How to Repair a 1985 Nissan Pickup

There are three main areas to look for in repairing a 1985 Nissan pickup.

As with all vehicles, with the 1985 Nissan pickups there are three main areas for regular maintenance and repairs.These areas include: the air flow, energy flow and fuel flow. In addition to these main areas there are the brakes, the oil or lubrication system, the belts and the interior accessories. Each of these areas involve the function of one or more parts or hoses that can malfunction and cause problems or completely destroy the other parts.
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Ratchet set
Crescent wrenches
Screwdriver
Replacement parts, if necessary
Energy Flow
1

Test the battery for power. Touch one of the poles of a battery tester to the terminal of the battery. The energy or spark from the battery is triggered by the ignition when the key is turned. If the battery is working but the vehicle is not turning over, it may be an issue with the ignition, the starter or the solenoid.
2

Turn the key in the ignition and listen for a click. If you hear the click but the engine doesn't start you will need to test both the starter and the solenoid. Inspect the wiring connections to both parts for wear or exposed wires. Connect a remote starter switch to the positive terminal of the battery and the solenoid. Connect a digital Volt-Ohm meter (VOM) to the positive battery terminal and the negative terminal to the side of the truck on the firewall. The minimum volts required depends on the model of truck you are testing; 9.6 is typically the minimum volts required. If you are getting at least the 9.6 ohms, then the starter and solenoid are working.
3

Check the spark plugs and wires for wear. The spark from the battery travels to the spark plugs which causes the explosion inside the cylinders with the fuel and air mixture. If the spark plugs are not transferring the energy flow from the battery to the cylinders, the problem could be worn spark plug wires or spark plugs. Follow these wires and inspect for torn insulation or exposed wires.
Air Flow
1

Remove the air filter from the intake assembly. In most models of a 1985 Nissan truck, the air filter is located under the intake assembly which resembles a round tray. Remove the wing nuts and lift the cover from the assembly.
2

Pull the air filter from the assembly and inspect the lining. If the lining is clogged with debris or there are dark colors speckled throughout the filter this could interfere with the flow of air that mixes with the fuel to create the small explosion that starts the truck. Replace the air filter, if needed.
3

Inspect the intake assembly for large debris such as leaves or dirt and clean the assembly. Inspect the exhaust system and make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of obstructions. The exhaust is the system that removes the spent air from the vehicle along with the dangerous fumes that are collected as the air moves through the truck.
Fuel Flow
1

Follow the fuel lines from the gas tank to the engine compartment. Inspect them for leaks or blockage. Check the fuel filter for blockages; the filter keeps particles of debris from reaching the engine. If the fuel is not getting to the carburetor or fuel injection, the problem may be the fuel pump. The fuel pump helps move the fuel through the fuel lines to the engine.
2

Inspect the fuel pump and the fittings that secure the fuel lines to the pump. Tighten the fittings to the torque recommended in your specific vehicle. Inspect the pump for leaking oil. If there is oil leaking from the fuel pump housing there may be a gasket or seal that has cracked and this requires the replacement of the fuel pump.
3

Test the fuel pump for loud clicks when the engine is running. Clicks can indicate a broken or weakened spring. Connect a pressure sensor to the fuel pump by connecting the sensor to the fitting area. Compare the pressure generated to the specifications for the truck you own.

Tips & Warnings

Use caution in removing fuel lines or parts that have fuel flowing through them. Do not work around fuel with ignited tobacco products or around open flame.