NISSAN PULSAR 1987 Owner's Guide
Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 1987, Model line: PULSAR, Model: NISSAN PULSAR 1987Pages: 238, PDF Size: 28.91 MB
Page 31 of 238

Engine Tune-up 
 
View of the engine timing marks showing the 10 deg 
BTDC crankshaft notch aligned with the pointer on the  
front of the engine.  
 (5) If adjustment is necessary, loosen the distrib- 
utor body retaining nuts and turn the distributor body 
until the correct setting is obtained. 
(6) Tighten the distributor body retaining nuts 
and ensure that the timing is still correct. 
(7) Remove the jumper lead from the diagnostic 
link connector. 
(8) Disconnect the timing light from the engine. 
TO ADJUST IDLE SPEED AND MIXTURE
 
The idle speed and mixt ure are not adjusted as 
normal service procedure. However, should the per- 
formace of the vehicle indicate that the mixture is 
incorrect, refer to the Fuel and Engine Management 
section for the procedures to test for faulty compo- 
nents in the engine management system.
 
  
Page 32 of 238

32 
ROADSIDE TROUBLE SHOOTING 
CAUTION: To prevent severe electrical shock extreme care must be taken w\
hen 
working on or near the electronic ignition system as dangerous high tension voltages 
are produced in both the primary and secondary circuits. See the text fo\
r 
precautionary notes.
 
This section deals with the common causes of 
engine failure to start, as inevitably there will come a 
time when every driver will experience this problem 
and will therefore need to  call upon his own resources 
to rectify the trouble. Roadside breakdowns other 
than engine failure can be identified by reference to 
the Trouble Shooting section on the particular com- 
ponent affected.
 
1.    TROUBLE SHOOTING 
Trouble shooting is only a process of elimination 
and provided the procedure is carried out correctly 
and systematically an accur ate diagnosis of the trouble 
can be made in the minimum amount of time.
 
For an internal combustion engine to run there 
are three basic requirements, these are ignition, fuel 
and compression. There are  other factors of course 
but as a rule an engine's failure to start can be 
attributed to a fault in one of these three systems.
 
Reports from field engineers of motoring organi- 
sations prove that the bigg est percentage of engine 
breakdowns are in the order  of ignition or electrical 
failure first, followed by fuel, with mechanical or 
compression failure the least common.
 
Should the engine fail to start, first check that 
there is adequate fuel in the tank and if so. carry out 
the following checking procedures in the order de- 
scribed.
 
TO JUMP START A VEHICLE 
NOTE: Jump starting a vehicle can be 
dangerous if the procedure described below 
is not performed correctly. If any doubt 
exists, it is recommended that the services of 
a competent mechanic be obtained.
 
The vehicles covered by this manual are 
equipped with complex electronic circuitry 
which can be damaged by voltage surges. 
These voltage surges can be generated when
 
jump starting, or being jump started by 
another vehicle. If av ailable use jumper 
leads equipped with a surge protection de- 
vice and follow the lead manufacturers in- 
structions carefully, particularly regarding 
the connection and disconnection of the 
leads.
 
(1)  Ensure that the booster battery is 12 volts 
and the negative terminal is earthed. 
(2) Ensure that the vehicles are not touching and 
that the ignition and all accessories on both vehicles 
are switched Off.  (3)  Ensure that the transmissions on both vehi- 
cles are in Park or Neutral and the handbrakes are 
firmly applied.  (4) Remove the vent caps from the battery and 
check the electrolyte level.  Replenish with distilled 
water as necessary. 
 
View showing the correct jumper lead connections for 
jump starting a vehicle. The leads shown are equipped 
with a surge protection device.  
Page 33 of 238

Roadside Trouble Shooting 
(5)   Place the vent caps loosely over the cell 
apertures.
 
(6)  Connect one end of the red jumper lead to 
the  positive ( + ) battery terminal of the  booster 
battery and the other end of the red lead to the 
positive (+) battery terminal of the discharged bat- 
tery.
 
NOTE: The battery emits hydrogen gas 
which is explosive. Do not expose the battery 
to naked /lames or sparks.
 
Do not lean over the battery when con- 
necting the jumper leads.
 
Do not allow the ends of the jumper leads 
to touch one another or any part of the 
engine.
 
(7)  Connect one end of the black juniper lead to 
the negative (-) battery terminal of the booster 
battery and the other end of the black lead to a good 
earthing point on the engine of the vehicle with the 
discharged battery.
 
NOTE: Do not connect the jumper lead 
directly to the negative (-) battery terminal 
of the discharged battery.
 
(8)  Start the engine on the vehicle with the 
booster battery and run the engine at a moderate 
speed.  (9) Start the engine on the vehicle with the 
discharged battery. 
 (10)  If possible, leave the engines of both vehi- 
cles running for 10 minutes. 
(11) Disconnect the jumper leads in the reverse 
order of the sequence in which they were connected. 
2.     TO CHECK IGNITION AND ELECTRICAL  SYSTEM
 
(1) Switch on the ignition and check for warning 
lamp illumination on the dashboard.  (2) Operate the starter and check that the starter 
rotates the engine at a steady speed. 
(3) Switch on the headlamps and check for good 
light intensity.  Should the lamps not illum inate or the starter 
motor not turn the engine, carry out the following 
steps:
 
(a)   Remove the battery terminals and clean both 
terminals and posts. Connect the terminals and where 
applicable tighten firmly but not excessively. 
(b) Check that the earth lead  from the battery to 
the engine or body frame is not broken and that the 
connections are clean and secure.  . (c) Check that the lead from the battery to the 
starter motor or starter solenoid is intact and has a 
clean and secure connection.
 
 
Ensure that the battery posts and terminals are clean.  
(d) Where necessary carry out repairs to (b) and 
(c).
 
Repeat the check procedur e. Should the starter 
motor still not operate, or the lamps not illuminate, 
one or more of the following faults may be the cause:
 
No starter motor operation or lamps: Battery flat 
or defective.
 
Lamps illuminate but no starter operation: Starter 
motor drive jammed in mesh with flywheel ring gear. 
Starter motor or solenoid defective. Ignition/starter 
switch faulty. On automatic transaxle models, faulty 
neutral safety switch.
 
Lamps dim and starter operation sluggish: Dis- 
charged battery or fault in starter motor. Battery flat 
due to broken fan belt or de fective alternator. Faulty 
battery due to cell breakdown.
 
NOTE: Electronic ignition systems can pro- 
duce dangerously high  voltages in both the 
primary and secondary circuits. For this 
reason, extreme care must be taken when 
performing these checks. When disconnect-
 
 
Securely earth the body of a test spark plug to check
for sparks at the spark plug leads.   
Page 34 of 238

Roadside Trouble Shooting 
ing the wiring from any component, ensure 
that the ignition switch is off and the 
negative battery terminal is disconnected to 
prevent damage to the solid state circuitry.
 
(4)  Open the electrode gap of a serviceable spark 
plug to 6 mm. Securely earth  the plug using a jumper 
lead or by  tying the plug   to an earthed engine 
component. 
(5) Disconnect  the  high  tension  lead   from  a 
spark plug and connect it to the test spark plug. 
(6) Have an assistant operate the starter motor. 
(7)  Check that a spark, if  any, jumps the gap on 
the test spark plug.  If the spark is satisfactory, proceed to operation
 
(8). 
If there is no spark, proceed as follows: 
(a)   Check the high tension leads to ensure that 
they are dry and that the insulation is not cracked or 
perished. Check the ends of the leads for burning. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance in
 
each high tension lead. The resistance should be no 
more than 15 000 ohms per lead. 
(b)  Check the distributor cap to ensure that it is 
dry and clean. Examine both the inside and outside of 
the cap for cracks or tracki ng, particularly between the 
high tension lead segments.
 
Check that the carbon brush in the centre of the 
distributor cap interior fa ce is clean and dry and 
ensure that the brush moves freely in and out of its 
locating hole.
 
(c)   Check the rotor arm for  cracks, deposits and 
burning on the metal arm.  (d) Ensure that the high tension leads have dry. 
clean and secure connections on the distributor cap.  (8) If the above checks r esult in a good spark at 
the spark plug high tension leads but the engine is still 
not operating satisfac torily, remove all the spark plugs 
and check the condition and electrode gap as de- 
scribed in the Engine Tune-up section under the 
appropriate heading.
 
3.    TO CHECK FUEL SYSTEM  
Due to the complex nature of the EFI system, it is 
recommended that should the following checks prove 
satisfactory but the engine fail to start, reference be 
made to the Fuel and Engine Management section of 
this manual or a Nissan workshop be consulted.
 
(1)  Check that the fuel tank contains a reason- 
able amount of fuel.  (2) Have an assistant switch the ignition on and 
off while squeezing the fuel  supply  hose with  the 
fingers. If the fuel pump is operating it should be 
possible to feel the fuel pr essure increase for approx- 
imately two seconds. 
NOTE: When conducting the above test it 
should be possible to hear the fuel pump and 
ignition relays clicking when the ignition is 
switched on and off
 
If the fuel pump relay fails, power will be 
supplied to the  fuel pump via the oil pressure
   
 
Check   the   distributor   cap   for   cracks   or   tracking  between the terminals.   Squeeze the fuel supply hose while the ignition is 
switched On. An increase in pressure should be felt.
 
Check the spark plug high tension leads for cracks and
burnt or corroded terminals.   
Page 35 of 238

Roadside Trouble Shooting 35 
 
  
View showing the location of the fuel pump fuse and  the EGI and fuel pump relays.  
switch. When starting the engine, the fuel 
pump will not operate until the oil pressure 
is sufficient to extinguish the oil pressure 
warning lamp. Therefore it will be necessary 
to operate the starter motor for a longer 
period than usual to start the engine.
 
(3)  If the fuel pump cannot be felt operating, 
check the fuel pump fuse located in the fuse panel 
adjacent to the steering column.
 
If the fuel pump fuse is serviceable, refer to the 
Fuel and Engine Management section for detailed 
tests on the fuel pump.
 
(4)  Check that all fuel hose connections are 
secure. 
(5) Remove the spark plugs and check for petrol 
saturation of the electrodes which indicates flooding. 
Thoroughly clean and dry the spark plugs before 
replacement.  Fully depress the throttle pedal and turn the 
ignition switch to the start position. If the engine does 
not start, proceed as follows.
 
Check that the MAP sensor hose is not blocked or split  
and ensure that all electrical connections are clean and  
secure.  
If flooding persists, refer to the Fuel and Engine 
Management section.
 
(6)  Check that all EFI electrical wiring connec- 
tors are clean and secure. 
(7) Check that the MAP sensor vacuum hose is 
securely connected at each end and is not split or 
blocked. 
4.    TO CHECK MECHANICAL SYSTEM  
The following check procedure assumes that the 
starter motor will rotate the engine. If not, on manual 
transaxle models, depress the clutch pedal to disen- 
gage the engine from the tr ansaxle in case the fault lies 
within the transaxle.
 
If the starter motor will not rotate the engine, it 
will be necessary to remove the starter motor and 
attempt to turn the engine over manually. This will 
establish whether the fault lies with the starter motor, 
which could be jammed or  defective, or with the 
engine, which could be seized  or have broken internal 
components such as connecting rods, pistons and 
crankshafts etc.
 
If the starter motor is not at fault and the engine 
will not rotate manually, refer to the Engine Mechan- 
ical Trouble Shooting heading in the Engine section.
 
It should be noted that the only way that cylinder 
compression can be accurately tested is with a com- 
pression gauge. The method described in the following 
procedure is only intended to give a rough indication 
when checking for causes of engine breakdown,
 
(I) When the engine is cool, check for loss of 
coolant from the cooling system.
 
If coolant loss is evident, check carefully for any 
indication of external leakage. Remove the engine oil 
dipstick and check for wate r contamination (emulsi- 
fication) of the oil. When oil mixes with water it will
 Ensure that all fuel connections are securely tightened. 
Page 36 of 238

36 Roadside Trouble Shooting 
 
 
Check the engine oil for level and dilution on the dipstick. 
turn creamy. The oil level will also have increased. If 
the oil is emulsified, proceed to operation (5).
 
(2) Remove the fusible link that is positioned 
third from the front of th e fusible link connection 
block, located at the rear  of the battery. Disconnect 
the coil high tension lead from the coil.  (3) Remove all of the spark plugs except one. 
(4)  Have an assistant operate the ignition switch 
to rotate the engine and listen to the sound made by 
the engine as it is being turned over. Move the spark 
plug to a different cylinder and repeat the lest.  By performing the same test on all cylinders, a 
rough comparison can be made to determine if there 
is any loss of compression in any cylinder. This will be 
apparent by the different  sound made by the engine as 
it is being turned over.
 
Normally, if the compression is satisfactory the 
cylinder with the spark plug installed will create a 
resistance to the rotating engine.
 
However, if the compression is low in a particular 
cylinder, the engine will tu rn over easily and smoothly 
when that spark plug is in place.
 
(5)  If the above checks show a loss of coolant 
which is present in the engine oil or on the spark plug, 
one or more of the following faults may be the cause:
 
Blown cylinder head gasket. 
Cracked cylinder or cylinder head. 
If the compression check showed any weak or 
inconsistent compressions, in addition to the above 
faults any of the following could also be the cause:
 
Broken piston{s) 
Burnt or broken valve(s). 
Provided the previous checks do not indicate an 
 
View showing the location of the fusible links.  
internal leakage of coolant, proceed with the follow- 
ing:
 
(6)  Remove the distributor cap and, with the aid 
of an assistant operating th e starter motor, check that 
the rotor arm rotates as the engine turns over.  (7) Remove the camshaft hous ing top cover and. 
again with an assistant operating the ignition switch, 
check that all the valves open and close as the engine 
turns over. 
If the rotor arm or valves do not operate with 
engine rotation, one of the following faults may be the 
cause:
 
Rotor arm does not turn  but valves operate: 
Distributor drive shaft broken.
 
Rotor arm and valves do not operate: Broken 
camshaft drive belt. Sheare d crankshaft timing gear 
drive key. Sheared camshaft liming gear drive dowel.
 
Provided that all the previous checks have been 
performed correctly and the operator is satisfied that 
none of the components are at fault, all that remains 
is for the ignition and valve timing to be checked. It 
should be noted, however, that if loss of valve timing 
proves to be the fault, th e cause of this occurrence 
must be sought and rectified.
 
(8)  In order to check the valve timing it will be 
necessary to remove  the distributor cap and  the 
camshaft housing top cover and turn the engine 
clockwise via the crankshaft pulley until No. 1 piston 
is at TDC on the compression stroke. In this position 
the valves of No. 1 cylinder should be closed, the 
valves of No. 4 should be rocking and the distributor 
rotor should be pointing to the No. 1 high tension lead 
segment in the  distributor cap.
  
Page 37 of 238

37 
ENGINE 
SPECIFICATIONS 
ENGINE ASSEMBLY 
Type........................................................... 4cyl OHC 
Models ............................................. 1.6 liter, 1.8 liter 
Capacity:  
1.6 liter ................................................... 1 598 cc 
1.8 liter ................................................... 1  796 cc 
Firing order ...................................................... 1 -3-4-2 
Bore: 
1.6 liter..................................................  80.0 mm 
1.8 liter..................................................  84.8 mm 
Stroke ...........................................................  79.5 mm 
Maximum compression pressure 
variation between cylinders .........................  100 kPa 
NOTE: Specifications re garding engine tun- 
ing arc listed in the Engine Tune-up section.
 
CYLINDER BLOCK 
Type......................................................... 4 cyl in line 
Material ........................................................ Cast iron 
Bore diameter: 
1.6 liter ............... 79. 995-80.065 in three groups 
1.8 liter .................84. 755-84.905 in four groups 
Bore taper limit ......................................... 0. 013 mm 
Bore ovality limit  ..................................... 0.013 mm 
Block face distortion limit .......................... 0.10 mm 
Maximum height of piston above block 
face at top dead centre:
 
1.6 liter.................................................. 0.00 mm 
1.8 liter..................................................  0.50 mm 
Bore oversize................................................  0.50 mm 
CYLINDER HEAD 
Type........................................... One piece, cross flow 
Material ............................................ Aluminum alloy 
Distortion limit .......................................... 0.025 mm 
Machining li mit ........................................... 0.25 mm 
Minimum overall height after machining: 
1.6 liter .................................................95.50 mm 
1.8 liter .................................................94.80 mm 
Valve seat angle ..........................................45 degrees 
Valve seat contact width: 
Inlet................................................... 1.0-1.5 mm 
Exhaust ............................................. 1.7-2.2 mm  
Valve stem protrusion ................. 18.4 mm from top 
of cylinder head 
Valve guide height .......... 12.2-12.5 mm from top of 
cylinder head 
VALVES AND SPRINGS 
Valve length .............................................. 104. 2 mm 
Valve head diameter: 
1.6 liter —
 
Inlet........................................................  36.0 mm 
Exhaust ..................................................  32.0 mm 
1.8 liter - 
Inlet.......................................................  41.8 mm 
Exhaust .................................................  36.5 mm 
Valve stem diameter: 
Inlet...........................................6. 998-7.012 mm 
Exhaust .....................................6.978-6.992 mm 
Valve stem to guide clearance: 
Inlet...........................................0.018-0.052 mm 
Exhaust .....................................0.038-0.072 mm 
Oversize valve system availability......... 0.075,  0.150 
and 0.250 mm 
Valve face angle ......................................... 44 degrees 
Valve spring tension: 
Valve closed .......................... 300 N at 37.5 mm 
Valve open............................. 765 N at 26.5 mm 
TAPPETS 
Type .............................................................Hydraulic 
Operating length ........................................ 63.26 mm 
Diameter ....................................... 21.392-21.405mm 
Leak down rate ............. 2-10 sec onds for 3.175 mm 
PISTONS AND GUDGEON PINS 
Piston type ....................................... Aluminum alloy 
Diameter: 
1.6 liter ........ 79. 955-80.035 mm in 8 categories 
in increments of 0.01 mm 
1.8 liter .......84.725-84.885 mm in 16 categories 
in increments of 0.01 mm  
Page 38 of 238

38 Engine 
 *Piston skirt to cylinder bore clearance: 
1.6 liter .....................................0. 020-0.040 mm 
1.8 liter .....................................0. 010-0.030 mm 
Gudgeon pin length: 
1.6 liter ...................................................... 53 mm 
1.8 liter .................................................. 61.5 mm 
Gudgeon pin diameter.................20.990-20.995 mm 
Gudgeon pin clearance in piston: 
1.6 liter .....................................0. 010-0.020 mm 
1.8 liter ..................................0. 0055-0.0115 mm 
Gudgeon pin offset in piston: 
1.6 liter......... 0.35-0.65 mm towards thrust side 
1.8 liter................... 0.8 mm towards thrust side 
*Measured 9 mm from the bottom of the piston skirt 
for 1.6 liter models and 6 mm from the bottom of the 
piston skirt for 1.8 liter models. 
PISTON RINGS 
Rings per piston: 
Compression .......................................................2 
Oil contro l .......................................................... 1 
End gap: 
Compression ................................ 0.30-0.50 mm 
Oil control — 
1.6 liter ......................................... 0.33-1.10 mm 
1.8 liter ......................................... 0.40-1.40 mm 
CONNECTING RODS AND BEARINGS 
Connecting rod side clearance............ 0.07-0.24 mm 
Maximum connecting rod weight variation..8 grams 
Crankpin bearing oil clearance ....... 0. 019-0.063 mm
 
CRANKSHAFT AND MAIN BEARINGS 
Number of bearings .................................................. 5 
End float taken at ...................... No. 3 main bearing 
End float .......................................... 0.070-0.302 mm 
Bend limit ...................................................0.03 mm 
Main bearing oil clearance .............0. 015-0.040 mm 
Main bearing journal diameter.. .57.982-57.995 mm 
Crankpin diameter .......................48.971-48.987 mm
 
FLYWHEEL 
Ring gear run out limit.................................. 0.3 mm 
Clutch face regrind limit .............................. 0.3 mm 
CAMSHAFT 
Drive ...................................................... Toothed belt 
End float .............................................. 0.04-0.14 mm 
Bend limit  ................................................... 0.03 mm 
Bearings ...........................................Direct in housing 
Journal diameter: 
Standard —
 
No. 1  ..................................... 42. 455-42.470 mm 
No. 2  ..................................... 42. 705-42.720 mm 
No. 3  ..................................... 42.955-42.970 mm 
No. 4  ..................................... 43.205-43.220 mm 
No. 5  ..................................... 43.455-43.470 mm 
Undersize — 
No. 1  .....................................42.355-42.370 mm 
No. 2 ......................................42.605-42.620 mm 
No. 3  .....................................42.855-42.880 mm 
No. 4 ......................................43.105-43.120 mm 
No. 5  .....................................43. 355-43.370 mm 
*An undersize camshaft can be identified by a violet 
flash between the inlet and exhaust lobes of No. 2 
cylinder.
 
Housing diameter; 
Standard —
 
No. 1  .....................................42. 500-42.525 mm 
No. 2  .....................................42.750-42.775 mm 
No. 3  .....................................43.000-43.025 mm 
No. 4 ......................................43.250-43.275 mm 
No. 5  .....................................43.500-43.525 mm 
*Undersize — 
No. 1  .....................................42.400-42.425 mm 
No. 2  .....................................42.650-42.675 mm 
No. 3  .....................................42.900-42.925 mm 
No. 4 ......................................43.150-43.175 mm 
No. 5  .....................................43.400-43.425 mm 
*An undersize camshaft housing can be identified by 
a violet flash on the centre camshaft bearing support.
 
LUBRICATION 
Oil pump type .......................................Involute gear 
Filter type................................... Full flow disposable 
Oil pressure at 4 000 rpm .....................480-620 kPa 
Rotor assembly end float .................. 0.03-0. 010 mm 
Rotor teeth backlash ......................... 0.010-0.20 mm 
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS 
*Cylinder head bolts: 
Initial torque ............................................. 25 Nm 
1st stage .........................................    +  60 degrees 
2nd stage ........................................  + 60 degrees 
3rd stage.........................................  + 60 degrees 
4th stage, engine at operating 
temperature ..............................  + 30-50 degrees 
Exhaust manifold nuts .................................... 22 Nm 
Exhaust manifold flange nuts ......................... 22 Nm 
Inlet manifold nuts.......................................... 22 Nm 
Throttle body to inlet manifold nuts ..............12 Nm 
Camshaft liming gear bolt ...............................45 Nm 
Camshaft retainin g plate bolts ......................... 7 Nm 
Camshaft cover bolts......................................... 8 Nm 
Thermostat cover bolts ....................................15 Nm 
*Main bearing bolts..................60 Nm + 45 degrees 
Connecting rod bearing 
cap nuts ...................................  35 Nm + 45 degrees 
* Crankshaft timing 
gear bolt.................................. 145 Nm + 35 degrees 
*Flywheel bolts 
(microencapsulated) ................ 60 Nm + 30 degrees 
*Drive plate bolts (microencapsulated)........... 60 Nm 
Water pump bolts............................................ 25 Nm  
Page 39 of 238

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.   
Page 40 of 238

40 Engine 
 
 
Check the engine oil for level and dilution on the dipstick. 
dosed. Before dismantling the engine to 
inspect the big ends check the engine oil for 
correct level and dilution on the dipstick. 
Also, remove the oil pressure sender unit 
and connect an oil pressure gauge into the 
oil gallery to check the oil pressure readings.
 
MAIN BEARING NOISE (APPARENT) 
(1) Loose flywheel: Tighten the flywheel securing 
bolls to the specified torque.  (2) Low oil   pressure:   Check   the   bearing to 
journal clearance. Check the condition of the oil 
pump and pressure relief valve. Recondition the oil 
pump as necessary.  (3) Excessive crankshaft end  float:  Renew the 
main bearings.  (4) Crankshaft journals out of round and exces- 
sive bearing to journal clear ance: Regrind the journals 
and renew the bearings (undersize). 
(5) Insufficient oil supply: Replenish the oil in 
the sump to the correct level. 
NOTE: Main bearing noise is indicated by a 
heavy but dull knock when the engine is 
under load. A loose flywheel is indicated by 
a thud or dull click when the ignition is 
turned off. It is us ually accompanied by 
vibration.
 
Crankshaft end float noise is indicated by 
a sharp rap at idle speed. The crankshaft 
can be readily checked for excessive end 
float by levering the  crankshaft backwards 
and forwards.
 
If the oil pressure is not satisfactory, 
remove the main bearing caps and assess 
the bearing clearance using the Plastigage 
method as described in this section. Ovality 
and wear on the main bearing journals can 
only be checked with a micrometer after the 
crankshaft has been removed.
 
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION 
(1)  Oil leaks: Check and renew the engine gas- 
kets or seals as necessary. 
(2) Damaged  or  worn   valve  stem  oil   seals: 
Dismantle the cylinder head and renew the damaged 
or worn oil seals.  (3) Excessive valve stem to valve guide clear- 
ance: Ream the valve guides and renew the valves as 
necessary.  (4) Worn  or broken  piston  rings:  Renew the 
piston rings on all pistons.  (5) Rings too tight or stuck in the grooves: 
Renew the rings and clean the ring grooves. 
(6) Excessive wear in the cylinders, pistons and 
rings: Recondition the cylinders and renew the pistons 
and rings.  (7) Compression rings incorrectly installed. Oil 
rings clogged or broken: Renew the piston rings. 
NOTE: Before checking the engine for oil 
leaks the engine should be completely de- 
greased and cleaned. Run the engine at 
operating temperature for a period and 
visually check for oil leakage. By placing 
white paper on the floor directly beneath the 
engine any excessive  leak can be readily 
pinpointed.
 
Damaged or worn valve stem oil seals 
which allow oil to be drawn down past the 
valve stems into the combustion chambers 
can be diagnosed by allowing the engine to 
idle for a few minutes and then opening the 
throttle. If oil is being drawn past the valve 
stems a heavy discharge of blue smoke will 
be seen at the tailpipe.
 
Piston, ring and cylinder bore troubles are 
normally accompanied by a loss of compres- 
sion. Cylinder compression can only be 
accurately assessed by using a compression 
gauge.
 
Run the engine over white paper to check for oil leaks.