NISSAN PULSAR 1987 Workshop Manual

PULSAR
N13 Series
ASTRA
LD Series
1.6 and 1.8 Liter 1987 – 1991


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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

FRONT SUSPENSION............................ 156
Specifications......................................................... 156
Front suspension tr ouble shooting ........................ 156
Description ............................................................ 157
Steering knuckle.................................................... 157
Suspension unit..................................................... 159
Control arm ........................................................... 161
Stabiliser bar ........................................................ 162
Suspension and steering angles .......................... 163
REAR SUSPENSION................................ 164
Specifications ........................................................ 164
Rear suspension tr ouble shooting ........................ 164
Description ............................................................ 165
Rear hub ............................................................... 166
Suspension unit .................................................... 167
Control arm ........................................................... 169
Knuckle assembly.................................................. 170
Stabiliser bar ........................................................ 170
Rear wheel alignment ........................................... 171
BRAKES...................................................... 172
Specifications......................................................... 172
Brakes trouble shooting ........................................ 172
Description ............................................................ 174
Master cyli nder...................................................... 175
Brake servo unit .................................................... 177
Front brakes ......................................................... 178
Rear disc brakes................................................... 181
Rear drum brakes ................................................. 184
Handbrake cable and le ver assembly ................... 186
Brake adjustments ................................................ 187
Brake pedal ........................................................... 187
Hydraulic system................................................... 188
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM............................ 190
Specifications......................................................... 190
Battery and charging system trouble shooting ....... 190
Battery and starting system trouble shooting ........ 191
Lighting system trouble shooting ........................... 192
Turn signal lamp trouble shooting ........................ 192
Test equipment and so me applications................. 193
Battery ................................................................... 194
Alternator ............................................................... 196
Starter motor ......................................................... 201
Ignition system ...................................................... 206
Steering wheel ....................................................... 206
Switches and controls........................................... 206
Instrument cluster.................................................. 209
Blower fan .............................................................. 209
Radio/cassette...................................................... 209
lamp units ............................................................ 210
Windscreen wiper ................................................. 213
Fuses, fusible links and relays ............................. 215
Trailer wiring ......................................................... 216
Wiring diagrams ................................................... 218
BODY........................................................... 225
Windscreen and re ar glass .................................. 225
Front doors ........................................................... 225
Rear doors............................................................ 228
Engine bonnet...................................................... 231
Tailgate and lock — hatchback ............................ 231
Luggage compartment lid and lock — sedan ........ 233
Radiator grille.............................................................. 234
Centre console...................................................... 234 Dashboard ............................................................ 235
Scat belts ............................................................. 236
Seats .................................................................... 236
Vehicle cleaning ........................................................... 237
CONVERSION TABLES.......................... 238

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.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION AND GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

1. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
When purchasing spare parts or when
registering
or insuring a vehicle, it may be necessary to quote
various vehicle identification codes. The location of
these codes are as follows: The Engine Number is stamped on the front
face
of the engine block below No. 4 spark plug. The Chassis Number is stamped on the bulkhead
above and to the right of the brake booster. The Vehicle Identification Plate is located on the
bulkhead to the left of the MAP sensor and contains
codings relating to body style, engine capacity,
model,
transaxle type, engine number, paint, trim and build
date. The Compliance Plate contains information on
the vehicle make, model, month and year of manu-
facture, chassis number, seating, capacity and the
Australian Design Rules (ADR) with which the vehi-
cle complies. This plate is affixed to the bulkhead
above and to the left of the brake booster. The Tire Placard, which is located on the inside
of the glove compartment, contains information
on
the tire size, rim size, tire pressure and load ratings.
2. GENERAL VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Length:
Pulsar ................................................... 4 030 mm
Astra hatchback .................................. 4 035 mm
Vector ..................................................4215 mm
Astra sedan.......................................... 4 255 mm
Width:
Nissan.................................................. 1 640 mm
Holden ................................................. 1 655 mm
Height ........................................................ 1 380 mm
Wheelbase .................................................. 2 430 mm
Wheel track:
Front .................................................... 1 435 mm
Rear ..................................................... I 430 mm

View of the engine compartment showing the location
of various vehicle identification information.
Minimum ground clearance:
Nissan.................................................... 128 mm
Holden ................................................... 110 mm
Turning circle kerb to kerb .......................... 10.8 m
Fuel tank capacity:
Nissan.................................................... 47 liters
Holden ................................................... 50 liters
Towing capacity:
Without trailer brakes............................ 400 kg
With trailer brakes ................................. 900 kg
*Fuel consumption:
L/100km L/100km
(City) (Highway)

Manual transaxle 8.5 6.6
Automatic transaxle 9.0 7.2
*The fuel consumption information is based on
tests made according to Australian Standard 2877.
The actual fuel consumption will depend on many
factors including driving habits, vehicle condition
and equipment and the prevailing conditions.

GENERAL INFORMATION
1. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
To successfully perform any maintenance or re-
pair work on a motor vehicle, suitable hand tools are
essential. The use of tools for other than their intend-
ed purpose or the use of incorrectly fitting tools can
cause damage to the componen t and/or injury lo the
operator.

BASIC TOOL KIT
The following is a sugg ested list of tools and
equipment for the majority of the maintenance and
repair procedures described in this manual. Of course,
not all of the tools are required for all the jobs, so it is
wise to purchase tools on an 'as needed' basis.

Set of open ended spanners.
Set of ring spanners.
Set of socket spanners.
Spark plug spanner.
Assorted bladed screwdrivers.

Assorted Philips screwdrivers.
Assorted pliers — combination, long nose, multi-
grip, vice grip, snap ring (internal and external).
Assorted adjustable spanners.
Ball pein hammer.
Cold chisels.

Pin punches and centre punch.
Assorted files.
Scraper.
Feeler gauges.
Torque wrench.
Hydraulic jack.
Chassis stands.
Car ramps.
Grease gun.
Oil can.
Oil gun.

Oil filter removal tool.
Funnel.

Containers for draining oil and washing compon-
ents.


A comprehensive tool kit showing a wide range of general hand tools.

General Information

Assorted test equipment — dwell tachometer, digital multimeter, timing light and test lamp.

Inspection lamp.
Test lamp.
Tachometer.
Timing light.
Digital multimeter.
Piston ring compressor.
Valve spring compressor.
Micrometer — inside, outside, multi range.
Vernier calipers.
Assorted pullers.
When purchasing tools, it is sound advice to select
the highest quality that can be afforded, as the
working life of cheaper tools is often very short.



Assorted measuring devices — inside and outside
micrometers, vernier calipers, wire gauges and feeler
gauges.
Ensure that the tools are suitable for the system of
bolt and nut sizing on the vehicle. The range of
vehicles covered by this manual use metric sizes.

TOOL CARE
To ensure the longest possible life for hand tools,
it is important that time be spent maintaining them.

At the conclusion of each job. all tools used should
be washed thoroughly in kero sene or similar cleaning
solvent. Ensure that all dirt and grease is removed,
particularly from tools with moving parts such as
pliers and adjustable spanners. The tools should then
be wiped dry with a clean cloth.

Measuring devices should be given particular
attention as their accuracy can be affected if not
properly maintained. Feeler gauges should be kept
clean at all ti mes and the blades should be wiped with
an oily cloth after use to prevent rusting.

Tension wrench, piston ring compressor and valve
spring compressor.
Slide hammer, ball joint pu ller, assorted pullers and
press plates. Views showing the correct tip profiles for a bladed

screwdriver. Bladed screwdrivers should not be
ground to a sharp point.

10 General Information

If tools are to be stored for any length of time, it is
good policy to wipe them with an oily cloth.

Bladed screwdrivers should be checked for dam-
age to the tip. If necessary, the tip can be returned to
its original profile by careful grinding. Do not grind
screwdriver tips to a sharp point.

Hammer heads should be secure on their handles
and should be regularly checked for cracking or other
damage.

Chisels and punches should be checked for dam-
age or 'mushrooming' of the head. Any faults should
be rectified by grinding.

Hydraulic jacks should be regularly checked for
fluid leaks. Chassis stands and car ramps should be
checked for damage and cracks. Any equipment that
is suspect should not be used.

STORES
For routine maintenance, stores of automotive
oils, greases and additives should be kept on hand.
The following is a suggested list.

Engine oil.
Brake fluid.
Manual transmission or automatic transmission
oil — automatic transmission oil is also used in
the power steering system.
Rear axle oil.
Cooling system corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze.
Chassis grease.
High melting point grease, for hub bearings etc.
Penetrating oil or spray.
Kerosene or similar cleaning solvent.
Methylated spirits.

Oils and greases are available in handy pack size for
do-it-yourself lube jobs.
2. SAFETY
PERSONAL SAFETY
Safety when working on a motor vehicle is basical-
ly a matter of commonsense. Some safety precautions
to prevent personal in juries are as follows.

Raising a Vehicle
Always jack a vehicle on firm, level ground and at
the specified jacking points . Ensure that the wheels
remaining on the ground are fully chocked.

After raising the vehicle, place chassis stands
underneath and allow the weight of the vehicle to rest
on them. Do not use bricks, blocks of wood or similar
material.

NOTE: Never work under a vehicle which is
only supported by a jack.

Electrical System
Always disconnect the negative battery terminal
when working on any electrical components. Avoid
wearing metal watches, rings and chains which may
short across live terminals.

As battery gases are explosive, keep naked flames
and sparks clear of the work area. When connecting
and disconnecting jumper leads, use extreme caution
to avoid sparking.

Electronic Ignition Systems
Electronic ignition systems produce dangerous
high tension voltages in bo th the primary and second-
ary circuits which can be fatal. Exercise extreme
caution when working on or near any ignition system
components. Do not disconnect high tension leads
while the engine is running.

Work Area
Do not run the engine in a confined space. Ensure
that the work area is adequately ventilated.

Spilt oil or water should be cleaned immediately
to avoid the possibility of slipping.

Fuel System
Always disconnect the negative battery terminal
when working on any fuel components. Do not smoke.
Keep naked flames and sparks clear of the work area.

Do not siphon fuel using the mouth. Use a hand
pump or suitable siphon.

Do not attempt to repair a fuel tank by welding it.
This is an extremely hazardous procedure and should
be entrusted to a specialist.

Cooling System
To avoid scalding, use caution when releasing the
radiator cap on an engine wh ich is at normal operating
temperature. Turn the cap anti-clockwise to the first
stop and allow any pressure in the system to release.
When the pressure is released, remove the cap from
the radiator.

Brakes
As asbestos is used in some brake lining material,
avoid inhaling brake dust. Do not use compressed air
to remove the dust. Gentle brushing with a small
brush or using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attach-
ment are the safest methods of cleaning the brakes.
The above precautions also apply to the clutch plate
lining material.