Engine Disassembly

1. Drain coolant from engine.
2. Position No. 1 cylinder at TDC of compression stroke.

Fig. 1 Timing belt replacement:

3. Remove upper and lower timing belt covers, Fig. 1.
4. Loosen timing belt tensioner and return spring, and remove timing belt.
5. Remove water pump.
6. Drain engine oil, then remove oil pan and oil pump.

Fig. 9 External engine components (typical):

Fig. 10 Intake manifold collector bolt loosening sequence. 300ZX & Maxima:

7. Remove intake manifold collector cover and the collector, Fig. 9. Loosen attaching bolts in sequence, Fig. 10.

Fig. 13 Intake manifold bolt loosening sequence. 1984-86 300ZX:

8. Remove intake manifold with fuel tube assembly. Loosen attaching bolts in sequence, Fig. 13.
9. Remove power steering pump bracket, then the exhaust manifold covers.
10. Disconnect exhaust manifold connecting tube, then remove camshaft sprockets and rear timing cover attaching bolts.

Fig. 17 Cylinder head bolt loosening sequence. 1986-88 300ZX & Maxima & 1988 200SX:

11. Remove cylinder head attaching bolts, then the cylinder heads with exhaust manifolds attached. Loosen attaching bolts in sequence, Fig. 17.
12. Remove connecting rod caps and bearings, then the piston and connecting rod assemblies.

Fig. 19 Cylinder block, crankshaft & piston exploded view.:

Fig. 20 Main bearing cap bolt loosening sequence:

13. Remove main bearing cap and crankshaft, Fig. 19. Loosen attaching bolts in sequence, Fig. 20.

PISTON & ROD DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove piston rings with a ring remover.
2. Press out piston pin. Keep disassembled parts in order.

Fig. 21 Exhaust manifold bolt loosening sequence. 300ZX & 1984-86 Maxima.:

CYLINDER HEAD DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove exhaust manifolds, then the rocker shafts with rocker arms. Loosen exhaust manifold attaching bolts in sequence, Fig. 21, in 2 or 3 steps.

Fig. 24 Cylinder head exploded view:

2. Remove hydraulic valve lifters and lifter guide, Fig. 24, noting the following:

Fig. 25 Securing valve lifters to valve guide:

a. Secure lifters with safety wire to prevent them from falling out of guide, Fig. 25.
b. Do not invert lifters to prevent air from entering them.
c. Valve lifters are serviced as an assembly only and must not be disassembled.
d. Mark lifters so they may be reinstalled in their original positions.
3. Remove camshaft and camshaft oil seal.
4. Remove valves and valve components using a suitable valve spring compressor.