Nissan Pulsar Problems

The fuel gauge is an indicator of how much fuel is in the tank, but shouldn't be taken too seriously. It's there so you don't run out of petrol. Checking your fuel economy is easy. Simply fill your tank and reset your trip meter, then drive the car for a week or so until it needs refilling, refill it and record the distance you've driven. Divide the kilometres driven by the litres needed to refill the tank and you have your economy in km/litre.

IT'S NOT a common problem. Have an auto electrician check it for a leak that might cause the battery to drain.

NISSAN service specialist Jerry Newman says he has never had a problem with the N15 cylinder head cracking, and reckons the $3500 cost to replace it is high. Because it has happened again so soon after replacing the head, and assuming the people who fitted the replacement head are reputable, I would look further for the cause of your problem. Consider a sticking thermostat, a leaking radiator or hoses, or incorrect coolant.

THE factory radiator is the way to go. They can be had for about $180, which is cheap, and they're the best. Nissan service specialist Jerry Newman says electrolysis is usually caused by a stray electric current, probably as a result of a bad earth somewhere in the car. But he says it rarely occurs if you use the correct coolant at the correct level.

THE airbag is more important at that stage of driving, so I'd make that a higher priority than anti-skid brakes. Research shows few drivers apply the anti-skid brakes hard enough to get them working to their full potential. I like the Nissan Pulsar N15, which has a timing chain so servicing costs will be lower. It also has a driver's airbag and should fit your budget.

YOU'VE only drained the oil in the transmission oil pan. The rest of the oil is in the clutch packs and torque converter and you won't be able to drain that. The four litres you've added sounds about right.

NISSAN specialist Jerry Newman reckons the plug is over-tightened. It's a tapered plug with a 3/8-inch square drive. Use the correct-fitting tool and get a long lever for plenty of leverage.

I WOULD have no concern about running your car on E5, or E10 for that matter. The amount of ethanol is so small it won't cause you any trouble. Nissan is being cautious. It doesn't want to open itself to claims later if owners have a problem.

COOLANT contains an antifreeze which protects the engine at low temperatures by preventing the coolant from freezing. It also raises the boiling point, giving you a little more safety at higher temperatures. Coolant contains a rust inhibitor which prevents corrosion on the cooling system. It's particularly important in alloy engines. Few engines, even older ones, had just water in the cooling system. They start out from the factory with a mix of water and a rust inhibitor. The only reason there might be straight water is if it has been topped up with water without any inhibitor. Regularly flush the cooling system and refill it with fresh coolant.

THE Avalon is successfully running on LPG in taxis, and Toyota offers a dual-fuel system as a dealer-fit option. The system is an Apollo Gas Products development, so contact Apollo for its recommended installer. The Pulsar is a little different. It can be converted, but finding a kit is a problem. We checked with Victorian Autogas Supplies, which is working on systems for cars such as the Pulsar. It can't say when it may have one.