1986 Datsun 300ZX Repair Manual

The 1986 Datsun 300ZX is a sports car featuring a 3.0L V6 engine, rear-wheel drive, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, independent suspension, power steering, and advanced electronics for its era. This repair manual covers comprehensive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for all major systems including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical, and body components.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Engine System 3. Transmission & Drivetrain 4. Braking System 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Electrical System 7. Fuel System 8. Cooling System 9. Exhaust System 10. Body & Interior 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical data for the 1986 Datsun 300ZX.

Specification	Details
Engine	3.0L V6 VG30E SOHC
Horsepower	160 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	174 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Fuel System	Electronic Fuel Injection
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum with optional ABS
Suspension	Independent front and rear
Wheelbase	91.3 inches
Curb Weight	Approximately 3100 lbs

Engine System

VG30E 3.0L V6 engine maintenance and repair procedures.

Oil change: 4.5 quarts of 10W-30 oil, replace filter every 3,000 miles
Spark plugs: NGK BPR6ES-11, gap 0.041-0.043 inches
Timing belt: Replace every 60,000 miles
Compression test: 142-171 psi, max variation 14 psi between cylinders
Valve adjustment: 0.010 inches cold for intake, 0.012 inches cold for exhaust

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before working on electrical components. Allow engine to cool before servicing.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Manual and automatic transmission service procedures.

Manual transmission fluid: 75W-90 GL-4, 3.1 quarts capacity
Automatic transmission fluid: Dexron II, 7.4 quarts total capacity
Differential fluid: 80W-90 GL-5, 1.6 pints capacity
Clutch adjustment: 0.79-1.18 inches free play
Drive shaft inspection: Check U-joints for wear and lubrication

CAUTION! Use jack stands when working under vehicle. Ensure parking brake is engaged.

Braking System

Front Brakes: Disc brakes with single-piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Drum brakes with self-adjusting mechanism
Master Cylinder: Tandem type with 15/16 inch bore
Brake Fluid: DOT 3, replace every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Pad Replacement: Front pads replace when worn to 1/8 inch
Rotor Specifications: Minimum thickness 0.882 inches
Bleeding Sequence: RR, LR, RF, LF

Suspension & Steering

Independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, multi-link rear suspension.

Front Suspension: Struts, lower control arms, stabilizer bar

Rear Suspension: Semi-trailing arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar

Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion, 2.7 turns lock-to-lock

Alignment Specifications: Camber -0°45' ± 45', Caster +3°15' ± 45', Toe-in 0.08 ± 0.08 inches

Electrical System

12-volt negative ground system with 60-amp alternator.

Battery: 12V 60Ah, located in rear compartment
Alternator output: 60 amps at 2000 rpm
Starter motor: 1.4 kW reduction gear type
Fuse box: Located under dashboard on driver's side
Bulb types: Headlight 60/55W H4, brake light 21W, turn signal 21W

Tip: Always disconnect negative battery terminal first when working on electrical system.

Fuel System

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with electric fuel pump.

Fuel pressure: 34.1 psi at idle with vacuum hose connected
Fuel filter: Replace every 30,000 miles
Injector resistance: 10-14 ohms at 68°F
Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 gallons
Fuel pump location: In-tank electric pump
Throttle position sensor: Adjust to 0.45-0.55V at idle

WARNING! Relieve fuel pressure before servicing fuel system. No smoking or open flames.

Cooling System

Pressurized cooling system with electric fan.

Exhaust System

Stainless steel exhaust with catalytic converter.

CAUTION! Allow exhaust system to cool completely before inspection or repair.

Body & Interior

T-top roof panels, power windows, and digital dash cluster maintenance.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel pump, ignition, battery	Check fuel pressure, spark, battery voltage
Poor acceleration	Fuel filter, timing, sensors	Replace fuel filter, check ignition timing
Brake vibration	Warped rotors, worn pads	Resurface or replace rotors, install new pads
Electrical issues	Ground connections, alternator	Clean ground points, test alternator output
Overheating	Thermostat, radiator, water pump	Replace thermostat, flush cooling system

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset ECU if needed.

Service: Consult certified Datsun/Nissan service center for complex issues.