1987 NISSAN PULSAR oil level

120 Emission Control
If the flap does not operate as described, renew
the air cleaner housing.

(2) Disconnect the vacuum hose from the servo
unit and connect it to a vacuum gauge.
(3) Start and run the engine at approximately
1 200 rpm. If the engine is cold there should be
vacuum. (4) As the engine temperature increases the
vacuum should decrease to zero. If the vacuum gauge does not read as described,
check that the vacuum supply hose is connected to the
thermal vacuum valve and the throttle body.

If no fault is found, renew the thermal vacuum
valve.

4. EXHAUST CONTROL SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The exhaust system is the greatest source of
pollutant emission from the internal combustion
engine.

On the Pulsar range of vehicles covered by this
manual, the exhaust control system consists of a
catalytic converter and the engine management sys-
tem. The engine management system constantly mon-
itors the exhaust gases via an oxygen sensor located in
the exhaust system. Fuel injection is then adjusted
accordingly to give the minimum amount of exhaust
emissions. Refer to the Fuel and Engine Management
section for further information.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter, which is located in the
exhaust system, converts hydrocarbons, oxides of
nitrogen and carbon monoxide present in the exhaust
gases into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water and heat.

The catalytic converter does not require periodic
maintenance or replacement under normal circum-
stances. However, it can be damaged or poisoned by
excessively high exhaust gas temperatures, raw fuel
and the use of leaded fuel.

Installed view of the catalytic converter.
To prevent the use of leaded fuel, a small diam-
eter fuel filler neck with a spring loaded trap door is
used.

To prevent damage to the catalytic converter, the
following precautions sh ould be observed.

(1) Do not operate the vehicle on leaded fuel.
(2) Do not push or tow start the vehicle.
(3) Do not allow the engine to idle for prolonged
periods. (4) Do not operate the vehicle if the engine is
misfiring.
(5) Avoid running the vehicle out of fuel.
(6) Ensure that the engine oil is formulated to
contain low phosphorous levels.
To Inspect Catalytic Converter

(1) Inspect the converter for dents and damage.
If the converter is damaged, it should be renewed. (2) Inspect the converter heat shield for damage
and ensure that it is positioned correctly. Renew the
converter heat shield if necessary.
To Remove and Install
To remove and install the catalytic converter,
refer
to the Exhaust System heading in the Engine section.

Manual Transaxle and Drive Shafts 127
(6) Lubricating oil too thick: Drain the transaxle
and refill with the corre ct amount and grade of
lubricating oil. (7) Excessive end float in the mainshaft or input
shaft gears: Overhaul the transaxle.
NOTE: Check the clutch for correct opera-
tion. If reverse gear can be selected without
any gear clash this is a good indication that
the clutch is operating normally. Also check
that the correct type and grade of lubricating
oil is being used.

SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR
(1) Worn gear control rod assembly bushes:
Check and renew the worn components as necessary. (2) Faulty gear lever assembly: Check and renew
the faulty components. (3) Faulty synchroniser mechanism: Overhaul
the transaxle.

Check the engine mountings for damage and deterio-
ration.
(4) Worn or fatigued detent components: Renew
the faulty components as necessary.
(5) Excessive end float in the mainshaft or input
shaft: Overhaul the transaxle. Check and renew the
faulty components.
NOTE: In most cases, slipping out of gear is
caused by wear or damage to internal
components of (he tran saxle. However, prior
to removing and dismantling the transaxle
assembly, check the engine mounting rub-
bers and mounting hardware as vibrations
caused by loose or deteriorated engine
mountings can cause the transaxle to slip
out of gear.

GEARS CLASH ON CHANGING DOWN
(1) Faulty clutch or clutch release mechanism:
Check, adjust or overhaul the clutch or the clutch
release mechanism.


Check the friction surface of the synchro rings and cones
for wear or damage.
(2) Faulty synchro rings or cones: Overhaul the
transaxle assembly.
(3) Lubricating oil too thick: Drain the transaxle
and refill with the correct grade and quantity of
lubricating oil. (4) Broken, weak or incorrect positioning of the
springs in the synchro asse mblies: Overhaul the tran-
saxle assembly.
(5) Excessive end float in the mainshaft or input
shaft gears: Overhaul the transaxle assembly.
NOTE: Check the clutch as previously de-
scribed prior to removing and dismantling
the transaxle. Also check that the correct
grade of transaxle oil is being used.

TRANSAXLE NOISE (IN NEUTRAL)
(1) Insufficient lubricant: Fill the transaxle with
the correct quantity and grade of lubricant. (2) Worn input shaft bearings: Overhaul the
transaxle and renew the bearings. (3) Chipped or pitted constant mesh gears:
Overhaul the transaxle and renew the damaged com-
ponents as necessary. (4) Worn mainshaft bearings: Overhaul the tran-
saxle as necessary.
NOTE: First check the oil level in the
transaxle. To isolate the noise in neutral,
run the engine, depress the clutch and
engage any gear. If the noise ceases with the
clutch depressed it indicates that the noise is
in the transaxle.

Check the input shaft for damaged gears.

128 Manual Transaxle and Drive Shafts
TRANSAXLE NOISE (FORWARD GEARS
ENGAGED, VEHICLE MOVING)

(1) Insufficient lubricant: Fill the transaxle with
the correct grade and quantity of oil. (2) Worn input shaft or mainshaft bearings:
Overhaul the transaxle and renew the faulty bearings. (3) Chipped or pitted gears: Check and overhaul
the transaxle and renew the faulty gears. (4) Damaged or worn sync hroniser assemblies:
Overhaul the transaxle and renew the synchroniser
assemblies.
FINAL DRIVE GEAR NOISE

(1) Insufficient lubricant: Fill the transaxle case
with the correct grade and quantity of oil. (2) Chipped or pitted final drive gear and/or ring
gear: Overhaul the transaxle and renew components as
necessary. (3) Worn differential carrier bearings: Overhaul
the differential assembly.
(4) Worn mainshaft or input shaft bearings:
Overhaul the transaxle.
NOTE: Check the oil level in the transaxle
case and the condition of the front hub
bearings and drive shaft joints prior to
overhauling the transaxle.

EXCESSIVE BACKLASH IN FINAL DRIVE
(1) Excessive end float in the differential carrier
bearings due to worn or incorrect bearing preload
adjustment: Check and adjust the bearing preload or
renew the bearings.

(2) Ring gear to differential case bolts loose:
Overhaul the transaxle and tighten the bolts to the
specified torque.

(3) Excessive wear in the final drive gear: Check
and overhaul the transaxle. (4) Excessive wear in the differential pinions,
side gears or pinion shaft: Overhaul the differential
assembly.
NOTE: Prior to overhauling the differential,
check the serviceability of the C.V joints on
the drive shafts.

NO DRIVE IN ANY GEAR
(1) Sheared ring gear to differential case bolts:
Overhaul the differential assembly.

(2) Broken drive shaft: Check and renew com-
ponents as necessary.

(3) Inner C.V. joint shaft out of mesh with
differential side gear: Weak or broken inner C.V. joint
shaft snap ring. Renew as necessary.

NOISE OR VIBRATION IN DRIVE SHAFTS
( 1 ) Bent or twisted drive shafts: Check and
renew the drive shafts as necessary.


Check the drive shaft rubber boots for deterioration.
(2) Worn or damaged inner or outer C.V. joint:
Check and renew components as necessary. (3) Lack of lubricant due to damaged C.V. joint
boots: Check the C.V. joints for wear, repack the C. V.
joints and renew th e C.V. joint boot.
(4) Loose drive shaft hub nut: Tighten the hub
nut to Specifications. (5) Worn splines on the drive shaft or C.V. joint
inner race. Check and renew the faulty components or
drive shaft as an assembly.
NOTE: Noise or vibration in the front end
can also be caused by excessive tire or wheel
unbalance.

2. DESCRIPTION
The five speed transaxle installed in the Pulsar
range of vehicles covered by this manual has synchro-
mesh on all the forward gears.

The reverse gear is a spur idler gear which is
selected by sliding the idler gear into mesh with the
input shaft and the mainshaft.

The transaxle and differential assemblies are ac-
commodated in the same housing and the one oil level
check covers both assemblies.

Gear selection is by mean s of selector forks and a
striking rod which is operated by a floor mounted gear
lever assembly. A mechanism inside the transaxle
prevents the selection of re verse gear from fifth gear
until the gear lever is moved sideways in neutral. The
differential and final dr ive assembly runs on two
tapered roller bearings. Pr eload on these bearings is
adjusted by shims installed behind the bearing cups.
The assembly is driven by the mainshaft pinion
engaging the ring gear on the differential case.

The drive shafts are engaged with the differential
side gears at the inner end and the front wheel hubs at
the outer end.

The drive shafts and each C.V. joint can be

130 Manual Transaxle and Drive Shafts


Internal view of the transaxle showing the installed positions of the shift forks and control bracket.
the clutch housing. Refer to the Clutch section for the
correct procedure.

(2) Thoroughly clean the outsi de of the transaxle
assembly using solvent and compressed air. (3) Remove the bolts retaining the transaxle case
to the clutch housing and using a soft faced hammer,
tap the transaxle case to separate the mating surfaces.
(4) Carefully lift the transaxle case from the
clutch housing. Tilt the cas e to provide clearance for
the fifth gear shift fork. (5) Withdraw the spacer from the reverse idler
shaft and withdraw the fork shaft and spring from the
transaxle. (6) Remove the fifth and third/fourth shift forks
taking care not to lose the shift cap. (7) Remove the retaining bolts and remove the
control bracket and the first/second shift fork taking
care not to lose the shift cap. (8) Lift the mainshaft out of the clutch housing.
NOTE: When lifting, do not tilt the main-
shaft as the resin oil channel behind the
front mainshaft bearing could be damaged.

(9) Lift the differential assembly out of the
clutch housing.

NOTE: For information on the overhaul of

Dismantled view of the striking rod components.
the differential assembly refer to the Differ-
ential and Final Drive Assembly heading.

(10) Remove the retaining bolts from the input
shaft front bearing retainer. (11) Position the transaxle assembly on its side
and tap the input shaft out of the clutch housing using
a soft faced hammer. Remove the input shaft, bearing
retainer and reverse idler gear from the clutch hous-
ing.
(12) Remove the shift check ball, plug and spring
from the passage adjacent to the upper control
bracket retaining bolt on the clutch housing.
(13) Position the striking lever so that the retain-
ing pin will not contact the clutch housing and remove
the pin using a suitable punch.
(14) Remove the striking rod, striking lever and
striking interlock from the clutch housing.
(15) Remove the reverse check plug, spring and
balls from the clutch housing noting the installed
position of the small check ball.
(16) Remove the screws retaining the reverse and
fifth gear check assembly and remove the assembly
from the clutch housing.
(17) Remove and discard the input shaft and
striking rod oil seals from the clutch housing noting
the installed direction of the seals.
(18) Renew the rear input shaft bearing as fol-
lows:
(a) Remove the plastic oil channel from the
transaxle case.

(b) Using a suitable punch through the hole
adjacent to the r ear input shaft bearing, tap the small
welch plug out of the transaxle case.
(c) Using a suitable punch through the small
welch plug opening, tap the rear input shaft bearing
out of the transaxle case. (d) Using a suitable mandrel, tap the new rear
input shaft bearing into the transaxle case.
NOTE: It may be necessary to use a hydrau-
lic press if the bearing is a tight fit in the
housing.

(e) Apply sealer to a new welch plug and tap the
plug squarely into the transaxle case until the edge of
the plug is level with the case.
Dismantled view of the shift fork components.

140
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
SPECIFICATIONS
Make .............................................. JATCO RL3F01A
Type .....................3 speed and reverse epicyclic gear
train with lock up torque converter
Operation .................................... Automatic hydraulic
Lubricant:
Type....................................................... Dexron IT
Capacity................................................. 6.3 liters
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Drive plate to crankshaft bolls ........................60 Nm
Drive plate to torque converter bolts ..............49 Nm
Convener housing to engine ...........................22 Nm
Converter housing to transaxle ........................23 Nm
Transaxle sump to transaxle ............................. 7 Nm
Oil cooler pipe to transaxle .............................49 Nm
Selector shaft locknut .......................................42 Nm
Transaxle filter bolts.........................................12 Nm
1. AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE TROUBLE SHOOTING
NO DRIVE IN D RANGE
{1) Low fluid level in transaxle: Check the fluid
level in the transaxle and top up if required.

(2) Incorrectly adjusted selector cable: Check
and adjust the selector cable as detailed. (3) Incorrect or contaminated transaxle fluid:
Drain and refill with the recommend type and quan-
tity of transaxle fluid.
NOTE: Check the possible causes in the
order given.

NO REVERSE IN R RANGE
(1) Low fluid level in transaxle: Check the fluid
level and top up if required. (2) Incorrectly adjusted selector linkage: Check
the condition of the selector cable, selector quadrant
and selector arm for wear and damage. Adjust as
required.

Check the drive shaft oil seals as a likely leak source.
SLIPPING OR ROUGH UPSHIFT
(1) Incorrectly adjusted selector linkage: Check
and adjust the selector linkage. (2) Low fluid level in transaxle: Check the fluid
level and top up if required.
NO TRANSAXLE KICKDOWN
(1) Incorrectly adjusted throttle cable: Check
and adjust the cable as detailed in the Fuel and Engine
Management section.
Check the oil cooler hose connections for leaks if the
fluid level is low.

Automatic Transaxle 141

(2) Incorrectly adjusted kickdown cable: Check
and adjust or renew the kickdown cable as required.

NOTE: Check and adjust the throttle cable
before adjusting the kickdown cable.

ENGINE WILL NOT START IN P OR N
RANGE OR WILL START IN ANY RANGE

(1) Neutral safety switch faulty: Adjust or renew
the neutral safety switch. (2) Incorrectly adjusted selector cable: Check
and adjust the selector cable as detailed.
2. DESCRIPTION

The automatic transaxle combines a fluid coup-
ling or torque converter with a fully automatic three
speed epicyclic gear system.

The transaxle provides th ree forward ratios and
one reverse. The hydraulic system consists of a single
pump and valv e arrangement.

The final drive or differential and the transaxle
use a common lubricant. The transaxle oil pan and
final drive drain plug will have to be removed to drain
the transaxle completely. Topping up or refilling is
done through the dipstick tube.

The gear selector lever is floor mounted and
connected to the transaxle by an adjustable cable. The
selector quadrant adjacent to the base of the lever is
marked P, R, N, D, 2, 1.

It is necessary for the selector lever to be in P or
N before the engine can be started. When testing or
tuning the engine, the handbrake must be firmly
applied and the selector lever placed in the P position,
otherwise the vehicle could move forward or back-
wards as the engine speed is increased.

For long distance towing the vehicle should be
towed with the front end raised.

It is not possible to start the engine by either
towing or pushing the vehicle.

The transaxle can be removed from the vehicle
without engine removal.

NOTE: As extensive knowledge and equip-
ment is required to overhaul the automatic
transaxle assembly, it is therefore not a
worthwhile repair proposition for the aver-
age person. However if the transaxle must
be overhauled by a specialist or be replaced
with a reconditioned unit, the removal and
installation procedure is fully described at
the end of this section.

3. TRANSAXLE FLUID
Only use the recommended transaxle fluid speci-
fied by the manufacturer when topping up or changing
the fluid in the system.

TO CHECK AND TOP UP
NOTE: The fluid level should be checked
after approximately 5 minutes driving on
the road when the engine has achieved its
normal operating temperature of approxi-
mately 65 deg C.

(1) Place the vehicle on a level floor and open
the engine bonnet.

NOTE: When working on the automatic
transaxle cleanliness is very important. Do
not reuse transaxle fluid and do not allow
foreign matter to enter the filler opening.

(2) Clean around the top of the dipstick to
ensure that no dirt or foreign matter can enter the
dipstick tube.
(3) Place the selector in the P position and
firmly apply the handbrake. (4) Move the selector thro ugh each gear return-
ing it to the P position.
(5) Check the fluid level with the engine running
at idle. Install the dipstick fully into the dipstick tube.
NOTE: If the vehicle has been driven at high
speed, or has been towing a load, or driven
through heavy city traffic in hot weather, a
period of about 30 minutes should be
allowed to permit the transaxle to cool
before checking the fluid level.

(6) Withdraw the dipstick and check the fluid
level reading. The fluid should be at the H mark on
the dipstick. If the fluid is low, stop the engine and
remove the dipstick from the vehicle. Using a funnel,
top up the transaxle with the recommended type of
transaxle fluid through the dipstick tube. (7) If the level is reading too high allow the
engine to cool down for about 30 minutes and recheck
the level as described. If the level is still too high, a
small amount of transaxle fluid may be drained from
the transaxle.

Checking the fluid level on the automatic transaxle
dipstick.

142 Automatic Transaxle
(8) Install the dipstick and start the engine and
recheck the fluid level.

NOTE; Do not overfill the transaxle or
foaming and unsatisfactory operation of the
transaxle will result.

TO DRAIN AND REFILL
This is not a normal maintenance and lubrication
procedure. It is only necessary to drain the complete
system, including the torq ue converter and the oil
cooler, when the transaxle assembly is removed for
overhaul or the renewal of transaxle components such
as bearings, clutches or as semblies. When this condi-
tion arises, the torque converter and the cooler should
be cleaned and flushed to remove any dirt or sludge.

After transaxle overhaul, install approximately 6
liters of new transaxle fluid, and top up as previously
described.

4. BRAKE BAND
Band adjustment is not a normal maintenance
procedure.

The adjustment entails removal of the valve body
and for this reason the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer.

5. KICKDOWN CABLE
TO ADJUST
(1) On models with a 1.6 liter engine, remove
the air cleaner assembly. (2) With the aid of an assistant, ensure that the
throttle valve is fully open when the throttle pedal is
fully depressed. (3) Push the clip on the outer kickdown cable
and pull the cable away from the throttle linkage.


View of the kickdown cable adjustment point. 1.6 liter
engine.
(4) Slowly depress the throttle pedal to the full
throttle position.

The outer kickdown cable will automatically ad-
just and emit a clicking noise.

6. TRANSAXLE SELECTOR LINKAGE
TO ADJUST CONTROL CABLE
(1) Place the selector lever in the Park position.
(2) Loosen the control cable locknuts and ensure
that the transaxle selector lever is in the Park position.

View of the transaxle selector linkage control cable
adjustment.
(3) Hold the selector rod horizontal and adjust
the outer locknut until it touches the selector rod.

(4) Tighten the inner locknut securely.
7. NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH
The neutral safety switch, incorporating the re-
verse lamp switch is located on the transaxle case

View of the kickdown cable adjustment point. The
arrow indicates the direction in which the outer kick-
down cable must be pulled to initiate the automatic adjustment. 1.8 liter engine.

Brakes 173
Inspect the handbrake cable for chafing or fraying.
(4) Seized handbrake cables: Renew the hand-
brake cables.

NOTE: Raise the vehicle and spin the
wheels one at a time to check for binding. If
the wheels are not binding, have an assistant
apply and release the brakes. Check if the
brakes release immediately. A clogged mas-
ter cylinder port will cause binding on the
two wheels fed by that particular circuit
from the master cylinder. Open the bleeder
valve on one of the o ffending wheels to check
if pressure build up is the cause of the
binding. A seized handbrake cable will usu-
ally cause binding on a rear wheel. Discon-
nect the handbrake cable and check if the
wheel will then turn freely.

LOW SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL
(1) Incorrectly adjusted brake shoes: Check and
adjust the brake shoes.


(2) Insufficient fluid in the system: Check for
leaks, replenish the fluid to the specified level and
bleed the hydraulic system.
(3) Air in the brake hydraulic system: Bleed the
hydraulic system. (4) Master cylinder faulty: Repair or renew as
necessary.
NOTE: A spongy brake pedal in most cases
is caused by air in the hydraulic system. For
air to enter the system one or more of the
sealing rubbers or brake lines must be
sucking in air. Always rectify the cause of
the trouble before bleeding the hydraulic
system. Faulty components usually show up
as fluid leakage.

BRAKES LOCK ON APPLICATION
(1) Gummy linings or brake pads due to oil or
fluid contamination: Renew the linings or brake pads
and rectify the source of contamination. (2) Scored or eccentric brake drum or warped
disc: Check and machine or renew the drum or disc as
necessary.
(3) Incorrect or distorted linings or disc pads:
Check and renew as necessary. (4) Brake servo unit faulty: Repair or renew the
brake servo unit. (5) Broken or stretched brake shoe return
springs: Check and renew th e faulty brake springs.
(6) Faulty brake pressure proportioning valve:
Renew the brake pressure proportioning valve.
NOTE: If this condition arises, remove all
the wheels and check the condition of the
friction material for oil contamination and
excessive wear. Check the shoe return
springs for stretching by comparing their
free length with new sp rings. An eccentric-
brake drum or warped disc will be indicated
by pulsating of the brake pedal when the
brakes are lightly applied.

BRAKE PEDAL PULSATES
(1) Eccentric brake drums or warped disc: Check
and machine or renew the drum or disc as required.
(2) Loose or worn hub bearings: Renew the hub
bearings as necessary.
NOTE: Brake drums or discs that are run-
ning out must be machined. This job is best
entrusted to a brake specialist who will also
be able to determine if a new disc or drum
needs to be installed.

BRAKE FADE
(1) Incorrect shoe adjustment: Check and adjust
the shoe to drum clearance. (2) Eccentric brake drum: Check and machine or
renew the brake drum.

Check the brake hoses for deterioration, chafing and
leaks.