1991 Nissan Sunny: Complete Owner's Guide

You are the owner Nissan Sunny Is it produced in 1991 or are you planning to buy one? This model, known by the code name B13, has become a legend of the Japanese automobile industry due to its reliability and unpretentiousness. But even such time-tested machines have their own characteristics that you should know about in advance.

In this material we will analyze technical specifications Sunny 1991, let's highlight typical problems after 30+ years of operation, we will give practical advice on service And repairsand also tell you about the possibilities modernization. The information will be useful to both a novice and an experienced car owner who wants to extend the life of his car. Nissan.

Technical characteristics of Nissan Sunny B13 (1991)

The 1991 model belongs to fifth generation Sunny (series B13), which was produced from 1990 to 1994. The car was offered in several body styles: sedan, hatchback and station wagon (Nissan AD). For the Russian market, the most common versions are those with gasoline engines. GA14DE (1.4 l) and GA16DE (1.6 l).

Basic engine parameters:

Engine model	Volume	Power	Torque	Fuel
GA14DE	1.4 l	88 hp at 6000 rpm	123 Nm at 4000 rpm	AI-92
GA16DE	1.6 l	102 hp at 6000 rpm	136 Nm at 4000 rpm	AI-92
CD17 (diesel)	1.7 l	57 hp at 4500 rpm	105 Nm at 2400 rpm	DT

Transmission presented 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission (depending on the configuration). Drive - front (FF), suspension - classic for that time: front MacPherson, at the rear there is a semi-independent beam. Disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear (on basic versions).

A unique feature of the 1991 model is the availability of an all-wheel drive version (Sunny GTi-R), which was equipped with a turbo engine SR20DET (220 hp) and permanent all-wheel drive. However, in Russia such specimens are extremely rare.

Weaknesses and typical problems

After 30+ years of operation, even the most reliable Nissan Sunny requires increased attention. Here are the key components that most often fail:

• 🔥 Body corrosion: Particularly vulnerable are the sills, rear wheel arches, the underbody under the rear seat and the bumper mounting points. In later stages, rust eats through the metal, which requires welding.
• 🛢️ Oil leaks: crankshaft and camshaft seals, valve cover gasket, rear gearbox seal. This is especially true for engines with mileage over 200,000 km.
• ⚡ Electrics: oxidation of contacts in the fuse box, generator malfunctions (the diode bridge often fails), problems with the crankshaft position sensor.
• 🔧 Suspension: wear of the silent blocks of the front levers, knocking in the struts MacPherson, shock absorber leaks. The rear springs often sag, which leads to a “squat” of the stern.
• 🔥 Cooling system: the radiator becomes clogged from the inside, the thermostat “sticks” in the closed position, the pipes become brittle and crack.

⚠️ Attention! If a light comes on on the dashboard CHECK ENGINE, and the engine begins to “trouble”, check immediately ignition coils And high voltage wires. On Sunny B13 The distributor (ignition distributor) often fails, which can lead to a complete stop of the engine.

Another common problem is engine overheating. The reasons can be different: from a clogged radiator to a faulty cooling fan. If the temperature rises above 100°C, stop immediately and look for the cause. Prolonged overheating leads to cylinder head deformation, and this is already a major overhaul.

Maintenance schedule

To Nissan Sunny 1991 served faithfully, adhere to the following maintenance schedule. Keep in mind that for cars of this age it is better to reduce the intervals by 20–30%:

• 🔧 Every 5,000 km: changing the oil and oil filter (recommended oil - 10W-40 or 5W-40 for cold climates).
• 🔥 Every 10,000 km: checking the level of brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid (if equipped). Replacing the air filter.
• ⚙️ Every 20,000 km: replacement of spark plugs (original - NGK BPR6ES), checking high-voltage wires, cleaning the throttle valve.
• 🛠️ Every 40,000 km: replacing the fuel filter, checking the condition of the timing belt (on GA16DE belt, on GA14DE - a chain, but it also needs to be controlled).
• 🔄 Every 60,000 km: replacing brake fluid, fluid in the gearbox and rear axle (if rear-wheel drive).

Pay special attention ignition system. On Sunny B13 often fail:

• 🔌 Ignition coil (symptoms: the engine “troubles” when cold, the spark disappears).
• 🔄 Distributor (ignition distributor) - check the shaft play and the condition of the contacts.
• 🔥 Spark plug wires - over time they “break through” to ground, which leads to misfires.

Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–70°C)|Prepare a new oil filter (original - 15208-65F00)|Buy an oil with a viscosity 10W-40 (synthetic or semi-synthetic)|Raise the car on a lift or use an inspection hole|Prepare a 14 mm wrench for the drain plug-->

Don't forget about chassis diagnostics. Every 10,000 km check:

• 🔧 Backlash in ball joints and steering rods.
• 🛞 Condition of the silent blocks of the front levers (when worn, a knock appears when driving over uneven surfaces).
• 🔄 Wheel bearings (hum when driving at speeds of 60+ km/h).

⚠️ Attention! If after changing the oil in the gearbox (GL-4 75W-90) there is a hum or crunch when changing gears, most likely the synchronizers are worn out. In this case, the box will need to be repaired or replaced.

Repair and replacement of consumables: step-by-step instructions

Many maintenance jobs Nissan Sunny B13 you can do it yourself. Let's look at the most popular procedures.

1. Replacing the timing belt on GA16DE

On the engine GA16DE installed timing belt, which requires replacement every 60,000 km (or once every 4–5 years). When the valve belt breaks, it almost always bends, so you can’t delay replacement.

Required tools:

• 🔧 Keys for 10, 12, 14 mm.
• 🔄 Special key for tension roller.
• 🔨 Screwdriver with a flat tip.
• 🔧 New timing belt (13028-4M500), tensioner pulley, camshaft seals.

Work order:

1. Remove the right front wheel and plastic fender liner.
2. Loosen the generator belt tensioner and remove the belt.
3. Secure the crankshaft at TDC (top dead center) with a bolt in the hole on the block.
4. Loosen the tension roller and remove the old belt.
5. Install the new belt, following the marks on the pulleys.
6. Tension the belt using a roller (correct tension is 5-7 mm deflection when pressed with a finger).

What happens if the timing belt is installed incorrectly?

If the timing belt is installed with an offset of 1-2 teeth, the engine will run unsteadily, misfiring and loss of power are possible. If there is a strong displacement (3+ teeth), the engine may not start at all or will receive serious damage when trying to start (bent valves).

2. Replacing the crankshaft oil seal (rear)

Leaking rear crankshaft oil seal is a common problem on Sunny B13 with a mileage of 200,000 km. Symptoms: oil stains under the car in the gearbox area, the smell of burnt oil, dirty clutch.

Difficulty: high (removal of gearbox required).

Opening hours: 4–6 hours.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service. Self-repair will require:

• 🔧 Removing the gearbox.
• 🔄 Dismantling the flywheel.
• 🔨 Replacing the oil seal (12326-4M500) with a mandatory check of the condition of the seat (if worn, the cover will need to be replaced).

3. Cleaning the throttle valve

Over time, the throttle valve becomes contaminated with carbon deposits, which leads to unstable idle speed, “stuck” speed and jerking when driving.

Tools: carburetor cleaner (ABRO or LIQUI MOLY), rags, screwdriver.

Procedure:

1. Remove the air duct corrugation from the throttle assembly.
2. Disconnect the throttle cable and the throttle position sensor connector.
3. Remove the throttle assembly (4 x 10mm bolts).
4. Clean the flapper and channels with spray. Do not use metal brushes!
5. Check the condition of the O-ring (replace if worn).
6. Reinstall the assembly and perform throttle adaptation (reset battery terminals for 10 minutes).

Tuning and modernization

Even after 30 years Nissan Sunny B13 can be made more modern and dynamic. Here are some proven tuning options:

1. Increase engine power

For naturally aspirated engines GA14DE/GA16DE The following modifications are available:

• 🔥 Chip tuning: flashing the ECU (for example, under Euro 2 instead of Euro-0) can add 5–10 hp. and improve the responsiveness of the gas pedal.
• 🛢️ Spider installation (4-2-1): a manifold with equal length pipes improves cylinder scavenging at high speeds (+7–12 hp).
• 🔄 Replacing the throttle valve by 54–56 mm (for example, from Nissan SR20DE) increases intake capacity.
• ⚡ Installing a lightweight flywheel (weight ~5 kg instead of the standard 8–9 kg) improves acceleration dynamics.

For more serious tuning it will be necessary to replace the piston group, camshafts and install a turbine. However, such modifications require significant investment and experienced craftsmanship.

2. Suspension upgrade

Standard suspension Sunny B13 soft and comfortable, but to improve handling you can install:

• 🔧 Sports shock absorbers (KYB or Tokico) with shortened springs (lowered by 30–40 mm).
• 🛞 Reinforced silent blocks (polyurethane) for front arms.
• 🔄 Anti-roll bars increased diameter (20–22 mm instead of the standard 18 mm).

⚠️ Attention! If the suspension is lowered by more than 40 mm, the ball joints and steering rods will need to be replaced with shortened ones. Otherwise, the wheel alignment angles will go beyond the permissible values, which will lead to uneven tire wear.

3. Interior update

Interior Sunny B13 looks outdated, but could use a refresh:

• 🎛️ Replacing the standard radio with 2-DIN multimedia system with support Android Auto And Apple CarPlay.
• 🔥 Installation leather braid on the steering wheel and gear lever.
• 🛋️ Seat reupholstery (for example, in the style Recaro) or installation of sports seats from Nissan Pulsar GTi-R.
• 🔄 Replacing the dashboard with a digital one (for example, from Nissan Micra K12 with adaptation to CAN bus).

To improve sound insulation, it is recommended to glue the doors, floor and roof with vibration-absorbing material (StP or Bitoplast). This will reduce the noise level by 20-30%.

Where to buy spare parts and how to avoid fakes

Find original spare parts for Nissan Sunny B13 It’s getting more and more difficult, but there are proven options:

• 🌍 Official Nissan dealers: some parts (for example, oil seals, filters, belts) are still available using original catalog numbers.
• 🛒 Online stores:
  • Exist.ru - a wide range of analogues.
  • Autodoc.ru — spare parts of European and Asian brands.
  • Jp-carparts.com — specializes in Japanese cars.
• 🔧 Showdown: in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk there are showrooms for Japanese cars from the 90s. Prices for used parts are 2–3 times lower than new ones.
• 📦 Order from Japan: through eBay, Yahoo Auctions Japan or intermediaries. Delivery takes 2-4 weeks, but rare parts (for example, original optics or interior elements) can be found.

How to distinguish an original from a fake:

• 🏷️ Original parts always have catalog number, logo Nissan and country of origin (Japan, Taiwan or Malaysia).
• 🔍 Packaging must be of high quality, with holograms and protective stickers.
• 💰 The price is 30-50% lower than the market price - a reason to be wary.

When purchasing consumables (filters, seals, belts), give preference to proven brands:

• 🔧 Oil filters: Nissan (15208-65F00), Mann W610/3, Framm PH2866.
• 🛢️ Air filters: Nissan (16546-4M500), Mahle LX1033.
• ⚡ Spark plugs: NGK BPR6ES, Denso K16PR-U11.

Legal aspects: registration, insurance, environmental class

Owners Nissan Sunny 1991 it is worth considering several legal nuances:

1. Registration with the traffic police

To register you will need:

• 📄 Vehicle Passport (PTS).
• 📋 Purchase and sale agreement (if you buy used).
• 💰 Receipt for payment of state duty (RUB 2,000 for registration).
• 🔧 Diagnostic card (technical inspection).

2. Insurance (OSAGO)

The cost of the MTPL policy for Sunny B13 depends on:

• 🔢 Engine power (up to 100 hp - cheaper, above - more expensive).
• 📍 Region of registration (in Moscow and St. Petersburg the coefficient is higher).
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Number of drivers included in the policy.

3. Ecological class

Nissan Sunny 1991 corresponds to class Euro-0 or Euro 1 (depending on modification). This imposes restrictions:

• 🚫 In some regions (for example, Moscow, St. Petersburg) there are restrictions on entry into the center for cars over 20 years old.
• 💨 Recycling fee when importing from abroad (if you buy a car from Japan).
• 🔧 To pass the technical inspection, it may be necessary to modify the exhaust system (installation of a catalyst or its emulator).

If you plan to drive your car in a major city, check local regulations in advance. In some cases it makes sense to issue "retro car" status, which provides tax and insurance benefits.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install HBO on a 1991 Nissan Sunny?

Yes, Sunny B13 adapts well to gas equipment. It is recommended to install 4th generation HBO (For example, Lovato or BRC) with separate nozzles. For engines GA14DE/GA16DE A cylinder with a volume of 50–60 liters (torus or cylinder) is suitable.

Please note: after installing the HBO you will need registration with the traffic police and making changes to the PTS.

What kind of gasoline should I put in a 1991 Nissan Sunny?

Manufacturer recommends AI-92. Usage AI-95 allowed, but does not provide noticeable advantages (compression ratio of engines GA14DE/GA16DE - 9.5:1). Refueling AI-80 undesirable, as it can cause detonation and accelerated engine wear.

If the engine after major renovation with an increased compression ratio (10:1 and higher), can be used AI-95 or AI-98.

How much does it cost to overhaul a GA16DE engine?

The cost of capital depends on the volume of work:

• 🔧 Replacing the piston group (pistons, rings, liners) - from 30,000 to 50,000 rubles.
• 🔥 Crankshaft grinding + replacement of liners - from 15,000 rubles.
• 🛠️ Replacing the cylinder head (with plane milling) - from 25,000 rubles.
• 🔄 Full capital (including boring the block, replacing all worn parts) - from 80,000 to 120,000 rubles.

The service life after a high-quality capital is 150,000–200,000 km.

How to check a 1991 Nissan Sunny before purchasing?

When inspecting a used one Sunny B13 please note:

1. Body: Check the sills, arches, and underbody for rust. Tap on suspicious areas with a hammer - a dull sound indicates corrosion.
2. Engine:
   • Start it “cold” - there should be no knocks, vibrations, or smoke from the exhaust.
   • Check compression (normal for GA16DE - 12–13 bar in all cylinders).
   • Inspect the oil on the dipstick - if it is black or has metal shavings, the engine requires repair.

checkpoint: gear shifting should be clear, without crunching. Check the oil in the box (if it is dark with a burning smell, get ready for repairs).

Documents: check if the car is pawned or stolen (check through traffic police website).

Optimal price for Sunny B13 1991 in good condition - 150,000–250,000 rub. (for 2026). Cars cheaper than RUB 100,000. usually require serious investments.

What oil is better to fill in the GA16DE engine?

Recommended oils for GA16DE:

• Summer/winter (universal): 10W-40 (semi-synthetic) - Liqui Moly Optimal, Mobil Super 2000.
• Cold climate: 5W-40 (synthetic) - Motul 8100 X-Clean, Castrol Edge.
• High mileage (200,000+ km): 10W-40 with a high content of additives - Liqui Moly Hochleistungs, Valvoline MaxLife.