1987 NISSAN PULSAR service

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION........................................ 5
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION AND
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS................. 7
GENERAL INFORMATION...................... 8
Tools and equipment ............................................. 8 Safety .................................................................... 10
General repair procedures..................................... 11
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE... 14
Specifications......................................................... 14
How to grease and oil change .............................. 14
Service schedule ................................................... 17
WHEELS AND TYRES............................. 21
Specifications......................................................... 21
How to change a road wheel ................................ 21
Tire wear troubl e shooting ..................................... 22
Care and main tenance ......................................... 23
ENGINE TUNE-UP.................................... 25
Tune-up specifications ........................................... 25
Tune-up operat ions............................................... 25
ROADSIDE TROUBLE SHOOTING....... 32
Trouble shoot ing.................................................... 32
To check ignition and el ectrical system ................ 33
To check fuel system ............................................ 34
To check mechani cal system ................................ 35
ENGINE....................................................... 37
Specifications ........................................................ 37
Engine mechanical tr ouble shooting ...................... 39
Description ............................................................ 41
Engine and transaxle assembly ........................... 42
Manifolds ............................................................... 44 Camshaft, rocker arms and tappets..................... 48
Cylinder head........................................................ 50
Engine sump and oil pum p pickup pipe................ 54
Oil pump ............................................................... 55
Pistons, connecting rods and cylinder bores ........ 57
Crankshaft and bearings ...................................... 60
Flywheel /drive plate............................................... 63
Engine mountings.................................................. 64
Exhaust system .................................................... 66
COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEMS.... 68
Specifications ........................................................ 68 Cooling system trouble shooting ........................... 68
Heater and air conditioner trouble shooting ......... 69 Description ............................................................ 70
Radiator ................................................................ 70
Cooling fan ............................................................ 73
Thermost at............................................................ 75
Thermostat housing .............................................. 76
Water pump .......................................................... 76
Welch plugs .......................................................... 76
Heater unit, water valv e and controls ................... 77
Blower fan ............................................................. 80
Air condition ing ..................................................... 80
FUEL AND ENGINE MANAGEMENT ... 82
Specifications ........................................................ 82 Fuel and engine management trouble shooting ... 82
Description ............................................................ 84
Service precautions and procedures
..................... 86
System diagnosis and adjustments ...................... 89
Fuel supply components ....................................... 92
Air flow components .............................................. 98
Electronic components .......................................... 104
EMISSION CONTROL............................. 117
Introduction ........................................................... 117
Crankcase ventilati on system............................... 117
Evaporate control system..................................... 117
Air preheat system — 1.6 liter engines ................ 119
Exhaust control system ........................................ 120
CLUTCH...................................................... 121
Specifications........................................................ 121
Clutch trouble shooting......................................... 121
Description ............................................................ 122
Clutch unit and release mechanism..................... 123
Clutch pedal ......................................................... 124
Clutch c able.......................................................... 124
Clutch adjustments ............................................... 125
MANUAL TRANSAXLE AND
DRIVE SHAFTS......................................... 126
Specifications ........................................................ 126
Manual transaxle and drive shaft trouble shooting 126
Description............................................................ 128
Transaxle assembly.............................................. 129
Differential and final drive assembly ..................... 135
Gear lever assembly ............................................ 136
Drive shafts .......................................................... 137
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE....................... 140
Specifications........................................................ 140
Automatic transaxle trouble shooting.................... 140
Description............................................................ 141
Transaxle fluid ...................................................... 141
Brake band........................................................... 142
Kickdown cable .................................................... 142
Transaxle select or linkage ................................... 142
Neutral safety switch ............................................ 142
Transaxle assembly .............................................. 143
STEERING................................................. 145
PART 1. STEERING TROUBLE SHOOTING....145
Faults, causes and remedies................................ 145
PART 2. MANUA L STEERING......................... 147
Specifications ........................................................ 147
Description............................................................ 147
Steering wheel ...................................................... 147
Steering column.................................................... 148
Steering gear assembly ....................................... 149
PART 3. POWE R STEERING .......................... 152
Specifications........................................................ 152
Description............................................................ 152
In car adjustments, checks and minor repairs ..... 152
Steering wheel ...................................................... 153
Steering column.................................................... 153 Power steering pump ........................................... 153
Power steering gear assembly............................. 154

INTRODUCTION
This Service and Repair Manual
covers the Australian manufac-
tured Nissan Pulsar (hatchback) and Vector (sedan) N13 Series 1
(J87 - 91 and
the Holden Astra LD Series 1987 - 89.

Two engines were available: a 1.8 l i t e r engine with multi-point fuel injec-
tion, and a 1.6 liter throttle body injected engine. The engines are similar
having single overhead camshafts and computer controlled fuel injection and
ignition control. There was a choice of three speed automatic or five speed
manual transaxles.

A viscous coupling limited s l i p differential was introduced from July 1989
to the five speed manual transaxle models of the Pulsar Q and Vector SSS.

Disc brakes are fitted at the front of a l l models, while the rear brakes are
either discs or drums.

All models are equipped with independent coil spring suspension. Steering
can be by either manual or power assisted rack and pinion.

This manual includes information on trouble shooting, lubrication and
maintenance, specifications and the rem oval, installation and overhaul of com-
ponents which are considered to be with in the scope of the average, well
equipped home mechanic.

Certain repair jobs covered in this manual require the use of special
equipment not normally found in a home tool kit. When such equipment is
required, the equipment and i t s functi on is brought to the users attention
underneath the heading for that component. Some jobs, such as automatic
transmission overhaul, should he left to an authorized dealer or a specialist
who has the extensive knowledge and equi pment required. In these cases, the
removal and installation procedures are fully covered, enabling the unit to be
removed for repair or a reconditioned unit to be installed.

Reference in the manual to the left an d right hand sides of the vehicle are
from the point of view of someone sta nding at the back of the vehicle and
looking forward.

Inexperienced operators should not a ttempt a service or repair operation
before completely reading the appropriat e section (or other sections which may
be referred to) in the manual.

14
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS
CAPACITY AND GRADE
Engine:
Lubricant........................................... 15W-50 SF
Sump capacity including filter ........... 3.3 liters
Cooling system capacity............................ 6.0 liters
Manual transaxle:
Lubricant....................................... 80W-90 GL-4
Capacity ............................................... 2.7 liters
Automatic transaxle:
Lubricant.............................................. Dexron II
Capacity ............................................... 6.0 liters
Power steering:
Lubricant.............................................. Dexron II
Capacity ............................................... 1.0 liters
Manual steering lubricant ........ Castrol EPLl grease
Brake fluid type ................................................ Dot 4
1. HOW TO GREASE AND OIL CHANGE
(1) Run the front of the vehicle onto car ramps
and stop the engine. Chock the front wheels. (2) Raise the rear of the vehicle and place
chassis stands under the rear jacking points.
NOTE: It is best if the vehicle is kept as level
as possible to avoi d false readings when
checking the lubricant levels.



(3) Clean around the engine sump drain plug.
(4) Place a drain tin under the engine sump,
remove the engine sump drain plug and allow the
engine sump to completely drain.
NOTE: It is best to drain the engine sump
with the oil at operating temperature. How-
ever, if the oil is hot take care to avoid
scalding.

(5) Check that the sealing gasket on the sump
plug is in a serviceable condition. (6) When the engine sump has completely
drained, install and firmly tighten the sump drain plug.
Wipe around the plug after installation. (7) Place the drain tin under the oil filler,
remove the oil filter using a filter removal tool and
allow the residual engine oil to drain. Smear the
scaling ring of the new filter with engine oil and
lighten the filter by hand as per the instructions
supplied with the new filter.
NOTE: Before installing the new filter, en-
sure that the sealing gasket from the old
filter has not adhered to the filter sealing
surface on the engine.

(8) Remove the level checking plug from the

Location of the engine sump drain plug.
Removing the engine oil filter using a filter removal tool.

16 Lubrication and Maintenance

Underbonnet view of the 1.6 liter engine. Manual transaxle model.
oil into the engine in one go as sometimes
the amounts specified are only approximate.
If is best to hold back at least half a liter and
top up the level after the engine has been run
for a few minutes.

(10) Check thoroughly for oil leaks at the engine
sump drain plug and oil filter if a new filter was
installed.

(11) Referring to the service schedule, lubricate
and check all other items which coincide with the
grease and oil change intervals.
(12) Lower the vehicle to the ground.

Lubrication and Maintenance 17
2. SERVICE SCHEDULE

This Section Removed

Wheels and Tires 23
(3) Excessive play in the front suspension ball
joints: Check and renew the ball joints.
(4) Excessive play in the hub bearing assembly:
Check and renew the hub bearing assembly.
WORN SPOTS ON CENTRE OF TREAD

(1) Static unbalance of the wheel and tire asem-
bly: Check the balance of the wheel and tire assembly
(2) Radial run out (eccentricity) of the wheel:
Check and renew the wheel.
FEATHERED EDGES ON TREAD PATTERN

(1) Excessive speed when cornering: Revise driv-
ing habits. (2) Excessive toe-in or toe-out: Check and adjust
the wheel alignment.

(3) Bent, loose or worn suspension components:
Check and renew any faulty components.

NOTE: To preserve tire life it is good policy
to periodically have the front wheel balanced
and the steering geometry checked on a
reliable wheel alignment machine.

Under no circumstances mix radial ply
and conventional ply tire s. Install only tires
of the same construction to all four wheels.

3. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
STEEL WHEELS
Steel wheels should be regularly cleaned of all
foreign matter, such as dirt and mud. If foreign matter
is allowed to build up it will affect the balance of the
wheel and may cause vibrations and uneven tire wear.
If the paint has been chipped or scratched it should be
touched up as soon as possible to prevent rust.

Any minor damage to the wheel rim can usually
be repaired using a suitable hammer after the wheel
has been removed from the vehicle. However, any
major rim damage or buckling of the wheel will
necessitate the renewal of the wheel. It is good policy
to occasionally remove the wheels from the vehicle
and inspect them for damage, cracks or corrosion.

ALLOY WHEELS
Alloy wheels should be regularly cleaned of all
foreign matter such as dirt and mud. If foreign matter

Wheels should be cleaned regularly of dirt and mud.
is allowed to build up it will affect the balance of the
wheel and may cause vibrations and uneven tire wear.

The alloy wheels are coated with a clear protective
finish. Do not use abrasive cleaner, polishing com-
pounds, steel wool etc. when cleaning the wheels. Only
mild soap and warm wate r are recommended. Alloy
wheels are particularly su sceptible to corrosion dam-
age particularly if exposed to salt water.

Alloy wheels being relatively soft in comparison to
steel are easily scuffed, however, this will not affect the
serviceability of the wheel. Where heavy damage has
been sustained to the wheel it should be renewed.
Buckling or cracking of an alloy wheel cannot be
repaired.

TYRES
The depth of the tire tread grooves should never
be allowed to be less than 1.5 mm before the tires are
renewed. The tires should also be renewed when any
damage, whether it be internal or external, is evident.
Minor punctures or leaks s hould be properly repaired.
Refer the tire to a tire spec ialist if there is any doubt
about the serviceability of the tire.

The tread, tread grooves and sidewalls should be
regularly inspected for foreign matter i.e. nails, stones
etc. Where foreign matter is detected it should be
removed from the tire and if necessary, the puncture
repaired.

The tire valves should always have the caps
installed, be regularly cleaned of dirt or dust and be
inspected for leakage and damage every time the tire
pressures are checked.

Regularly inspect the tread of the tires for signs of
uneven wear. If uneven wear is apparent, refer to the
heading Tire Wear Trouble Shooting in this section
for possible causes and cures. If the uneven tire wear
is noticed early enough, the cause correctly identified
and the necessary cure carried out, the life of the tire
should be extended.

25
ENGINE TUNE-UP
CAUTION: To prevent severe electrical shock, extreme care must be taken when
working on or near the electronic ignition system as dangerous high tension voltages
are produced in both the primary and secondary circuits. See the text fo\
r
precautionary notes.

1. TUNE-UP SPECIFICATIONS
Firing orde r................................................... 1 -3-4-2
Spark plugs:
Type .............................................NGK BPR 6ES
Gap ........................................................... 1.1 mm
Tightening torque...................................... 20 Nm
Ignition timing with diagnostic link
connector jumped........................... 10 deg BTDC
Idle speed (ECU controlled):
Manual transaxle 1.8 liter ............ 850 ± 50 rpm
Manual transaxle 1.6 liter............800 ± 50 rpm
Automatic transaxle
(Park or Neutral).......................... 825 ± 50 rpm
Drive belt deflection:
Alternator ........................................... 14-16 mm
Power steering pump ......................... 14-16 mm
Air conditioner compressor .................. 9-11 mm
NOTE: When performing an engine tune-
up, a/ways compare the above Specifications
with the emission control information label
inside the engine compartment.

2. TUNE-UP OPERATIONS
Special Equipment Required:
To Test Compression — Compression gauge
TO SERVICE AIR CLEANER
The air cleaner is equipped with a paper element.
The element should be regu larly inspected but should
not be cleaned in service.

The element should be renewed every 40 000 km.
This distance is only a guide for normal operating
conditions and should be reduced accordingly if the
vehicle is operating under ex tremely dusty conditions.

NOTE: Paper air cleaner elements should
not be washed in petrol or any other type of
cleaning solvent. If the element has been
washed in solvent or has become oil soaked,
it should be discarded and a new element
installed.

1.8 Liter Engine
(1) Release the clamp securing the air intake
hose to the throttle body and disconnect the throttle
cable from the support bracket. (2) Release the clips reta ining the upper air
cleaner housing to the lowe r air cleaner housing and
raise the upper housing while disconnecting the air
intake hose from the throttle body. Remove the air
cleaner element.

The air cleaner element should be renewed at 40 000
km intervals. 1.8 liter engine.
(3) Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing
using a damp rag to remove all traces of dust and
check the upper housing and air inlet hose for cracks
and air leaks. Renew if necessary. (4) Install a new air cleaner element to the lower
housing ensuring that the element is correctly seated
around the edges. (5) Install the upper housing and lock the clips,
securing it to the lower housing. Connect the air
intake hose to the throttle body and the throttle cable
to the support bracket. Tighten the hose clamp
securely. (6) Start the engine and check the air cleaner
assembly for air leaks.

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