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Bench Work: Full GA15DE & Drivetrain Overhaul on a Nissan Rasheen

By Rasheenkan Japan ·

Bench Work: Full GA15DE & Drivetrain Overhaul on a Nissan Rasheen

Nissan Rasheen Engine and Transmission Service for a Customer in Osaka

Powertrain extraction in progress.
Powertrain extraction in progress.
Underside view of powertrain removal.
Underside view of powertrain removal.

We are currently running an extensive mechanical refresh on a customer’s Nissan Rasheen at our shop in Osaka.

The Rasheen is now well past the 25-year mark. Even an example that idles quietly can hide decades of heat cycles inside its seals, hoses, and cooling passages. For this build, we pulled the entire engine and automatic transmission assembly as a unit. It is the only way to get eyes on critical wear points that stay hidden inside a cramped engine bay.

Pulling the Engine and Transmission

Dropped powertrain assembly on the floor, ready for engine and transmission separation.
Dropped powertrain assembly on the floor, ready for engine and transmission separation.

Dropping the entire powertrain takes significantly more shop hours than a standard service, but it lets us examine the engine, transmission, 4WD transfer unit, mounts, and wiring harness unobstructed. Once on the floor, we split the transmission from the block to inspect each assembly on its own stand.

Inspecting the GA15DE Engine

GA15DE timing assembly exposed.
GA15DE timing assembly exposed.

This Rasheen runs the bulletproof 1.5-liter GA15DE inline-four.

We pulled the front timing cover to check the chain, guides, and tensioners directly. A quick test drive around the block won't tell you the real story of chain slack or plastic guide fatigue. With the front open, we can check mating surfaces for oil weeping and replace aging gaskets to guarantee long-term reliability.

Automatic Transmission and 4WD Components

Automatic transmission bellhousing and torque converter interface inspected on the bench.
Automatic transmission bellhousing and torque converter interface inspected on the bench.
4WD transfer case housing and mating flanges checked for fluid weeping and gasket degradation.
4WD transfer case housing and mating flanges checked for fluid weeping and gasket degradation.

With the drivetrain split on the bench, we have clear access to the rear main seal, torque converter interface, bellhousing, and transfer casing joints. Every component is inspected, cleaned, resealed, and torqued back to factory spec.

Doing It Right the First Time

Degreased engine components laid out alongside fresh replacement seals and gaskets.
Degreased engine components laid out alongside fresh replacement seals and gaskets.
Refreshed, resealed powertrain unit fully torqued and prepared for chassis reinstallation.
Refreshed, resealed powertrain unit fully torqued and prepared for chassis reinstallation.

A clean retro exterior means nothing if the car isn't mechanically sound. Tearing these drivetrains down lets us catch a hardening seal or brittle guide today—saving the owner from a flatbed ride tomorrow.

Once the bench work is wrapped, the refreshed powertrain goes back into the chassis. From there, we will bleed the cooling system, flush in fresh fluids, verify transmission line pressures, and put the car through road testing under real load.

More build updates and photos coming soon.

At Rasheenkan, we restore, maintain, and customize Nissan Rasheens here in Japan for drivers worldwide. Every chassis gets tailored to its exact mechanical condition. If you are looking to build or import a refreshed Rasheen, reach out to our team.

Rasheenkan – Restored and Custom Nissan Rasheen from Japan