is cleaned from the manifold and cylinder head
faces. (2) Check the face of the manifold for distortion
using a straight edge and a feeler gauge. (3) Use a new gasket and ensure that the mani-
fold retaining nuts are tightened to the specified
torque in a spiral pattern from the centre outwards. (4) Adjust the throttle cabl e as described in the
Fuel and Engine Management section and the kick-
down cable as described in the Automatic Transaxle
section.
(5) Start the engine and check for air, fuel and
water leaks.
EXHAUST MANIFOLD

To Remove and Install
(1) Bring the engine to operating temperature
and remove the oxygen sensor.
(2) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(3) On 1.6 liter models, remove the air cleaner
nuts, disconnect the vacuum hose and withdraw the
air cleaner from the vehicle. (4) Remove the front exhaust pipe flange mount-
ing nuts and separate the exhaust pipe from the
manifold. (5) Remove the heat shield retaining bolts and
withdraw the heat shield from the exhaust manifold. (6) Remove the exhaust manifold to cylinder
head retaining nuts and remove the manifold from the
engine. Discard the manifold gasket. Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Ensure that all carbon is cleaned from the
manifold and cylinder head mating surfaces. (2) Check the face of the manifold for distortion
using a straight edge and feeler gauges. (3) Use new gaskets on assembly.
(4) Tighten the exhaust manifold retaining nuts
to the specified torque in the sequence shown in the
illustration. (5) Install the oxygen sensor. Refer to the Fuel
and Engine Management section. (6) Coat the threads of the front exhaust pipe to
manifold retaining nuts with an anti-seize solution
and tighten the nuts to the specified torque.
5. CAMSHAFT DRIVE BELT
Special Equipment Required:
To Adjust — Drive belt adjusting tool
TO REMOVE
(1) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(2) Raise the front of the vehicle, support it on
chassis stands and remove the right hand front wheel.
Refer to the Wheels and Tires section. (3) Remove the fasteners securing the engine
splash guard to the right hand front inner mudguard
and remove the splash guard. (4) Loosen the alternator adjusting bolt and if
equipped, the power steering and air conditioning
adjusting bolts. Remove the drive belt(s).


View of the exhaust manifold and components showing
the correct tightening sequence.

View of the 1.8 liter engine with the upper timing belt
cover removed showing the camshaft gear timing
marks. Inset shows the crankshaft pulley timing
marks.

48 Engine

TO INSTAL
(1) Check that the camshaft and crankshaft
timing gears have not been moved and that the timing
marks are still aligned. It will be necessary to tempo-
rarily install the crankshaft pulley to check that the
timing marks are still aligned. (2) Install the drive belt to the crankshaft timing
gear around the water pump gear and onto the
camshaft timing gear.
NOTE: If the original drive belt is being
installed, ensure that the arrow marked on
the belt prior to removal is pointing in the
direction of rotation.

(3) Use the adjusting tool to turn the water
pump assembly sufficiently to engage the water pump
pulley with the drive belt. (4) Install the inner cover lower retaining bolt.
(5) Ensure that the drive be lt is correctly meshed
with the teeth of the camshaft, crankshaft and water
pump gears. Install the crankshaft pulley and tighten
the bolts to Specifications. (6) Adjust the drive belt as described under the
following heading.
(7) Install the drive belt outer cover and fasten
the retaining clips. (8) Install and adjust the alternator and if
equipped, the power steeri ng and air conditioning
drive belts as desc ribed in the Engine Tune-up section.
TO ADJUST

(1) Remove the alternator drive belt and if
equipped, the power steering and air conditioning
drive belts. (2) Release the clips securing the camshaft drive
belt outer cover to the inner cover and remove the
outer cover. (3) Turn the engine in the direction of rotation
until the timing marks on the camshaft and the inner
cover are aligned. (4) Loosen the water pump retaining bolts and
using the adjusting tool, rotate the water pump
housing to gain the required belt tension. The belt is
correctly tensioned when it can be grasped between
the thumb and forefinger midway between the cam-
shaft timing gear and the water pump gear and turned
ninety degrees from i t s operating position.
After the belt has been tensioned, tighten the
water pump retaining bolts to the specified torque.

NOTE: Over tensioning of the drive belt will
result in noisy operation and premature
wear of the belt.

(6) Install the outer drive belt cover.
(7) Install and adjust the alternator, and if
equipped, the power steering and air conditioning
drive belts as desc ribed in the Engine Tune-up section. 6. CAMSHAFT. ROCKER ARMS AND TAPPETS

Special Equipment Required:
To Check Camshaft — Dial gauge, Vee blocks and
micrometers
To Install — Drive belt adjusting tool
It is recommended that a new cylinder head
gasket is installed and the cylinder head bolts renewed
when the camshaft housing is removed.

TO REMOVE
(1) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
Remove the nuts securing the earth wires to the
cylinder head bolts and remove the earth wires.
(2) On 1.6 liter models, remove the air cleaner
wingnuts and withdraw the air cleaner.
(3) Disconnect the engine breather hoses from
the camshaft housing and the camshaft housing top
cover. (4) Remove the camshaft housing top cover
retaining bolts and remove the top cover. Discard the
gasket.
(5) Remove the camshaft dr ive belt as described
under the previous heading. (6) Using an open ended spanner, hold the
camshaft between the inle t and exhaust lobes of
number four cylinder and remove the camshaft timing
gear retaining bolt and the camshaft timing gear.
(7) Remove the distributor, distributor cap and
high tension leads. If necessary refer to the Fuel and
Engine Management section. (8) Check the camshaft end float before remov-
ing the camshaft from the engine. Mount a dial gauge
to the cylinder block with the plunger bearing on the
distributor drive end of the camshaft. (9) Lever the camshaft towards the dial gauge
and zero the gauge. Move the camshaft in the opposite
direction away from the dial gauge and note the
reading obtained. Check this measurement against
Specifications.

Checking the camshaft end float.

70 Cooling and Heating Systems


Installed view of the heater hoses. 1.6 liter models with the air cleaner removed for clarity
.
When the engine is at normal operating
temperature and the heater valve is open,
both of the heater hoses should feel
warm/hot. If the valve is not allowing the
coolant to flow, one hose will be hot while
the other will be cold.

NO COOLED AIR INSIDE VEHICLE
(1) Compressor drive belt slipping or broken:
Renew and/or adjust the drive belt as described in the
Engine Tune-up section.
(2) Insufficient refrigerant: Check the system for
leaks and charge as necessary. Refer to the Air
Conditioning heading in th is section for information
on checking the refrigerant level. (3) Compressor inoperative: Check for power to
the compressor clutch before removing the compres-
sor for repair by a specialist. (4) Heater system allowing warm air to mix with
cooled air: Check the operation of the heater system.
NOTE: The above trouble shooting proce-
dures are basic checks only. If the air
conditioning system is suspect, it is rec-
ommended that the vehicle be taken to an
authorized dealer for testing and repair.
It is normal for water to be seen drain-
ing under the vehicle from the evaporator
after the vehicle has been operated with
the air conditioning on.

3. DESCRIPTION
The cooling system is of the sealed, pressurized
type with fan and water pump assistance. The system
is pressurized in order to raise the boiling point of the
coolant and so increase the efficiency of the engine.

Provision for pressure a nd vacuum relief of the
system is incorporated in the radiator cap.

The radiator overflow hose is connected to a
reserve tank mounted adjacent to the battery. As the
coolant volume expands due to an increase in tem-
perature, the pressure valve in the radiator cap opens
and allows the excess coolant to flow into the reserve
tank. When the engine is stopped and the temperature
of the coolant falls, the vacuum valve in the radiator
cap opens and allows the excess coolant in the reserve
tank to siphon back into the radiator. Thus the
necessity for frequent topping up of the coolant is
eliminated.

The temperature of the cooling system is con-
trolled by a thermostat located in the thermostat
housing attached to the cylinder head.

The thermostat prevents circulation of coolant
through the radiator by directing coolant through the
by-pass circuit, until the engine has reached operating
temperature. This restricted circulation allows the
engine to reach operating temperature quickly, im-
proving drivability and fuel economy.

Removal of the thermostat to cure overheating is
not recommended because th e by-pass circuit will
remain open reducing the amount of water flowing
through the radiator.

An anti-corrosion inhibitor should always be
added to the coolant to protect the cooling and
heating systems from corrosion.

The water pump is mounted to the front of the
engine and is driven by the camshaft drive belt. It is
equipped with a double row ball bearing and a spring
loaded seal assembly. The water pump is a disposable
unit and cannot be repaired.

The fan is driven by an electric motor which is
actuated by the coolant temperature sensor and the
control unit.

On vehicles equipped with air conditioning, an
additional electric fan is m ounted to the radiator. This
fan is controlled by a sw itch connected to the air
conditioning compressor.

The radiator consists of an aluminum core with
plastic side tanks. Minor damage to the core can be
repaired using Nissan repair agent.

The left hand tank of the radiator houses the
transaxle oil cooler on automatic transaxle models.

To drain the cooling system a drain plug is
provided on the lower radiator pipe outlet.

4. RADIATOR
NOTE: To avoid scalding, use caution when
releasing the radiator cap on an engine
which is at the normal operating tempera-
ture. Turn the cap anti-clockwise to the first
stop and allow any pressure in the system to
release. When the pressure is released turn
the cap past the stop and remove it from the
radiator.

Cooling and Heating Systems 71

TO DRAIN AND REFILL
(1) Place a drain tin under the radiator drain
plug.
(2) Switch the heater controls to the maximum
heat position. (3) Remove the radiator cap and open the
radiator drain plug.
(4) Disconnect the reserve tank hose from the
radiator filler neck. (5) Lower the end of the hose and drain the
coolant from the reserve tank. (6) After all the coolant has drained from the
cooling system, install the radiator drain plug
ensuring
that the plug seal is in good condition. (7) Disconnect the wire from the temperature
sender switch and remove the switch using a suitable
spanner.
(8) Using a clean container, mix Nissan long life
coolant with clean soft water to the proportions
stipulated on the coolant container.
(9) Slowly pour the premixed coolant into the
radiator until the radiator is full and all air has
escaped through the temperat ure sender switch hole.
Install the radiator cap. (10) Fill the coolant reserve tank to the Maxi-
mum mark.
(11) Start the engine and allow it to idle.
(12) When coolant starts to flow through the
temperature sender switch hole, install the temperature
sender switch and tighten securely. (13) Continue idling the engine until the cooling
fan is activated.
(14) Switch the engine off and allow it to cool.
(15) Refill the radiator using coolant and install
the radiator cap.

Dismantled view of the radiator and associated components. Automatic transaxle model with
air conditioning.