1987 Nissan 300ZX Repair Manual

The 1987 Nissan 300ZX is a sports car featuring a 3.0L V6 engine, rear-wheel drive, and advanced electronic fuel injection. This repair manual covers essential maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, specifications, and step-by-step repair instructions for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and body components. Below are key sections for maintenance schedules, specifications, repair procedures, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Repair 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake System 7. Electrical System 8. Body & Interior 9. Troubleshooting 10. Safety Precautions

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical data for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX.

Specification	Details
Engine	3.0L V6 VG30E
Horsepower	160 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	174 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
Fuel System	Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Brakes	Front disc / rear drum with ABS
Suspension	Independent front and rear
Wheelbase	95.7 inches
Curb Weight	3150 lbs
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gallons

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for optimal performance.

Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Spark Plugs: Every 30,000 miles
Timing Belt: Every 60,000 miles
Brake Fluid: Every 15,000 miles or annually
Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Transmission Fluid: Every 30,000 miles
Air Filter: Every 15,000 miles
Fuel Filter: Every 30,000 miles

WARNING! Always use jack stands when working under vehicle. Wear safety glasses during maintenance.

Engine Repair

VG30E V6 engine service procedures.

Spark Plug Replacement: Remove ignition wires, use 5/8" socket, gap to 0.044"
Timing Belt: Align marks at TDC, tension properly
Valve Adjustment: Cold engine, set to 0.010" intake, 0.012" exhaust
Oil Change: 4.5 quarts 10W-30, replace filter
Fuel System: Check fuel pressure (34-38 psi), replace filter
Cooling System: Check thermostat (opens at 180°F), flush radiator

CAUTION! Disconnect battery before electrical work. Allow engine to cool before servicing.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Manual Transmission: GL-4 75W-90 gear oil, 2.1 quarts capacity
Automatic Transmission: Dexron II/Mercon, 7.5 quarts total
Clutch: Hydraulic system, bleed if spongy
Differential: 80W-90 gear oil, 1.5 pints capacity
Drive Shaft: Check U-joints for wear
Shift Linkage: Adjust for proper gear engagement

Suspension & Steering

Front: MacPherson struts with coil springs. Rear: Semi-trailing arms with coil springs.

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

Common Procedures: Strut replacement, ball joint inspection, tie rod ends, alignment specifications (Camber: -0.5° to +0.5°, Caster: +3.5° to +4.5°, Toe: 0° to +0.2°).

Brake System

Front disc brakes: 10.7" rotors. Rear drum brakes: 9.0" drums.

Pad Replacement: Remove caliper, compress piston, install new pads
Rotor Resurfacing: Minimum thickness 0.94"
Drum Service: Adjust shoes, replace if worn below 0.06"
Bleeding: Start with rear right, front left, rear left, front right
ABS: Diagnostic connector under hood, flash codes for troubleshooting

Tip: Always replace brake fluid when servicing hydraulic system.

Electrical System

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

Battery: Group 24, 450 CCA, check terminals for corrosion
Alternator: Output 14.2-14.8 volts at 2000 rpm
Starter: Draw less than 180 amps during cranking
Fuses: Main fuse box under hood, interior fuse panel
Lights: Headlight adjustment screws behind bezel
ECU: Located behind passenger seat, diagnostic mode available

WARNING! Disconnect battery before electrical repairs. Use multimeter for testing.

Body & Interior

T-top removal, door panel service, seat repair, dashboard components.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel pump, ignition, battery	Check fuel pressure, spark, battery voltage
Overheating	Thermostat, radiator, water pump	Test thermostat, flush cooling system
Brake pulsation	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace rotors
Electrical issues	Ground connections, alternator	Check grounds, test alternator output
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, worn clutch	Check fluid level, inspect clutch

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset ECU.

Service: Consult Nissan dealership for factory parts and technical support.