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.
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.
24 Wheels and Tires
When the tire tread groove depth is less than 1.5
mm, or when the tire is worn to the point where the
tire wear indicators are level with the tread surface,
the tire should be renewed.
To preserve tire life it is good policy to periodi-
cally have the front wheels balanced and the front end
alignment checked on a reliable wheel alignment
machine.
The wheel and tire assemblies may be rotated at
20 000 km if desired. Rotation of the wheels and tires
will increase the period between tire renewal. Radial
tires should not be cross changed, they should be
changed from front to rear on the same side.
Tire rotation diagram. If desired, the wheel and tire
assemblies may be rotated every 20 000 km in the
manner shown. Vector SSS tire rotation not to include
spare wheel.
The air pressure in the tire is probably the single
most important aspect of tire care. Too little or too
much pressure in the tire can cause rapid wear or
complete failure through overheating. Where possible
the tire pressures should be checked and adjusted
when the tires are cold.
As a rule, different tire types, tread patterns or
sizes should never be used on the vehicle at one time.
All the tires on the vehicles, including the spare
should be a matched set to prevent the vehicle
behaving erratically under certain conditions. Under
no circumstances mix radial ply and conventional ply
tires.
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.
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 39
Oil pump cover plate screws............................ 6 Nm
Oil pump mounting bolts.................................. 6 Nm
Oil pump pickup bolts
(coat with Loctite 242)..................................... 8 Nm
Sump bolts (coat with Loctite 242) .................. 5 Nm
Sump drain plug .............................................. 35 Nm
*Use new bolts
Head bolts maximum torque 135 Nm
1. ENGINE MECHANICAL TROUBLE
SHOOTING
ENGINE MISSES AT IDLING SPEED
NOTE: For other causes of engine misfire,
refer to the Fuel and Engine Management
section.
(1) Blown head gasket: Check the cylinder com-
pressions and renew the he ad gasket as necessary.
(2) Burnt valves or seats in the cylinder head:
Check the cylinder compressions and overhaul the
cylinder head as necessary. (3) Broken or worn piston rings: Check the
cylinder compressions and renew the piston rings as
necessary.
(4) Weak or broken valve springs: Remove the
camshaft housing top cover and check the condition
of the valve springs. (5) Air leak at the inlet manifold gasket; Check
for air leaks by applying oil around the manifold
joints. Renew the gasket if an air leak is evident.
NOTE: Use a compre ssion gauge and check
the compression pressure in each cylinder as
described in the Engine Tune-up section. If
a low pressure reading is indicated in one or
more cylinders, remove the cylinder head for
gasket and valve inspection. Should the
gasket and valves prove satisfactory, inspect
the cylinder bores, pistons and rings.
Check for air leaks at the inlet manifold
by applying engine oil around the manifold
joints. If the oil can be seen or heard sucking
into the manifold or excessive smoke begins
to issue from the exhaust system, there is an
air leak at the inlet manifold.
NOISY VALVE OPERATION
(1) Faulty hydraulic tappets: Renew the faulty
tappet assemblies. (2) Weak or broken valve springs: Remove the
camshaft housing top cover and check the condition
of the valve springs. (3) Worn valve guides: Overhaul the cylinder
head as described in this section. (4) Worn rocker gear: Remove (he rocker gear
and check the components for wear.
Camshaft lobe wear is also a cause of noisy valve
operation.
BIG END BEARING NOISE
(1) Inadequate oil supply: Check the oil level in
the sump and the condition of the oil pump and relief
valve. Renew the oil filter.
(2) Excessive bearing clearance: Renew the bear-
ing shells, check and regrind the big end journals if
oval or tapered. (3) Thin oil or oil diluted by petrol or water:
Change to the correct oil grade. Check and rectify the
cause of the oil dilution. Ch eck that the engine is not
operating in overheat conditions.
(4) Low oil pressure: Check the engine oil level.
Check the pressure relief valve and spring and the oil
filter bypass valve. (5) Misaligned big end bearings: Align the con-
necting rods and renew the big end bearing shells.
NOTE: Big end bearing noise is indicated
by a metallic knock wh ich is usually loudest
at approximately 60 km/h with the throttle
Air leaks at the inlet manifold can be located by
applying engine oil around the suspect joints.