1987 NISSAN PULSAR catalytic converter

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.

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.

Engine 67
(6) Carefully inspect the exhaust system and (1) Install all components and check the system
discard any components which are cracked, worn or for correct pos itioning before tightening the retaining
corroded. Inspect the catalytic converter as described bolts and nuts.
in the Emission Control Section. (2) Ensure that the catalytic converter is in-
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure stalled in the correct direction as indicated on the
with attention to the following points: housing.

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
(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.

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.

136 Manual Transaxle and Drive Shafts
right hand side gear and the adjacent spacer in an area
where there is no oil groove in the differential case.
(d) Insert another 0.03 mm feeler gauge diago-
nally opposite the first feeler gauge to avoid tilting the
side gear.

(e) Insert a splined adaptor into the right hand
side gear and attempt to rotate the gear by hand.
(f) If the gear cannot be rotated, change the
thickness of the left hand side gear spacer, repeating
the test until the gear can be rotated.
NOTE: Spacers are available in thicknesses
from 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm in increments of
0.1 mm.

(g) Remove the 0.03 mm feel er gauges and insert
0.09 mm feeler gauges to the same position. The gear
should lock.

(h) The spacer selection is correct when the right
hand side gear can be rotated with 0.03 mm feeler
gauges inserted but locks when 0.09 mm feeler gauges
are inserted.

(18) Install the ring gear to the differential case
with the chamfered edge of the ring gear inwards. (19) Install and tighten the retaining bolts in
a
diagonal sequence to the specified torque.
(20) Install a new speedometer drive gear to
the
differential case. Install the stopper adjacent to the
drive gear.
(21) Install the differentia] carrier bearing
cones
and roller assemblies to the differential case.
(22) Remove the adjusting shim from behind the
carrier bearing outer race in the transaxle case and
replace the outer race in the transaxle case.
(23) Install the differential assembly to the clutch
housing. (24) Install the transaxle case to the clutch housing
and tighten the retaining bolts to the specified torque.
(25) Mount a dial gauge to the clutch housing so
that the contact point is resting on the differential
case. (26) Insert a bar through the opposite side gear
and, contacting the pinion shaft, raise and lower the
differential case and measure the end float in the
carrier bearings. (27) Using the following table, select a shim to
correspond to the relevant end float.
END FLOAT SHIM THICKNESS

0.30-0.34 mm....................................................0.64 mm
0.34-0.38 mm................................................... 0.68 mm
0.38-0.42 mm................................................... 0.72 mm
0.42-0.46 mm................................................... 0.76 mm
0.46-0.50 mm................................................... 0.80 mm
0.50-0.54 mm................................................... 0.84 mm
0.54-0.58 mm................................................... 0.88 mm
0.58-0.62 mm................................................... 0.92 mm
0.62-0.66 mm................................................... 0.96 mm
0.66-0.70 mm................................................... 1.00 mm
0.70-0.74 mm................................................... 1.04 mm
0.74-0.78 mm ................................................... 1.08 mm
0.78-0.82 mm ................................................... 1.12 mm
0.82-0.86 mm ................................................... 1.16 mm
0.86-0.90 mm ................................................... 1.20 mm
0.90-0.94 mm ................................................... 1.24 mm
0.94-0.98 mm ................................................... 1.28 mm
0.98-1.02 mm ................................................... 1.32 mm
1.02-1.06 mm ................................................... 1.36 mm
1.06-1.10 mm ................................................... 1.40 mm
1.10-1.14 mm ................................................... 1.44 mm
1.14-1.18 mm ................................................... 1.48 mm
1.18-1.22 mm ................................................... 1.52 mm
1.22-1.26 mm ................................................... 1.56 mm
1.26-1.30 mm ................................................... 1.60 mm
1.30-1.34 mm ................................................... 1.64 mm
1.34-1.38 mm ................................................... 1.68 mm
1.38-1.42 mm ................................................... 1.72 mm
1.42-1.46 mm ................................................... 1.76 mm
The thickest shim available is 0.88 mm. Multiple
shims are required above this thickness.

(28) Install the shim behind the carrier
bearing
outer race in the transaxle case and assemble the unit
once more. (29) Using a suitable slotted adaptor engage the
pinion shaft and using a to rque gauge, measure the
differential turning torque. The turning torque when new carrier bearings
have been installed should be 3.9-7.8 Nm or slightly
lower if the original carrier bearings have been
replaced.

(30) Assemble the transaxle and measure the total
turning torque of the diff erential assembly and the
mainshaft. The total turning torque should be 5.9 to
13.7 Nm with new bearings or slightly lower if the
original bearings have been replaced.

5. GEAR LEVER ASSEMBLY
TO DISMANTLE AND ASSEMBLE
(1) Remove the gear lever knob and remove the
centre console as described in the Body section. If not
previously removed, remove the rubber boot sur-
rounding the gear lever. (2) Raise the front of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands. Remove the catalytic converter and
heat shield as described in the Engine section.
(3) Remove the bolt and disconnect the control
rod from the bottom of the gear lever, noting the
position of the return spring and bracket.
(4) Remove the nuts retaining the gear lever
socket to the support rod. (5) Working inside the vehicle, lift the gear lever
out of the floor bracket. (6) Separate the lower rubber boot, socket,
spring seat, spring, upper ball seat and lower ball seat
from the gear lever, noting the location of each
component to aid assembly.

170 Rear Suspension

6. KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Remove the rear hub as previously de-
scribed.

(2) On drum brake models, disconnect the brake
pipe from the wheel cylinder and plug the cylinder
and brake pipe apertures to prevent the loss of brake
fluid and the entry of dirt. (3) Remove the backing plate retaining bolts and
remove the backing plate from the knuckle assembly. (4) Remove the nut and bolt securing the control
arms to the knuckle assembly. (5) Remove the bolts and nuts securing the
suspension unit to the knuckle assembly. (6) Remove the nut, washers and bush securing
the stabilizer bar to the knuckle assembly, rotate the
knuckle assembly and remove it from the stabilizer
bar. (7) Carefully clean the knuckle assembly. Do not
immerse the rubber bush in solvent as damage will
occur.
(8) Check the knuckle assembly for wear, cracks
and damage. Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Install the knuckle assembly onto the stabi-
liser bar, maneuver it into position with the suspen-
sion unit and install the retaining bolts and nuts.
Tighten the bolts and nuts to the specified torque.
(2) Install the control arms to the knuckle
assem-
bly and install the retaining bolt and nut. Do
not
tighten the retaining bolt and nut at this stage. (3) Install the bush, washers and retaining nut to
the stabilizer bar. Do not tighten the retaining nut at
this stage. (4) Install the backing plate to the knuckle as-
sembly and tighten the retaining bolts to the specified
torque.
(5) On drum brake models, connect the brake

pipe to the wheel cylinder and tighten the flare nut
securely.

(6) Install the rear hub as previously described.
(7) On drum brake models, bleed the brake
hydraulic system as described in the Brakes section.
(8) With the weight of the vehicle on the road
wheels, tighten the control arms retaining bolt and nut
and the stabilizer bar retaining nut to the specified
torque. (9) Check and if necessary adjust the rear wheel
alignment. Refer to the Re ar Wheel Alignment head-
ing in this section.
7. STABILISER BAR
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands as describe d in the Wheels and Tires
section. Remove the rear wheels.

(2) Remove the nut. washer and bush retaining
the stabilizer bar to each knuckle assembly. (3) Remove the bolts retain ing 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 contacting the lower bumper panel. (4) Remove the bolts retaining the stabilizer bar
mounting brackets to the underbody and withdraw
the stabilizer ba r from each knuckle assembly. Ma-
noeuvre the stabilizer bar from the vehicle.
(5) Remove the mounting rubbers from the
stabilizer bar and the rubber bush and spacer from
each knuckle assembly. (6) Inspect the stabilizer bar for cracks and
damage and renew as necessary. (7) Inspect the stabilizer bar mounting brackets
for wear and damage and renew as necessary. (8) Inspect the mounting rubbers, the rubber
bushes and spacers for wear and deterioration and
renew as necessary.

View of the knuckle assembly removed from the
vehicle. Disc brake model. View of the stabilizer bar mounting bracket and rubber
removed from the stabilizer bar.