1.6l 4-cyl - VIN [e] Nissan Sentra B13

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION

Note. For engine repair procedures not covered in this article, see ENGINE OVERHAUL PROCEDURES - GENERAL INFORMATION article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

Engine can be identified by fourth character of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). See ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODE table. VIN is located on top left end of instrument panel, near windshield. Engine serial number is stamped on rear of cylinder block, left of flywheel.

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODES

VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT

Note. Check valve clearance when engine is hot.

Checking Valve Clearance

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove spark plugs. Rotate crankshaft until No. 1 cylinder is at TDC of compression stroke. Ensure timing mark on crankshaft pulley aligns with "0" mark on timing belt cover.
2. Ensure valve lifters on cylinder No. 1 are loose and valve lifters on cylinder No. 4 are tight. Using feeler gauge, measure and record clearance between valve lifter and camshaft at valves specified in VALVE CLEARANCE CHECKING SEQUENCE table. VALVE CLEARANCE CHECKING SEQUENCE Cylinder No. At TDC Check Intake Valves No. Check Exhaust Valves No. 1 1 & 2 1 & 3 4 3 & 4 2 & 4
3. To check remaining valves, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees (cylinder No. 4 at TDC of compression stroke). Measure and record valve clearance at remaining valves. If clearance is not as follows, adjust valves. Exhaust - .012-.023" (.30-.58 mm) Intake - .008-.019" (.21-.49 mm)

Note. Adjust valve clearance when engine is cold.

Scheme 57

1. Rotate camshaft until lobe is facing upward, away from valve lifter. Rotate valve lifter so notch on valve lifter is facing center of cylinder head. Rotate Valve Clearance Adjuster (J38972-1) to push valve lifter downward. (Scheme 57)
2. Place Valve Lifter Retainer (J38972-2) between camshaft and valve lifter. Remove valve clearance adjuster. Using a magnet and small screwdriver, remove shim. Using a micrometer, measure thickness of shim removed.
3. If valve clearance was not as specified in CHECKING VALVE CLEARANCE, step 3), install appropriate size shim. Shims are available in 50 sizes, ranging in thickness from.0787" (2.00 mm) to.1173" (2.98 mm) in increments of.0008" (.020 mm). Thickness is stamped in millimeters on bottom face of shim.
4. Ensure clearance is as specified in «VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS (ADJUSTING)»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table (use cold specification). Install cylinder head cover. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Recheck clearance when engine is warm, ensuring clearance is as specified in CHECKING VALVE CLEARANCE, step 3).

VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS (ADJUSTING)

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Note. For reassembly reference, label all electrical connectors, vacuum hoses and fuel lines before removal. Also place mating marks on engine hood and other major assemblies before removal.

FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE

Remove fuel pump fuse. Start engine. After engine stalls, crank engine 2-3 times to ensure fuel pressure is released. Turn ignition off. Install fuel pump fuse.

ENGINE

Note. Remove engine and transaxle as an assembly through bottom of engine compartment.

Removal

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e__fuel-pressure-release) . Drain cooling system. Remove hood and battery. Remove reservoir tank and bracket. Remove accessory drive belts. Remove alternator. Remove A/C compressor and power steering pump, leaving hoses attached.
2. Remove front tires and engine undercovers. Leaving brake hoses attached, remove brake caliper. Disconnect lower ball joint and tie rod from steering knuckle. Pry axle shaft from transaxle. Repeat procedure for other side.
3. On M/T models, disconnect control rod and support rod from transaxle. On A/T models, disconnect control cable from transaxle. On all models, remove crossmember, front exhaust pipe, stabilizer, radiator fan and radiator.
4. Mark and disconnect electrical connectors, wiring harnesses and vacuum hoses as necessary. Raise and support vehicle. Support engine from bottom. Remove front engine mount. Raise engine slightly, and remove remaining engine mounts. Remove engine and transaxle as an assembly through bottom of engine compartment.

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. When installing buffer rods (M/T models), adjust length between bolts. (Scheme 58) Ensure all engine mounts are installed in original positions.

Scheme 58

Removal and installation procedure is not available from manufacturer. For tightening sequence (Scheme 59)- (Scheme 61)

Scheme 59

Scheme 60

Scheme 61

CYLINDER HEAD

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e__fuel-pressure-release). Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block (drain plug is on left side of block, between flywheel and exhaust manifold). Remove accessory drive belts and power steering pump bracket. Remove intake air duct. Remove right front wheel and splash shield.
2. Remove engine undercovers. Remove front exhaust pipe. Remove front engine mount. Remove cylinder head cover, distributor cap and spark plugs. Set piston No. 1 at TDC of compression stroke.
3. For reference, mark rotor in relation to distributor housing and distributor housing in relation to cylinder head. Remove distributor. Remove camshaft sprocket cover and gusset. (Scheme 62) Remove water pump pulley and thermostat housing.
4. Remove chain tensioner and guide. (Scheme 65) Loosen idler sprocket bolt. Remove camshaft sprockets. Mark and remove camshaft journal caps. Remove camshafts. Remove idler sprocket bolt. Remove cylinder head bolts in 2 steps, in sequence. (Scheme 63)and (Scheme 64). Remove cylinder head with manifolds.

Scheme 62

Scheme 63

Scheme 64

Inspection

Clean cylinder head gasket mating surfaces. Check cylinder head for warpage. If warpage exceeds specification, resurface or replace cylinder head as necessary. See CYLINDER HEAD table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. DO NOT remove more than .008" (.20 mm) material from cylinder head and/or cylinder block surfaces (combined total).

Install new cylinder head gasket and cylinder head. Tighten cylinder head bolts in sequence. (Scheme 63)and (Scheme 64). Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. For alignment of timing chain and gear marks, see TIMING CHAIN under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

FRONT COVER OIL SEAL

Note. Manufacturer lists front cover oil seal removal and installation with front cover removed from engine.

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e__fuel-pressure-release). Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block (drain plug is on left side of block, between flywheel and exhaust manifold). Remove accessory drive belts and power steering pump bracket. Remove intake air duct. Remove right front wheel and splash shield.
2. Remove engine undercovers. Remove front exhaust pipe. Remove front engine mount. Remove distributor cap and spark plugs. Set piston No. 1 at TDC of compression stroke.
3. Remove camshaft sprocket cover and gusset. (Scheme 62) Remove water pump pulley and thermostat housing. Remove chain tensioner and guide. (Scheme 65) Loosen idler sprocket bolt. Remove camshaft sprockets. Remove idler sprocket bolt.
4. Remove front crossmember and oil pan. Remove crankshaft pulley. Support engine using a jack. Remove front engine mount. Remove front cover. Carefully pry oil seal from front cover. Apply oil to new seal. Install seal into front cover.
5. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table.

TIMING CHAIN

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e__fuel-pressure-release). Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block (drain plug is on left side of block, between flywheel and exhaust manifold). Remove accessory drive belts and power steering pump bracket. Remove intake air duct. Remove right front wheel and splash shield.
2. Remove engine undercovers. Remove front exhaust pipe. Remove front engine mount. Remove cylinder head cover, distributor cap and spark plugs. Set piston No. 1 at TDC of compression stroke.
3. Remove camshaft sprocket cover and gusset. (Scheme 62) Remove water pump pulley and thermostat housing. Remove chain tensioner and guide. (Scheme 65) Loosen idler sprocket bolt. Remove camshaft sprockets. Remove idler sprocket bolt. Remove idler sprocket from rear.
4. Remove outer (upper) timing chain. Remove crossmember. Remove oil pan and strainer. Remove crankshaft pulley. Support engine using a jack. Remove front engine mounting bracket. Remove front cover bolts (one of these bolts retains water pump and front cover). Remove front cover. Remove idler sprocket, inner (lower) timing chain and oil pump drive spacer. Remove chain guide and crankshaft sprocket.

Scheme 65

1. Ensure No. 1 cylinder is at TDC of compression stroke. Install chain guide, crankshaft sprocket and inner timing chain. Align inner timing chain mating mark (Silver link) with marks on crankshaft sprocket. (Scheme 66)
2. Apply liquid gasket to front cover. Ensure 2 "O" rings are in place on front cover. Install oil pump drive spacer, front cover and oil pan. Install front engine mount, crossmember and crankshaft pulley. Install idler sprocket with outer timing chain. Align inner timing chain mating mark (Silver link) with marks on idler sprocket. (Scheme 66)
3. Install idler sprocket shaft from rear. Install camshaft sprocket with outer timing chain. Align outer timing chain mating marks with marks on camshaft sprocket. (Scheme 67) To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table.

Scheme 66

Scheme 67

Manufacturer's procedure requires cylinder head removal. See CYLINDER HEAD . Keep camshaft journal caps in order of removal for reassembly reference.

Check camshaft for wear. If camshaft dimensions are not within specification, replace camshaft and/or cylinder head as necessary. See CAMSHAFT table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.

1. Lubricate camshafts before installation. Install camshafts and journal caps, ensuring camshafts are correctly aligned and journal caps are tightened in correct sequence. (Scheme 68)
2. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table.

Scheme 68

Remove transaxle and flywheel/flexplate. Remove and clean rear oil seal retainer. Remove seal from rear oil seal retainer. Apply engine oil to new oil seal. Install oil seal using a suitable seal driver. Apply liquid gasket to rear oil seal retainer. Reverse removal procedure to complete installation. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.

WATER PUMP

Note. For further information on cooling systems, see ELECT FAN & SYSTEM SPECS article in the ENGINE COOLING Section.

Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block (drain plug is on left side of block, between flywheel and exhaust manifold). Remove accessory drive belts. Remove water pump pulley and water pump. (Scheme 69) DO NOT allow coolant to contact timing chain.

Scheme 69

Check pump body and vane for corrosion. Ensure vane turns easily without roughness. Remove all gasket material from pump housing mating surfaces.

Apply a small bead of liquid gasket to pump housing mating surface. (Scheme 70) Install pump. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.

Scheme 70

Remove engine undercover. Drain oil. Remove crossmember. Remove front exhaust pipe. Remove oil pan bolts. Remove oil pan using Oil Pan Separator (KV10111100) to separate oil pan from cylinder block (if necessary).

Clean all gasket sealing surfaces. Apply a continuous .14-.17" (3.5-4.5 mm) wide bead of liquid gasket to oil pan, running bead inside groove and inward of bolt holes. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. DO NOT add oil until 30 minutes after installing oil pan.

CYLINDER HEAD OVERHAUL

Check for warpage at gasket surface area. Replace or resurface cylinder head if warpage exceeds specification. See CYLINDER HEAD table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. If cylinder head height is not within specification or camshaft resists being rotated by hand after machining, replace cylinder head.

VALVE SPRINGS

Ensure valve spring free length, out-of-square and pressure are within specification. See VALVES & VALVE SPRINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.

VALVE STEM OIL SEALS

Lubricate valve stem oil seal with engine oil. Install oil seal using Oil Seal Installer (J-38958 for intake and J-38971 for exhaust valves). Ensure oil seal is fully seated on valve guide.

VALVE GUIDES

1. Heat cylinder head to 230-248°F (110-120°C). Using a hammer and drift or a shop press, drive guide out through top of cylinder head. Allow cylinder head to cool to room temperature.
2. Ream valve guide bore to.3813-.3817" (9.685-9.696 mm). Heat cylinder head to 230-248°F (110-120°C). Press new guide into guide bore until guide protrudes.453-461" (11.50-11.70 mm) out of top of guide bore. (Scheme 71)
3. Allow cylinder head to cool to room temperature. Ream valve guide inside diameter to.2165-.2171" (5.500-5.515 mm).

Scheme 71

VALVE SEAT

1. Before servicing or replacing valve seat, repair valve guides. Bore valve seat until it collapses. Remove seat. Ream valve seat bore for .02" (.5 mm) oversize. See «VALVE SEAT REPLACEMENT BORE»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table.
2. Heat cylinder head to 230-248°F (110-120°C). Press valve seat into bore until it is fully seated. Grind or cut valve seat. See «CYLINDER HEAD»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. After machining, lap valve seat with lapping compound.

VALVE SEAT REPLACEMENT BORE

VALVES

Check valve dimensions. See VALVES & VALVE SPRINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Replace valve is dimensions are not within specification.

PISTON & ROD ASSEMBLY

1. To disassemble piston and connecting rod, remove snap ring from piston. Heat piston in oil to 140-158°F(60-70°C). Press piston pin out of connecting rod.
2. Ensure piston pin fit and rod fit are within specification. See «PISTONS, PINS & RINGS»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Replace piston, connecting rod and/or pin if it is not within specification. Ensure connecting rod bend and twist DO NOT exceed specification. See «CONNECTING RODS»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
3. To reassemble, install NEW snap ring into piston pin bore. Heat piston in oil to 140-158°F (60-70°C). Assemble piston, piston pin, connecting rod and remaining NEW snap ring, with oil hole in rod facing right side of engine. (Scheme 72) Ensure pin and rod are centered in piston.
4. After reassembly, ensure connecting rod swings smoothly. Install piston with front mark on piston toward front of engine. Ensure cylinder identification number on rod and cap are on same side.

Scheme 72

PISTON PIN BUSHING REPLACEMENT

Use proper driver to remove piston pin bushing. When installing new bushing, ensure oil holes are aligned. (Scheme 73) After installing bushing, ream bushing for proper rod fit (piston pin-to-bushing clearance). See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 73

FITTING PISTONS

1. Standard diameter of cylinder bores may differ slightly from cylinder to cylinder. To compensate for these differences and achieve closer tolerances, standard size pistons are available in slightly different diameters.
2. A grade number, stamped on top of piston, represents piston diameter. (Scheme 72) Grade number stamped on bottom of cylinder block represents cylinder bore diameter. (Scheme 81) Piston grade number must match cylinder bore grade number.
3. Measure piston diameter at.374" (9.50 mm) from bottom of piston, at 90-degree angle to piston pin. If piston clearance, cylinder bore diameter, out-of-round or taper exceed specification, rebore all cylinders or replace cylinder block. See «CYLINDER BLOCK»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Oversize pistons are available in.020" (.50 mm) and.039" (1.00 mm) oversize. See «CYLINDER BLOCK»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) for reboring information.

PISTON RINGS

Measure ring side clearance. If ring side clearance exceeds specification, replace rings and/or piston. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Measure ring end gap. If ring end gap exceeds specification, replace piston ring. If ring end gap still exceeds specification, rebore cylinder and install oversize pistons and rings. If ring is punch-marked, install ring on piston with punch mark facing up. (Scheme 74)

Scheme 74

Scheme 75

1. Standard diameter of rod bearing journals may differ slightly from cylinder to cylinder. To compensate for these differences and achieve closer tolerances, standard size rod bearings are available in slightly different diameters.
2. A grade number, stamped on crankshaft throw, represents diameter of specific rod bearing journal. (Scheme 75) A color code on side of rod bearing represents grade number of rod bearing (grade number of rod bearing represents thickness of rod bearing). Ensure grade number of rod bearing journal matches grade number (color) of rod bearing. (Scheme 75)to determine color code of rod bearings to be installed.
3. Measure rod bearing clearance. If rod bearing clearance exceeds specification, replace rod bearings or machine rod bearing journal and install undersize bearings. See «CRANKSHAFT, MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Undersize bearings are available in.0031" (.080 mm),.0047" (.120 mm) and.0098" (.250 mm) undersize.
4. When installing rod bearings, ensure oil hole in connecting rod aligns with oil hole in rod bearing. (Scheme 76) When installing rod bearing cap, ensure cylinder identification number on rod and cap are on same side. (Scheme 72)
5. Tighten connecting rod bearing cap nuts evenly to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table. Measure connecting rod side play. If side play is not within specification, replace connecting rod and/or crankshaft.

Scheme 76

CRANKSHAFT & MAIN BEARINGS

1. Loosen main bearing caps evenly in sequence in 2-3 steps. (Scheme 77) Main bearing caps are marked for reassembly reference. (Scheme 78) Upper and lower main bearings are not interchangeable. Main bearing upper half can be identified by oil groove. (Scheme 80)
2. Standard diameters of main bearing journals and main bearing journal block bores may differ slightly from cylinder to cylinder. To compensate for these differences and achieve closer tolerances, standard size main bearings are available in slightly different diameters.
3. A grade number, stamped on crankshaft throw, represents diameter of specific main bearing journal. (Scheme 75) Grade number stamped on bottom of cylinder block represents diameter of specific main bearing journal block bore. (Scheme 81) A color code on side of main bearing represents main bearing size. (Scheme 80) Use table in (Scheme 75) or (Scheme 81) to determine color code of main bearings to be installed.
4. Determine main bearing oil clearance. If oil clearance is not within specification, replace main bearings or machine crankshaft and install undersize bearings. See «CRANKSHAFT, MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
5. Undersize bearings are available in.0098" (.250 mm) and.0197 (.500 mm) undersize. Tighten main bearing cap bolts in sequence. (Scheme 79) Tighten evenly in 2-3 steps to proper specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table.

Scheme 77

Scheme 78

Scheme 79

THRUST BEARING

Center (No. 3) main bearing is thrust bearing. (Scheme 80) If crankshaft end play is not within specification, replace thrust bearing. See CRANKSHAFT, MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 80

CYLINDER BLOCK

1. If maximum deck warpage exceeds specification, machine or replace cylinder block. See «CYLINDER BLOCK»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Replace cylinder block if machining deck surface reduces deck height to less than minimum specification.
2. If cylinder bore diameter, out-of-round or taper exceeds specification, rebore all cylinders or replace cylinder block. See «CYLINDER BLOCK»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table. If reboring cylinders, ensure all cylinders are rebored to same size.
3. Before reboring, install main bearing caps and tighten bolts to specification to prevent cylinder distortion. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/sentra/b13-1990-1994/remont/mechanical/#16l-4-cyl-vin-e) table. Cylinder can be rebored to.020" (.50 mm) or.039" (1.00 mm) oversize. Hone cylinder bore for proper piston fit. (Scheme 81)

Scheme 81

Crankcase Capacity

Oil capacity is 3.0 qts. (2.8L) without filter and 3.4 qts. (3.2L) with filter change.

Oil Pressure

Oil pressure should be 7-27 psi (0.5-1.9 kg/cm 2 ) at idle and 50-64 psi (3.5-4.5 kg/cm 2 ) at 3000 RPM.

Oil pump is part of front cover. Oil pump gears are accessible from inside of front cover. For removal and installation of front cover, see TIMING CHAIN under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Check oil pump clearances. (Scheme 82)and (Scheme 83). If inner gear-to-crescent clearance is not within specification, replace gear set. See OIL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS table. If any other clearances are not within specification, replace front cover.

OIL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 82

Scheme 83

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

CRANKSHAFT, MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS SPECIFICATIONS

CRANKSHAFT, MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS

CONNECTING RODS SPECIFICATIONS

CONNECTING RODS

PISTONS, PINS & SPECIFICATIONS

PISTONS, PINS & RINGS

CYLINDER BLOCK SPECIFICATIONS

CYLINDER BLOCK

VALVES & VALVE SPRINGS SPECIFICATIONS

VALVES & VALVE SPRINGS

CYLINDER HEAD SPECIFICATIONS

CYLINDER HEAD

CAMSHAFT SPECIFICATIONS

CAMSHAFT

See also:
• ENGINE OVERHAUL PROCEDURES - GENERAL INFORMATION
• ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODE
• FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
• TIMING CHAIN
• CYLINDER HEAD
• PISTON & ROD ASSEMBLY