1998 Nissan Micra 1.3 - Project Heartstring

[p4cks]

Cracking thread.

Shedding can be wonderful, as this thread demonstrates.

Each 'little' fix you're applying is probably extending this little car's life two-fold.

[Spinakerr]

Thanks - unfortunately the gearbox fluid change was delayed by the recent deluge. The linkage is also clanking a bit so I believe a proper investigation is in order once spring is in full swing.

The Spruce goose said:

nice car.

Surprised you didn't paint he rocker cover red whilst it was off.

You're right, time to add 10 bhp. Before:



After:

[davepoth]

Spinakerr said:

You're right, time to add 10 bhp. Before:



After:

I guess you need to pull away in 4th now to avoid shredding the tyres.

[Spinakerr]

davepoth said:

I guess you need to pull away in 4th now to avoid shredding the tyres.

It's always been a bit of an animal - might have to dial down the mapping ;-)

I re-sealed the rocker gasket previous over-enthusiastic deployment of sealant, a messy job but it assauged my worry of the oil pikcup getting clogged before I take the sump off this summer. It seems to be the one remaining oil leak, common on these machines.

Today I installed a cigarette lighter for on-the-go phone revitalisation, a 10 minute job.

Two exposed screws on either side of the cubby hole in front of the gearstick:



Then careful removal of the ashtray (simply push down the metal top and pull out), then trace a black wire down to driver's side carpet. It will be the factory-installed T connector for a lighter:



I had a relatively nice lighter with an LED, ran some wire to the nearest dash illumination to come on when the lights are on (the heater above, incredibly fiddly but I spotted them with a dentist mirror), then the lighter plugged straight into the blank hole. All done:

[xjay1337]

How cute

[Morningside]

Fantastic car and Nissan got it so right with the bubble shape Micra.

I do keep looking at them and loved my last one but I cannot justify buying another car at the moment.

One day...

[fido]

Brings back good memories. This was my first reliable car post-student days. 75PS - performance was quite warm for a super-mini. Used it to drive to night-shift in the City but the lack of legroom caused me knee pain so had to ditch it.

[Spinakerr]

An increasing issue with the faithful Micra has been an increasing oil leak after the car has been used. Having checked the top end, something must be amiss underneath:

Fortunately nothing from the oil filter I changed previously...



...but unfortunately the leak was coming from the narrower end of the sump:



This has resulted in a rather comprehensive covering underneath the car, huzzah for rustproofing etc:





A good scamper through the internet revealed similar tales of woe with sumps as with the front crossmembers, so for 36 pounds delivered I order a new sump:



So, on with removal. I started this at around 17:30, having treated all bolts to penetrating spray the two days previous, and arranging all my tools neatly. Well, sort of neatly. Nearby.

Off with the undertray and offside wheel liners:



Slight leak on the larger end of the sump, but nothing sizeable. Condition of the belts noted for a change in the near term.

The exhaust downpipe needs to be loosened at the cat end for good access, and these bolts are notorious for snapping:



So I avoided it for the time being, taking off the two sump 'struts' with a 12mm socket:



A good socket set with all the length adapters is a must:



Struts off:



There follows 12 10mm bolts on the sump itself, and a screwdriver carefully inserted on offside can then loosen the sump. Take care not to damage the half moon gasket, which needs to be reused:



It was apparent the exhaust would need to be loosened, I couldn't wiggle around it, and unfortunately one of the 14mm bolts snapped.



Also, the central support needs to come off, which filled me with dread as I really don't like loosening main supports while working under a car. I put another jack under the engine/transmission to give me confidence, then took out the 14mm bolts at the front and front engine mount. Then, the rear two bolts can be loosened to give enough movement to free the sump:



Blurred photo excuse: I was taking this with my nose as my phone won't recognise gloved fingers:



With the sump freed, a quick inspection revealed the engine carrying no major defects, and plenty of gasket sealer to clean off the mating surface:



The two rubber end seals could then be cleaned up:



And sealant applied to the new sump:



Getting the sump back on was tricky - the smaller seal in particular has no visibility, so I took both off and stuck them on the engine, then pushed the sump up to meet them. Cue some expert flailing to locate the sump bolts while holding it on with one hand:



Once tightened sufficiently, I could see the large seal had seated well but have no visibility on the smaller on. Time will tell...

Downpipe back on, actually quite a good fit even with one bolt:



The the struts can go back, and the centre member plus the engine mount:



By now it was most definitely dark, and I had half a kilo of encrusted grime in my face, nails and hair. Nevertheless, I fired up the torches, checked in 2.8ltrs of 10w40 and fired it up.... no leaks! So far, at least. Let's see what this cardboard transforms into tomorrow...

Edited by Spinakerr on Friday 14th April 09:00

[Spinakerr]

Fudge:



Unfortunately the exact same amount of oil, from the same area at the narrow end of the sump, as before, after each trip. Most annoying. There's no way I'm doing that sump removal again in a hurry - anyone have any ideas where else it could be from?

I could go halfway and really tighten the bolts at that end, but I think I'll just have to live with it for the time being. Teatime...