1987 NISSAN PULSAR brake

32
ROADSIDE TROUBLE SHOOTING
CAUTION: To prevent severe electrical shock extreme care must be taken w\
hen
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.

This section deals with the common causes of
engine failure to start, as inevitably there will come a
time when every driver will experience this problem
and will therefore need to call upon his own resources
to rectify the trouble. Roadside breakdowns other
than engine failure can be identified by reference to
the Trouble Shooting section on the particular com-
ponent affected.

1. TROUBLE SHOOTING
Trouble shooting is only a process of elimination
and provided the procedure is carried out correctly
and systematically an accur ate diagnosis of the trouble
can be made in the minimum amount of time.

For an internal combustion engine to run there
are three basic requirements, these are ignition, fuel
and compression. There are other factors of course
but as a rule an engine's failure to start can be
attributed to a fault in one of these three systems.

Reports from field engineers of motoring organi-
sations prove that the bigg est percentage of engine
breakdowns are in the order of ignition or electrical
failure first, followed by fuel, with mechanical or
compression failure the least common.

Should the engine fail to start, first check that
there is adequate fuel in the tank and if so. carry out
the following checking procedures in the order de-
scribed.

TO JUMP START A VEHICLE
NOTE: Jump starting a vehicle can be
dangerous if the procedure described below
is not performed correctly. If any doubt
exists, it is recommended that the services of
a competent mechanic be obtained.

The vehicles covered by this manual are
equipped with complex electronic circuitry
which can be damaged by voltage surges.
These voltage surges can be generated when

jump starting, or being jump started by
another vehicle. If av ailable use jumper
leads equipped with a surge protection de-
vice and follow the lead manufacturers in-
structions carefully, particularly regarding
the connection and disconnection of the
leads.

(1) Ensure that the booster battery is 12 volts
and the negative terminal is earthed.
(2) Ensure that the vehicles are not touching and
that the ignition and all accessories on both vehicles
are switched Off. (3) Ensure that the transmissions on both vehi-
cles are in Park or Neutral and the handbrakes are
firmly applied. (4) Remove the vent caps from the battery and
check the electrolyte level. Replenish with distilled
water as necessary.

View showing the correct jumper lead connections for
jump starting a vehicle. The leads shown are equipped
with a surge protection device.

Engine 45


Installed view of the inlet manifold. 1.6 liter models. Air
cleaner removed.
(8) Remove the bolts retaining the throttle cable
bracket to the inlet manifold and place the bracket
with cable(s) attached to one side.
(9) Suitably mark the supply and return fuel
hoses and disconnect them from the throttle body.
(10) Suitably mark and disconnect the air pre-
heat, map sensor, charcoal canister and brake booster
vacuum hoses from the throttle body. (11) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
throttle body. (12) Remove the inlet manifold nuts and with-
draw the inlet manifold assembly. Discard the gasket. Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Ensure that all the carbon and old gasket
material 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) Connect the vacuum hoses, the throttle cable
and where applicable, the kickdown cable. Adjust the
throttle cable as outlined in the Fuel and Engine
Management section and the kickdown cable as
described in the Automatic Transaxle section. (5) Fill the cooling system as described in the
Cooling and Heating Systems section. (6) Start the engine and check for air, fuel and
water leaks.
INLET MANIFOLD - 1.8 Liter Models
To Remove and Install
NOTE: Due to the high residual pressure
within the fuel system, it will be necessary to
depressurise the system before removing any
fuel supply components. Refer to the Fuel

and Engine Management section for the
correct procedure.

(1) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(2) Loosen the hose clamp and disconnect the
air inlet duct from the throttle body. (3) Suitably mark and disconnect the vacuum
hoses from the throttle body. (4) On automatic transaxle models disconnect
the kickdown cable from the throttle lever by releasing
the wire spring clip and re moving the cable and socket
from the ball. (5) Turn the throttle lever to the full throttle
position. Using the slack in the throttle cable, release
the throttle cable end thr ough the slot provided.
(6) Remove the bolts retaining the throttle cable
bracket to the inlet manifold and place the bracket
with cable(s) attached to one side. (7) Disconnect the wiring connectors from the
idle air control (IAC) valve and the throttle position
sensor (TPS).
(8) Disconnect the wiring connectors from the
fuel injectors and manifold air temperature (MAT)
sensor.
NOTE: A small screwdriver or similar tool
can be used to release the wire spring clips
on the injector connectors.

(9) Suitably mark and disconnect the fuel supply
and return lines from the fuel rail. (10) Remove the inlet manifold nuts and with-
draw the inlet manifold assembly. Discard the gasket. Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:


View of the inlet manifold removed from the engine.

Engine
edge of the bearing cap to cylinder block joint. Install
the bearing cap bolts and tighten to the specified
torque.

(17) Lubricate the l i p of the new oil seal with
lithium grease and carefully install the seal into
position over the crankshaft . Insert the seal as far as
possible using finger pressure and then fully install the
sea! using a tubular drift. Ensure that the seal is not
damaged during installation and that the seal is
mounted square to the block face.
(18) Install the remainder of the engine
compo-
nents by referring to the relevant headings in
this
section.
TO RENEW CRANKSHAFT OIL SEALS

Front
(1) Remove the camshaft drive belt as previ-
ously described.
(2) Disconnect the lower radiator hose and drain
the cooling system. (3) Select fifth gear on manual transaxle models
and firmly apply the handbrake. (4) On automatic transaxle models, remove the
torque converter inspection cover to allow access to
the ring gear. Have an assi stant hold the ring gear
using a suitable lever. (5) Remove the crankshaft timing gear retaining
bolt and discard. (6) Remove the crankshaft timing gear from the
crankshaft. It may be necessary to lever the gear from
the crankshaft using two screwdrivers. Remove the
key and spacer from the crankshaft. (7) Using a centre punch, tap a small hole in the
front face of the oil seal. (8) Insert a self tapping screw into the hole.
(9) Remove the seal from the oil pump by
gripping and pulling the end of the screw with a pair
of pliers. (10) Coat the l i p of a new seal with multi-purpose
grease. (11) Install the oil seal to the oil pump using a
tubular drift. Ensure that the lip of the oil seal faces
the inside of the housing.
(12) Install the remaining components in the re-
verse order of removal, usi ng a new crankshaft timing
gear retaining bolt and referring to the relevant
headings in this section as necessary.
Rear

(1) Remove the automatic transaxle or manual
transaxle as described in the appropriate section. (2) Remove the flywheel/drive plate as described
under the following heading. (3) Lever the oil seal from the rear of the
crankcase being careful not to damage the crankshaft.
(4) Coat the lip of a new seal with Lithium
grease.
(5) Install the oil seal over the crankshaft. Ensure
that the li p of the oil sea l faces towards the engine.
(6) Insert the seal as far as possible using finger
pressure, and then fully seat the seal using a tubular
drift. (7) Install the remaining components in the
re-
verse order of removal, referring to the relevant
headings in this section as necessary.
12. FLYWHEEL/DRIVE PLATE

Special Equipment Required:
To Renew Ring Gear — Suitable heat source
TO REMOVE
(1) Remove the transaxle from the vehicle as
described in the Manual or Automatic Transaxle
sections, whichever is applicable. (2) On manual transaxle models, mark the fly-
wheel and the clutch pressure plate cover to ensure
correct assembly.
View of the drive plate and retaining bolts.
Progressively loosen and remove the pressure
plate retaining bolts.

Using a dial gauge, check the runout of the clutch
face contacting surface of the flywheel. If the runout
exceeds 0.3 mm have the flywheel face surfaced by a
clutch specialist or authorized dealer.

(3) Suitably mark the flywheel or drive plate so
that the unit can be installed in the original position
on the crankshaft. Remove the retaining bolts. (4) Lift the flywheel or drive plate from the
engine.
TO CHECK AND INSPECT

Inspect the clutch face contacting surface of the
flywheel for cracks or excessive scoring.

(2) Inspect the ring gear teeth for damage, cracks
or wear. The ring gear on manual transaxle models
can be renewed separately from the flywheel, but on

66 Engine

View of the rear engine mounting. Automatic transaxle models.
(4) Remove the bolt retaining the exhaust
mounting to the engine mounting bracket. (5) Remove the engine mounting through bolt.
(6) Remove the bolts and nuts retaining the
engine mounting to the floor panel and remove the
mounting from the vehicle.
(7) On manual transaxle models, the torque
damper can be removed after removal of the through
bolts and nuts. (8) If necessary, remove the bolts retaining the
support bracket to the engine and withdraw the
support bracket.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure.

14. EXHAUST SYSTEM
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL

Engine Pipe
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands. (2) Remove the nuts retaining the engine pipe to
the exhaust manifold flange.

NOTE: It is advisable to soak all exhaust
system nuts and bolts wi th penetrating oil to
prevent breakage when removing.

(3) Remove the bolts from the flexible joint and
withdraw the engine pipe from the vehicle. Discard
the gasket.

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

(1) Clean any carbon build up from the exhaust
flange and pipe joints. (2) Inspect the condition of the flexible joint
spring. Renew the engine pipe assembly if necessary. (3) Use a new exhaust manifold flange gasket
and coat the manifold studs with anti-seize com-
pound. (4) Ensure that all nuts and bolts are tightened
securely.
Rear System

(1) Raise the front and rear of the vehicle and
support it on chassis stands. (2) Loosen the clamp securing the tailpipe and
muffler assembly to the rear pipe. (3) Remove the mounting bolts and slide the
tailpipe and muffler assembly from the rear pipe.
NOTE; Should difficulty be experienced
when separating the exhaust pipes, they
may be cut with a hacksaw or pipe cutter if
a replacement system is to be installed.

If heat is used to loosen frozen joints take
extreme care near floor panels, fuel and
brake lines or electrical wiring.

(4) Remove the bolts from the intermediate pipe
and rear pipe mountings and lower the exhaust
system. Use care not to drop the catalytic converter.
(5) If necessary the cataly tic converter can be
removed from the intermediate pipe and the rear pipe
assembly by removing the retaining bolts.

Underbody view of the exhaust system. Underbody view of the tailpipe and muffler.

Cooling and Heating Systems 69

the cylinder head or cylinder block and renew the
cylinder head gasket.

(2) Crack in the cylinder head or cylinder block:
Repair or renew as necessary.

NOTE; Check the engine for internal leak-
age by withdrawing the dipstick and inspect-
ing for emulsified oil. Run the engine and
check for excessive steam at the exhaust
pipe which would indi cate coolant leakage
into the combustion chamber.

COOLANT LOSS BY OVERFLOW
(1) Overfull system: Drain the excess coolant
from the system.
(2) Faulty radiator cap: Renew the faulty cap.
(3) Blocked radiator core tubes: Clean or renew
the radiator core.

(4) Faulty thermostat: Renew the thermostat.
(5) Coolant foaming due to poor quality anti-
freeze or corrosion inhibitor: Drain the system and
renew the coolant and additive.

Renew the radiator cap if the sealing rubber has
deteriorated.
ENGINE OVERHEATING
(1) Radiator cap defective: Renew the radiator
cap.
(2) Incorrect fuel mixture: Check the fuel system
as described in the Fuel and Engine Management
section. (3) Obstructed air passage through the radiator
core from the front to the rear: Blow the obstruction
from the rear to the front of the radiator core using
compressed air or water pressure. (4) Faulty thermostat: Renew the thermostat.
(5) Incorrect ignition timing: Check and adjust
the ignition timing as described in the Engine Tune-up
section. (6) Incorrect valve timing: Set the valve timing
as described in th e Engine section.
(7) Loss of coolant from the overflow: Check
and rectify as described under the heading Coolant
Loss By Overflow.
(8) Poor circulation: Check and rectify as de-
scribed under the heading Coolant Circulation Faulty.
(9) Low engine oil level: Stop the engine imme-
diately and replenish the oil in the sump. (10) Restricted muffler, catalytic converter or
damaged tailpipe, accompanied by loss of power:
Remove the restrictions or renew the faulty com-
ponents as necessary.
(11) Incorrectly adjusted or dragging brakes:
Check and rectify by adjustment or renewal of
components. (12) Faulty temperature gauge and/or sender unit:
Check and rectify as necessary.
NOTE: Engine overheating is indicated by
an excessive rise in engine temperature
shown by the temperature gauge.

Overheating is usually accompanied by
steam emitting from the coolant overflow
pipe and loss of engine power. A blown
cylinder head gasket may be indicated by
bubbles in the coolant.

COOLANT CIRCULATION FAULTY
(1) Partial blockage of the radiator core tubes:
reverse flush or renew the radiator core.
(2) Sludge deposits in the engine water jacket:
Clean and flush the engine water jacket and add
inhibitor to the coolant. (3) Faulty water pump: Renew the water pump.
(4) Faulty thermostat: Renew the thermostat.
(5) Collapsing lower radiator hose: Renew the
lower radiator hose and check the radiator core tubes. (6) Insufficient coolant in the system: Replenish
the coolant and check for leaks.
NOTE: If rust or sludge deposits are sus-
pected, check the color of the coolant in the
radiator. Rusty or muddy coolant indicates
rust or sludge in the system.

2. HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER TROUBLE SHOOTING

NO HOT AIR INSIDE VEHICLE
Faulty thermostat: Renew the thermostat.
Faulty heater valve: Check and renew the

Blocked heater hoses: Remove the blockage.
Blocked heater core: Clean or renew the core.

NOTE: Ensure that the engine is reaching
normal operating temperature. If in doubt
check the operation of the thermostat as
described under the Thermostat heading in
this section.

(1)
(2)
valve.
(3)
(4)

Fuel and Engine Management 91
components, erase the self diagnosis memory as
described under the following heading.

(7) Repeat the self diagnosis test procedure and
ensure that code 12 is displayed.

To Erase Memory
(1) With the ignition Off, remove the fusible link
that is positioned third from the front of the fusible
link connecting block located at the rear of the
battery. (2) Install the fusible link after 10 seconds.

View showing the location of the fusible links.
TO CHECK AND ADJUST IGNITION TIMING
(1) Connect a timing light to the engine as
previously described under the Service Precautions
and Procedures heading.
(2) Start the engine and allow it to reach normal
operating temperature. (3) Connect a jumper lead between terminals A
and B on the diagnostic link connector. (4) With the engine idling at the specified speed,
check the ignition timing with the timing light.
The timing mark on the crankshaft pulley should
be aligned with the pointer on the inner liming belt
cover.

(5) If necessary, loosen the distributor body
retaining nuts and turn the distributor until the timing
marks are aligned. (6) Tighten the distributor body retaining nuts
and check that the timing is correct. (7) Remove the jumper lead from the diagnostic
link connector and disconnect the timing light from
the engine.
TO ADJUST BASE IDLE SPEED

NOTE: The idle speed is controlled by the
idle air control (IAC) valve and is not

adjustable. The throttle stop screw controls
the base idle speed a nd is factory set. The
following base idle speed adjustment should
only be performed if the throttle body has
been renewed, or if comprehensive testing of
related components indicates that adjust-
ment is required.

(1) Before adjusting the base idle speed perform
the following tests;

(a) Check the spark plug gaps, the high tension
leads and the ignition timin g as described previously
in the Engine Tune-up section.
(b) Check the air inlet syst em for leaks between
the throttle body and inlet manifold and the inlet
manifold and cylinder head.
NOTE; Any vacuum leaks will make the
engine idle faster than it should.

(c) Check that all wiring connectors and vacuum
hoses are securely connected. (d) Ensure that the transaxle is in Park or
Neutral. (e) Ensure that the air cleaner element is service-
able.

(2) On 1.6 liter engines, remove the air cleaner
assembly, disconnect the vacuum hose from the
throttle body and seal the vacuum hose fitting.
(3) Ensure that the throttle valve moves freely
and returns to the fully closed position when slowly
released. (4) Connect an accurate tachometer to the en-
gine as previously descri bed under the Service Pre-
cautions and Procedures heading.
(5) Start the engine and allow the engine to
warm up and the idle rpm to stabilize. Check that all
electrical accessories and the air conditioning, if
equipped, are turned off. (6) With the engine idling in Park or Neutral,
slowly disconnect the brake servo unit vacuum supply
hose from the inlet manifold. Allow the engine to run
for one minute.
Location of the base idle adjusting screw. 1.8 liter
engine.

Fuel and Engine Management 97
circuitry do not immerse it in cleaning
solvent as this may result in irreparable
damage.

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

(1) Lubricate the new O ring seals with auto-
matic transmission fluid prior to installing them to the
injector. If removed, ensure that the lower filter screen
is installed. (2) Firmly push the injector into the throttle
body assembly until it is fully seated, ensuring that the
injector connection terminals face towards the rear of
the vehicle.
(3) Apply Loctite 262 to the injector retaining
plate screw and tighten securely.
(4) Start the engine and check for fuel leaks as
previously described.
(5) Install the air cleaner and tighten the retain-
ing nuts securely.
FUEL METER ASSEMBLY - 1.6 LITRE
ENGINE

To Remove and Install
(1) Remove the injector as previously described.
(2) Mark the fuel supp ly and return hoses,
release the clamps and disconnect the hoses from the
fuel meter assembly.
(3) Remove the air cleaner assembly base gasket
from the fuel meter assembly. (4) Remove the bolts and screws securing the
fuel meter assembly to the throttle body and remove the fuel meter assembly. Remove and discard the
gasket.

(5) If necessary, remove the fuel pressure regu-
lator as previously described.

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

(1) If removed, install the fuel pressure
regulator
as previously described.
(2) Place a new gasket on the throttle body,
aligning the holes in the gasket with those in the
throttle body, ensuring that the idle air passage is not
blocked. (3) Coat the fuel meter assembly retaining
screws with Loctite 26 2 and tighten securely.
(4) Install the fuel meter assembly retaining bolts
and tighten to the specified torque.
(5) Connect the fuel supply and return hoses and
tighten the clamps securely. (6) Install the injector as previously described.
(7) Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.
Rectify as necessary. (8) Install the air cleaner assembly.
FUEL TANK

To Remove and Install
(1) Depressurize the fuel system as previously
described.
(2) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(3) Remove the fuel pump cover plate retaining
screws, disconnect the wi ring harness rubber grommet
from the cover plate and remove the cover plate from
the wiring harness. (4) Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands. Refer to the Wheels and Tires
section if necessary. (5) Remove the fuel tank drain plug and drain
the fuel into a petroleum resistant container. (6) Mark the fuel hoses and disconnect the hoses
from the fuel pump.
(7) Disconnect the hoses from the fuel filler neck
pipe, the fuel check valve and the fuel tank breather
pipe.
View of the fuel meter assembly removed from the
throttle body. HANDBRAKE CABLE MOUNTING
Installed view of the fuel tank.

Fuel and Engine Management
(8) Remove the bolts retaining the intermediate
exhaust pipe to the rear of the catalytic converter,
remove the bolt securing the exhaust mounting to the
underbody and slightly lower the intermediate exhaust
pipe. Support the intermediate pipe to prevent the
tailpipe fouling the lower bumper panel.
(9) Remove the bolts retaining the stabilizer bar
mounting brackets to the underbody and allow the
stabilizer bar to drop.
(10) Remove the bolts retaining the exhaust heat
shield to the underbody, located at the front of the
fuel tank. (11) Remove the handbrake cable mounting
bracket retaining nuts and remove the mounting
brackets from the mounting studs. (12) Remove the fuel tank retaining bolts and
maneuver the fuel tank from the vehicle. Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) When installing the fuel tank, ensure that the
fuel pump wiring harness is directed through the
aperture in the floor. (2) Install the stabilizer bar mounting
bracket
bolts and tighten to the specified torque. Refer to the
Rear Suspension section.
(3) Using a new gasket, install the intermediate
exhaust pipe to the catalyti c converter ensuring that
the earth wire terminal is installed and tighten the
bolts securely. (4) Connect the fuel filler neck hose, the fuel
check valve hose and the breat her hose ensuring that
they are secured firmly. (5) Tighten the fuel tank drain plug to the
specified torque. (6) Connect the fuel hoses to the fuel pump,
using the marks made during removal to ensure
correct installation. (7) Install the fuel pump wiring harness and the
rubber grommet to the fuel pump cover plate. Install
the cover plate and tighten the retaining bolts se-
curely.
(8) Connect the fuel pump wiring connector
securely. (9) Check for fuel leaks as previously described.
6. AIR FLOW COMPONENTS
NOTE: Before proceeding with any of the
operations in this section, refer to the Ser-
vice Precautions and Procedures heading.

AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY
To Renew Element
The procedure for renewing the air cleaner ele-
ment is covered in the Engine Tune-up section.

To Remove and Install — 1.8 Liter Engine
(1) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(2) Release the air intake hose retaining clamps,
disconnect the hose from the air cleaner upper
housing and the throttle body and remove the hose. (3) Remove the screw securing the air cleaner
intake duct to the front panel mounting bracket. (4) Remove the hexagon head screws retaining
the air cleaner mounting bracket to the right hand
inner mudguard and remove the air cleaner from the
engine compartment. (5) Release the upper housing retaining clips,
separate the upper housing from the lower housing
and remove the element. (6) Remove the air cleaner intake duct retaining
screw and disconnect the duct from the lower air
cleaner housing. (7) If necessary, remove the bolts securing the
mounting bracket to the ai r cleaner lower housing and
separate the mounting bracket from the housing. (8) Thoroughly clean the upper and lower hous-
ings in cleaning solvent and check for cracks, splits or
damage that would allow unfiltered air to enter the
engine. Renew any components as necessary.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Ensure that the r ubber insulators are in-
Dismantled view of the ai r cleaner assembly. 1.8 liter
engine.