## ENGINE MECHANICAL

### Engine Assembly

#### REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

##### 1993–94 Sentra

NOTE: On the 1.6L (GA16DE) engines, the engine cannot be removed separately from the transaxle. Remove the engine and the transaxle as a unit. If equipped with 4WD, remove the engine, transaxle and transfer case together.

1. Mark the hood hinge relationship and remove the hood.
2. Release the fuel system pressure, disconnect the negative battery cable and raise and support the vehicle safely.
3. Drain the cooling system and the engine oil.
4. Remove the air cleaner and disconnect the throttle cable.
5. Disconnect or remove the following:
   1. Drive belts.
   2. Ignition wire from the coil to the distributor
   3. Ignition coil ground wire and the engine ground cable
   4. Block connector from the distributor
   5. Fusible links
   6. Engine harness connectors
   7. Fuel and fuel return hoses
   8. Upper and lower radiator hoses
   9. Heater inlet and outlet hoses
   10. Engine vacuum hoses
   11. Carbon canister hoses and the air pump air cleaner hose
   12. Any interfering engine accessories: power steering pump, air conditioning compressor or alternator
   13. Driveshaft from transfer unit for 4WD vehicles.

       NOTE: Make sure to matchmark flanges of driveshafts

6. Remove the air pump air cleaner.
7. Remove the carbon canister.
8. Remove the auxiliary fan, washer tank, grille and radiator (with fan assembly).
9. Remove the clutch cylinder from the clutch housing for manual transaxles.
10. Remove both buffer rods without altering the length of the rods. Disconnect the speedometer cable.
11. Remove the spring pins from the transaxle gear selector rods.
12. Install engine slingers to the block and connect a suitable lifting device to the slingers. Do not tension the lifting device at this point.
13. Disconnect the exhaust pipe at both the manifold connection and the clamp holding the pipe to the engine.
14. Remove the lower ball joints.
15. Drain the transaxle gear oil.
16. Disconnect the right and left side halfshafts from their side flanges and remove the bolt holding the radius link support.

    NOTE: When drawing out the halfshafts, it is necessary to loosen the strut head bolts.

17. Lower the shifter and selector rods and remove the bolts from the motor mount brackets. Remove the nuts holding the front and rear motor mounts to the frame.
18. Disconnect the clutch and accelerator wires and remove the speedometer cable with its pinion from the transaxle.
19. Lift the engine/transaxle assembly up and away from the vehicle.

    To install:

20. Lower the engine/transaxle assembly into the vehicle. When lowering the engine onto the frame, make sure to keep it as level as possible.
21. Check the clearance between the frame and clutch housing and make sure the engine mount bolts are seated in the groove of the mounting bracket.
22. After installing the motor mounts, adjust and install the buffer rods. The front should be 3.50–3.58 in. (89–91mm), and the rear 3.90–3.98 in. (99–101mm).
23. Tighten the engine mount bolts first, then apply a load to the mounting insulators before tightening the buffer rod and sub-mounting bolts.
24. Install the remaining components in the opposite order from which they were removed.
25. Fill the transaxle and cooling system to the proper levels.
26. Install the hood and connect the negative battery cable.
27. Make all the necessary engine adjustments. Charge the air conditioning system. Road test the vehicle for proper operation.

##### 1995–97 Sentra and 200SX

###### 1.6L (GA16DE) and 2.0L (SR20DE) Engines

NOTE: The engine and transaxle are removed as one unit from the underside of the vehicle.

CAUTION
Fuel injection systems remain under pressure after the engine has been turned OFF. Properly relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.

1. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
2. Disconnect the negative and positive battery cables.
3. Remove the battery and battery tray from the vehicle.
4. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
5. Remove both front wheels.
6. Remove the engine undercovers and remove the engine side covers.
7. Drain the coolant from the radiator and the engine block.
8. Drain the engine oil.
9. Remove the air cleaner assembly and remove air duct.
10. Note the locations and remove the vacuum hoses.
11. Disconnect the heater hoses from the engine.
12. If equipped, disconnect the A/T cooler hoses from the transaxle.
13. Disconnect the fuel hoses from the engine.
14. Note the locations and disconnect the harness and wiring connections.
15. Disconnect the throttle cable and the cruise control cable.
16. If equipped with automatic transmission, disconnect the control cable.
17. Remove the cooling fans, radiator, and the recovery tank.
18. Remove the front driveshafts from the vehicle.
19. Remove the front exhaust pipe.
20. On the 1.6L engine, disconnect the control rod and support rod from the transaxle.
21. Remove the starter motor and intake manifold support brackets.
22. Remove the engine drive belts.
23. Remove the alternator and adjusting brackets.
24. Remove the power steering pump and A/C compressor. It is not necessary to disconnect the lines.
25. On the 1.6L engine, remove the cylinder head front mounting bracket.
26. Position a transmission jack under the transaxle and support the engine with engine slinger.
27. Remove the center crossmember.
28. On some models it may be necessary to remove the front stabilizer bar.
29. Remove the engine mounting bolts from both sides of the engine.
30. Slowly lower the jacking devices and remove the engine and transaxle from the vehicle.

    To install:

31. Install the engine and transaxle assembly.
32. Install the mounting bolts to both sides of the engine.
33. For vehicles with manual transaxles, adjust the height of the mounting bracket (buffer rod). The distance between the two through bolts should be 2.126–2.205 in. (54–56mm).

    Fig. 1: Height adjustment of the buffer rod — 1995–97 Sentra and 200SX with 1.6L (GA16DE) engine

34. Install the center crossmember and remove the engine support jacks. Remove the engine slinger.
35. Install the remaining components in the reverse order of removal.
36. Tighten the control rod bolt to 10–13 ft. lbs. (14–18 Nm). Tighten the support rod bolt to 26–35 ft. lbs. (35–47 Nm).
37. Install the battery tray and install the battery.
38. Connect the positive and then the negative battery cables.
39. Start the engine and check for leaks. Make all the necessary adjustments.

    Fig. 2: Adjusting the height of the engine mount for M/T vehicles — 1995–97 2.0L (SR20DE) engine

##### Altima

CAUTION
Release the fuel pressure in the system before disconnecting the fuel lines. The fuel system will remain under pressure after the ignition has been turned OFF. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.

NOTE: The engine and transaxle must be removed as a single unit. The engine and transaxle are removed from under the vehicle.

1. Mark the location of the hinges on the hood and remove the hood from the vehicle.
2. Release fuel system pressure.
3. Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery and battery tray.
4. Drain the coolant from the plug on the water pipe and drain the radiator.
5. If equipped with automatic transaxle, disconnect the cooler lines from the radiator.
6. Remove the upper and lower hoses from the radiator and then remove the radiator assembly.
7. Disconnect the heater hoses from the engine.
8. Disconnect the throttle cable and cruise control cable (if equipped).
9. Remove the air cleaner, air box, and the intake hose.
10. Disconnect the fuel feed and return hoses.
11. Disconnect and label all the necessary vacuum hoses and electrical connectors.
12. Disconnect the wiring from starter motor.
13. If equipped, disconnect the slave cylinder from the transaxle. It is not necessary to disconnect the hydraulic hose.
14. Remove the engine drive belts. Be sure to mark belts for reinstallation.
15. Remove the alternator, A/C compressor, and the power steering pump from the engine.
16. Remove the right and left driveshafts from the transaxle.
17. Disconnect the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold.
18. Disconnect the crankshaft position sensor from the engine block.
19. Support the engine with slinger and support the transaxle with proper jack.
20. Disconnect the left and right engine mounting through bolts.
21. Remove the bolts that secure the crossmember to the vehicle and remove the crossmember.
22. Remove the front and rear engine mounts.
23. Lower the transaxle and engine assembly from the vehicle.

    NOTE: The engine and transaxle assembly should be removed through the bottom of the vehicle. Do not attempt to remove the assembly from above.

    To install:

24. Raise the transaxle and engine assembly to the vehicle.
25. Install the front and rear engine mounts. Tighten the mounting bolts to specifications.
26. Install the crossmember and tighten the mounting bolts to 57–72 ft. lbs. (77–98 Nm).
27. Connect the left and right engine mounting through bolts. Tighten the bolts to specifications.
28. Remove the engine and transaxle support jacks.
29. The balance of installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
30. Refill the cooling system and the engine oil. Check all the fluid levels.
31. Start the engine, bleed the cooling system, and check for leaks. Make all the necessary adjustments.
32. Install the hood.

##### Maxima

###### 3.0L (VQ30DE and VE30DE) and 1993–94 (VG30E) Engines

It is recommended the engine and transaxle be removed as a single unit. If need be, the units may be separated after removal.

NOTE: The engine and transaxle assembly must be removed from the underside of the vehicle.

1. Matchmark the hood hinge relationship and remove the hood.
2. Release the fuel system pressure. Disconnect the negative battery cable and raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Drain the coolant from the cylinder block and the radiator. Drain the crankcase and the automatic transaxle, if equipped.
4. Remove the air cleaner, the air intake tube, the air flow meter and disconnect the throttle linkage.
5. Disconnect and/or remove the following:
   - Drive belts
   - Engine ground cable
   - Electrical connector from the crank angle sensor
   - Engine electrical harness connectors

   CAUTION
   The fuel injection system remains under pressure after the engine has been turned OFF. Properly relieve the fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.

6. Fuel feed and fuel return hoses
7. Upper and lower radiator hoses
8. Heater inlet and outlet hoses
9. Electrical connector from the crank angle sensor
10. Engine vacuum hoses
11. Carbon canister hoses
12. Any interfering engine accessory: power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and the alternator
13. Remove the carbon canister.
14. Remove the auxiliary fan, washer tank, and the radiator (with the fan assembly).
15. If equipped with a manual transaxle, remove the clutch release cylinder from the clutch housing.
16. On the VG30E engine, remove the buffer rods without altering the length of the rods. Disconnect the speedometer cable.
17. On the VG30E engine, remove the spring pins from the transaxle gear selector rods.
18. On some models with a manual transaxle, disconnect the shift control rod and disconnect the shift support rod. On others with an automatic transaxle, disconnect the control cable from the transaxle.
19. Install engine slingers to the block and connect a suitable lifting device to the slingers. Do not tension the lifting device at this point.
20. Disconnect the exhaust pipe at both the manifold connections and remove the front exhaust pipe from the vehicle.
21. If equipped with a manual transaxle, drain the transaxle gear oil.
22. Support the engine and transaxle assembly with proper jack.
23. Disconnect the right and left side halfshafts from their side flanges and remove the bolt holding the radius link support.
24. Lower the shifter and selector rods and remove the bolts from the motor mount brackets. Remove the nuts holding the front and rear motor mounts to the frame.
25. On some models it will be necessary to remove the center crossmember assembly from the vehicle.
26. Lower the engine/transaxle assembly down and onto an engine stand.

    To install:

27. Raise the engine/transaxle assembly into the vehicle. When raising the engine onto the mounts, make sure to keep it as level as possible.
28. After installing the motor mounts, adjust and install the buffer rods; the front should be 3.50–5.58 in. (89–91mm) and the rear should be 3.90–3.98 in. (99–101mm).
29. Check the clearance between the frame and clutch housing and make sure the engine mount bolts are seated in the groove of the mounting bracket.
30. Remove the transaxle and engine jack assembly.
31. The remaining components are installed in the reverse order from which they were removed.
32. Fill the transaxle, the engine, and the cooling system to the proper levels with the appropriate fluids.
33. Install the hood and connect the negative battery cable.
34. Make all the necessary engine adjustments. Charge the air conditioning system, if discharged. Road test the vehicle for proper operation.

##### 240SX

NOTE: The engine assembly is removed from the top of the vehicle.

1. Make sure it is on a flat and level surface and that wheels are tightly chocked.
2. Allow the exhaust system to cool completely before starting work to prevent burns and possible fire as fuel lines are disconnected.

   CAUTION
   The fuel injection system remains under pressure after the engine has been turned OFF. Properly relieve the fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.

3. Release fuel pressure from the fuel system before attempting to disconnect any fuel lines.
4. Mark the location of the hinges on the hood. Unbolt and remove the hood.
5. Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery. Be sure to disconnect the negative cable first.
6. Remove the engine undercover.
7. Remove the transmission from the vehicle.
8. Drain the coolant from the radiator and the engine block.
9. Drain the engine oil from the vehicle.
10. Remove the radiator and radiator shroud after disconnecting the automatic transmission to radiator cooling tubes.
11. Remove the air cleaner.
12. Remove the engine drive belts.
13. Remove the fan and pulley.
14. Disconnect the electrical harness connectors at the water temperature sensor, oil pressure sending unit, and the starter motor. Disconnect the primary ignition wires.
15. Disconnect the fuel hoses.

    CAUTION
    On all fuel injected models, the fuel pressure must be released before the fuel lines can be disconnected.

16. Disconnect the electrical connections at the alternator. Disconnect the heater hoses and throttle connections,
17. Disconnect the engine ground cable, thermal transmitter wire, wire to the fuel cut-off solenoid and the vacuum cut solenoid wire.
18. Remove the front exhaust pipe from the vehicle.

    CAUTION
    On models with air conditioning, it is necessary to remove the compressor from the vehicle. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO UNFASTEN ANY OF THE AIR CONDITIONER HOSES BEFORE PROPERLY EVACUATING THE SYSTEM.

19. Remove the A/C compressor from the vehicle.
20. Remove the power steering pump from the engine.
21. Disconnect the power brake booster hose from the engine.
22. Attach a hoist to the lifting hooks on the engine (at either end of the cylinder head). Support the engine.
23. Remove the engine mounting nuts from both lower sides of the engine mounts.

    NOTE: When lifting the engine out, guide it carefully to avoid hitting parts such as the master cylinder.

24. Remove the engine from the vehicle.

    To install:

25. With the engine assembly safely secured to the hoist, lower the assembly into the vehicle.
26. Tighten the engine mounting nuts to 51–58 ft. lbs. (69–78 Nm). It may be necessary to lower or raise the engine hoist to correctly position the engine assembly to line up with the mount holes. Remove the engine hoist.
27. Install the power steering pump to the engine. Install the power brake booster.
28. The balance of installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
29. Refill the engine, transmission, and coolant levels with the proper type and amount of fluid.
30. Check all fluids to assure they are at the correct level. Start the engine and run at idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Check for fluid leaks and repair as required.
31. Road test the vehicle after you are sure there are no leaks. Check vehicle for proper operation. Recheck all fluid levels once road test is completed.

##### 300ZX

###### 1993–94 Vehicles

1. Mark the hood hinge relationship and remove the hood.
2. Release the fuel system pressure, disconnect the negative battery cable and raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Remove the undercover.
4. Drain the coolant from both sides of the block and from the radiator.
5. Drain the oil pan.
6. Disconnect and label all engine vacuum hoses, fuel piping, harnesses and connectors.
7. Disconnect and remove the front exhaust tube sections.
8. Mark the relationship of the flanges and disconnect the driveshaft.
9. Remove the radiator.
10. Remove the drive belts.
11. Remove the cooling fan and coupling.
12. Remove the power steering pump, alternator, starter and clutch operating cylinder (if so equipped).
13. Discharge the air conditioning system and remove the compressor from the engine.
14. Disconnect the air conditioning tube clamps.
15. Disconnect the steering column lower joint from the steering rack.
16. Remove the tension rod retaining bolts on both sides.
17. Loosen the transverse link bolts on both sides.
18. Support the rear suspension member using the proper equipment.
19. Install engine slingers to the block and connect a suitable lifting device to the slingers. Tension the lifting device slightly.
20. Remove the rear suspension member retaining bolts and center nut.
21. Remove the engine mount bracket bolts from both sides and slowly lower the transmission jack. Lift the engine and transmission from the vehicle.

    To install:

22. Lower the engine and transmission into the vehicle and slowly raise the transmission jack. Install the engine mount bracket bolts. Torque the bolts to 30–38 ft. lbs. (40–42 Nm).
23. Install the rear suspension bolts and center nut. Torque the bolts to 38–48 ft. lbs. (51–65 Nm) and the center nut to 26–33 ft. lbs. (35–45 Nm).
24. Remove the jack and disconnect the engine hoist.
25. Torque the transverse link bolts to 80–94 ft. lbs. (108–127 Nm).
26. Install the tension rod retaining bolts and torque them to 80–94 ft. lbs. (108–127 Nm).
27. Connect the steering column lower joint to the steering rack. Torque the lower joint bolt to 17–22 ft. lbs. (24–29 Nm).
28. Install the remaining components in the reverse order of removal.
29. Install the driveshaft. Make sure the flanges are aligned properly. On non-turbo models, torque the flange bolts to 29–33 ft. lbs. (39–45 Nm) or 40–47 ft. lbs. (54–64 Nm) on turbocharged models.
30. Fill the transmission and cooling system to the proper levels.
31. Install the hood and connect the negative battery cable.
32. Make all the necessary engine adjustments. Charge the air conditioning system.

###### 1995–97 Models — Manual transmission

1. Release the fuel system pressure and disconnect the negative battery cable.

   CAUTION
   Fuel injection systems remain under pressure after the engine has been turned OFF. Properly relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.

2. Matchmark the hood hinge relationship and remove the hood.
3. Drain the coolant from the cylinder block and the radiator. Drain the crankcase and the transaxle.
4. Remove the air cleaner, the air intake tube, the air flow meter and disconnect the throttle linkage.
5. Note the locations and disconnect the vacuum hoses from the engine.
6. Disconnect the fuel feed and return hoses.
7. Note the wiring locations and disconnect the harness connections.
8. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
9. Remove the engine undercover(s).
10. Disconnect the front exhaust pipes from the engine.
11. Disconnect and remove the driveshaft from the rear of the transmission.
12. Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses.
13. Remove the radiator shroud and remove the radiator from the vehicle.
14. Remove the engine drive belts.
15. Remove the cooling fan and the cooling fan coupling.
16. Disconnect and remove the power steering pump, A/C compressor, and the alternator.
17. Disconnect the wiring to the starter motor and remove the starter assembly.
18. Remove the clutch slave cylinder from the transmission and position aside. It is not necessary to disconnect the fluid line.
19. Disconnect the A/C tube clamps from the A/C line.
20. Disconnect the steering column lower joint.
21. Remove the tension rod to lower control arm mounting nuts from both sides and disconnect the rod at the lower control arm.
22. Loosen but do not remove the lower control arm to crossmember bolts.
23. Position a suitable transmission jack under the crossmember and support the engine with slinger and hoist.
24. Remove the crossmember mounting bolts.

    NOTE: The crossmember will remain in the vehicle during engine removal.

25. Remove the engine mounting bolts from both sides of the engine and then slowly lower the jack.
26. Remove the engine and transmission from the vehicle.

    NOTE: When lifting the engine from vehicle, be careful not to strike adjacent parts. Pay special attention to the accelerator wire casing, brake lines, and the master cylinder.

    To install:

27. Install the engine and transmission assembly.
28. Slowly raise the floor jack and install the engine mounting bolts.
29. Install the crossmember mounting bolts.
30. Remove the engine slinger and hoist.

    NOTE: All suspension bolts must be tightened with the full weight of the vehicle on the ground.

31. Tighten the lower control arm to crossmember bolts.
32. Install the remaining components in the opposite order from which they were removed.
33. Tighten the traverse link and tension rod mounting bolts and nuts to 80–94 ft. lbs. (108–127 Nm).
34. Fill the engine oil, transmission, and the cooling system with the proper type and amount of fluid.
35. Install the hood and connect the negative battery cable.
36. Perform all necessary adjustments.
37. Start the engine and warm to full operating temperature, bleed cooling system, and check for leaks.

###### 1995–97 Models — Automatic transmission

1. Release the fuel system pressure and disconnect the negative battery cable.

   CAUTION
   Fuel injection systems remain under pressure after the engine has been turned OFF. Properly relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.

2. Matchmark the hood hinge relationship and remove the hood.
3. Drain the coolant from the cylinder block and the radiator. Drain the crankcase and the automatic transaxle.
4. Remove the air cleaner, the air intake tube, the air flow meter and disconnect the throttle linkage.
5. Note the locations and disconnect the vacuum hoses from the engine.
6. Disconnect the fuel feed and return hoses.
7. Note the wiring locations and disconnect the harness connections.
8. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
9. Remove the engine undercover(s).
10. Disconnect the front exhaust pipes from the engine.
11. Disconnect and remove the driveshaft from the rear of the transmission.
12. Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses. Disconnect the heater core hoses.
13. Remove the radiator shroud and remove the radiator from the vehicle.
14. Remove the engine drive belts.
15. Disconnect and remove the power steering pump, A/C compressor, and the alternator.
16. Disconnect the wiring to the starter motor and remove the starter assembly.
17. Remove the transmission from the vehicle.
18. Install an engine slinger and hoist.
19. Support the weight of the engine with the hoist and disconnect the engine mounting bolts.
20. Lift the engine from the mounts and remove the engine assembly.

    NOTE: When lifting the engine from vehicle, be careful not to strike adjacent parts. Pay special attention to the accelerator wire casing, brake lines, and the master cylinder.

    To install:

21. Install the engine assembly to the engine compartment.
22. Install the engine mounting bolts.
23. Install the transmission assembly.
24. Install the starter motor and connect the wiring.
25. Install the remaining components in the reverse order of removal.
26. Refill the cooling system, transmission, and the crankcase with the proper type and amount of fluid.
27. Install the hood and connect the negative battery cable.
28. Perform all necessary adjustments.
29. Start the engine and warm it to full operating temperature, bleed cooling system, and check for leaks.