Engine Disassembly
EXCEPT VE30DE ENGINEFig. 2 Timing Belt Replacement. Except VE30DE:
Fig. 7 Timing Belt Cover Replace. VG30DE Engine:
1. Drain coolant from engine.
2. Position No. 1 cylinder at TDC of compression stroke.
3. Remove timing belt covers, Figs. 2 and 7.
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. 50 External Engine Components (SOHC). Except 1990-92 Pathfinder & Pickup.:
Fig. 52 Intake Manifold Collector Bolt Loosening Sequence. 1989 300ZX:
Intake Manifold Collector Tightening Sequence.:
Fig. 54 Intake Manifold Collector Cover Bolt Loosening Sequence. 1989 300ZX:
7. Remove intake manifold collector cover and the collector, Fig. 50 Loosen attaching bolts in sequence, Figs. 52 through 54.
Fig. 56 Intake Manifold Bolt Loosening Sequence. 1989 300ZX & 1990 Pathfinder & Pickup:
Fig. 57 Intake Manifold Bolt Loosening Sequence. Maxima w/VG30E Engine:
8. Remove intake manifold with fuel tube assembly. Loosen attaching bolts in sequence, Figs. 56 and 57.
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. 58 Cylinder Head Bolt Loosening Sequence. Excludes 1990-92 300ZX & 1992 Maxima W/VE30DE Engine:
Fig. 59 Cylinder Block, Crankshaft & Piston Exploded View:
Fig. 60 Main Bearing Cap Bolt Loosening Sequence:
11. Remove cylinder head attaching bolts, then the cylinder heads with exhaust manifolds attached. On all models except 1990-93 300ZX loosen attaching bolts in sequence, Fig. 58.
12. Remove connecting rod caps and bearings, then the piston and connecting rod assemblies.
13. Remove main bearing cap and crankshaft, Fig. 59. Loosen attaching bolts in sequence, Fig. 60.
VE30DE ENGINE
1. Remove engine assembly as described under ENGINE.
2. Place engine on a workstand and drain coolant and oil.
3. Remove cylinder heads as described under TIMING BELT.
4. Remove oil pan as described under OIL PAN.
5. Remove timing chain as described under TIMING BELT.
6. Remove pistons with connecting rod.
7. Remove rear oil seal retainer.
8. Using loosening sequence shown in Fig. 60, remove main bearing beam and crankshaft retaining bolts in two or three steps.