🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Datsun Model: 510 Year: 1973 Generation Generation Designation: Second Generation (510 A2) Codes Chassis Code: DHW-510 (Sedan/Wagon), H510 (Coupe) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Professional Datsun technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive resource for repair, maintenance, and restoration. Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Offers the same detailed information as professional factory service manuals, enabling users to perform complex repairs and diagnostics previously exclusive to dealerships or specialized workshops. Key Features Instructional Method: Numbered step-by-step instructions, detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos with enlarged inset views for clarity. Cautions, notes, and warnings highlight critical information. Organization: Numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval. Troubleshooting and electrical service procedures integrated with wiring diagrams. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Full Service Repair and Maintenance Page Count Estimated Pages: Highly comprehensive, likely exceeding 1000 pages when considering all procedures and diagrams. Specific count not provided, but described as 'very detailed'. Manual Type Type: Full Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, fuel system (carburetor and injection where applicable), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system. Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, adjustment, and repair. Clutch service. Drivetrain: Front suspension, rear suspension (including U-joint maintenance for RWD), drive axles, differential service. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic system diagnostics and repair, parking brake. Steering: Steering gear box overhaul, power steering system (if equipped) service, alignment procedures. Electrical: Complete electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system, charging system, starting system, accessory circuits, troubleshooting. Body: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, exterior trim, glass replacement, rust repair techniques. Procedures Included Maintenance: Regular service schedules, oil change procedures, filter replacements, tune-up specifications, fluid level checks and top-offs. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, electrical component repair. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, electrical gremlins, engine performance issues, and drivability concerns. Refurbishment Restoration: Detailed guidance on rebuilding, refurbishing, and restoring all aspects of the vehicle, from mechanical components to cosmetic elements. Technical Depth Depth: Professional-level, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes diagnostic procedures for technicians. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Printability: Full Printable Binding Type Binding: Digital Download (No physical binding) Paper Type Paper: Not Applicable (Digital) Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR (for potential archive extraction) Compatibility Operating Systems: All Versions of Windows & Mac ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family: Nissan L-Series (Inline-4) Engine Code: L16 (most common), L18, L20B (later models/variations) Displacement: 1.6 Liters (1595 cc) for L16. 1.8 Liters (1809 cc) for L18. 2.0 Liters (1952 cc) for L20B. Bore X Stroke: L16: 81.0 mm x 78.0 mm. L18: 81.0 mm x 86.0 mm. L20B: 85.0 mm x 86.0 mm. Compression Ratio: Typically 8.5:1 to 9.0:1, depending on specific engine variant and fuel octane. Performance Horsepower Gross Hp: L16: Approx. 96-109 PS (95-107 bhp) at 6000 rpm. L18: Approx. 105-115 PS (104-113 bhp). L20B: Approx. 110-120 PS (109-118 bhp). Torque Gross Lb-Ft: L16: Approx. 93-98 lb-ft (126-133 Nm) at 3600 rpm. L18: Approx. 108-115 lb-ft (146-156 Nm). L20B: Approx. 120-125 lb-ft (163-169 Nm). Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Typically downdraft carburetors (e.g., Hitachi/SU style). Some models/markets may have had fuel injection (e.g., L-Jetronic) on specific performance variants, though less common for 1973. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (depending on market and emissions regulations for the year). Octane rating typically Regular to Mid-grade. Ignition System Ignition Type: Conventional breaker-point ignition system with distributor. Some later models or specific markets might have seen early electronic ignition. Cooling System Cooling Medium: Water-cooled, pressurized system. Lubrication System Oil Type Recommendation: SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SF or SG service category equivalent for the era). Check manual for precise recommendations. Engine Mounts Engine Mount Type: Rubber insulated mounts. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., F4W71A). Optional Optional Transmission: 3-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., L3N71B). Features Clutch Type: Dry single-plate clutch. Transmission Fluid Type: Manual: GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil. Automatic: DEXRON-II or equivalent (check specific service bulletin). Gear Ratios Manual Gear Ratios: Varies by specific transmission model, but typically around 3.38:1 for 1st gear, 2.05:1 for 2nd, 1.31:1 for 3rd, 1.00:1 for 4th, and 3.55:1 for reverse. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, 5-door Station Wagon, 2-door Coupe (often referred to as the '240Z coupe' sibling). Wheelbase: 100.0 inches (2540 mm) Overall Length: Approx. 160.0 inches (4064 mm) for Sedans. Station Wagon slightly longer. Overall Width: Approx. 63.6 inches (1615 mm) Overall Height: Approx. 54.1 inches (1374 mm) for Sedans. Station Wagon slightly taller. Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 2,200 - 2,500 lbs (1000 - 1134 kg), depending on...
Professional Datsun technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive resource for repair, maintenance, and restoration.
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
Offers the same detailed information as professional factory service manuals, enabling users to perform complex repairs and diagnostics previously exclusive to dealerships or specialized workshops.
Key Features
Instructional Method:
Numbered step-by-step instructions, detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos with enlarged inset views for clarity. Cautions, notes, and warnings highlight critical information.
Organization:
Numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval. Troubleshooting and electrical service procedures integrated with wiring diagrams.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Full Service Repair and Maintenance
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Highly comprehensive, likely exceeding 1000 pages when considering all procedures and diagrams. Specific count not provided, but described as 'very detailed'.
Manual Type
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Digital Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, fuel system (carburetor and injection where applicable), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, adjustment, and repair. Clutch service.
Drivetrain:
Front suspension, rear suspension (including U-joint maintenance for RWD), drive axles, differential service.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic system diagnostics and repair, parking brake.
Steering:
Steering gear box overhaul, power steering system (if equipped) service, alignment procedures.
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, exterior trim, glass replacement, rust repair techniques.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Regular service schedules, oil change procedures, filter replacements, tune-up specifications, fluid level checks and top-offs.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, electrical gremlins, engine performance issues, and drivability concerns.
Refurbishment Restoration:
Detailed guidance on rebuilding, refurbishing, and restoring all aspects of the vehicle, from mechanical components to cosmetic elements.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Professional-level, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes diagnostic procedures for technicians.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
Full Printable
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital)
Requirements
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR (for potential archive extraction)
Typically downdraft carburetors (e.g., Hitachi/SU style). Some models/markets may have had fuel injection (e.g., L-Jetronic) on specific performance variants, though less common for 1973.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (depending on market and emissions regulations for the year). Octane rating typically Regular to Mid-grade.
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Conventional breaker-point ignition system with distributor. Some later models or specific markets might have seen early electronic ignition.
Cooling System
Cooling Medium:
Water-cooled, pressurized system.
Lubrication System
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SF or SG service category equivalent for the era). Check manual for precise recommendations.
Engine Mounts
Engine Mount Type:
Rubber insulated mounts.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., F4W71A).
Optional
Optional Transmission:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., L3N71B).
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual: GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil. Automatic: DEXRON-II or equivalent (check specific service bulletin).
Gear Ratios
Manual Gear Ratios:
Varies by specific transmission model, but typically around 3.38:1 for 1st gear, 2.05:1 for 2nd, 1.31:1 for 3rd, 1.00:1 for 4th, and 3.55:1 for reverse.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, 5-door Station Wagon, 2-door Coupe (often referred to as the '240Z coupe' sibling).
Wheelbase:
100.0 inches (2540 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 160.0 inches (4064 mm) for Sedans. Station Wagon slightly longer.
Overall Width:
Approx. 63.6 inches (1615 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 54.1 inches (1374 mm) for Sedans. Station Wagon slightly taller.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,200 - 2,500 lbs (1000 - 1134 kg), depending on body style and equipment.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
No specific official crash test ratings (like NHTSA or IIHS) exist for models of this era in the same way as modern vehicles. However, the unibody construction was considered robust for its time.
Factory AM/FM radio, often with a single speaker. Aftermarket upgrades are very common.
Driver Assistance
Driver Aids:
None by modern standards. Basic instrument cluster providing speed, RPM, fuel, temperature, oil pressure.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil can extend this if used.
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles (20,000-25,000 km) or annually. Includes spark plugs, points, condenser, distributor timing, carburetor adjustment.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Check periodically, change if contaminated or shifted roughly. Automatic: Every 24,000 miles (40,000 km) or 24 months.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24,000 miles (40,000 km) or 2 years, especially if moisture is suspected.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze. 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific Datsun/Nissan recommendations for the era.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
If equipped, typically DEXRON-II or equivalent power steering fluid. Not all 510s had power steering.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Rust (especially around wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans), worn suspension bushings, carburetor tuning issues, aging electrical components (wiring harness degradation), fuel system leaks, clutch wear, starter motor issues.
Durability Reputation:
Generally considered a robust and well-built car for its era, but requires diligent maintenance due to age. Parts availability can be a challenge for some items.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Datsun Legacy:
Datsun, the precursor to Nissan, built its reputation in the 1960s and 70s on reliable, affordable, and performance-oriented vehicles. The 510 was a key model in establishing Datsun's global presence.
Model Evolution
Datsun 510 Lineage:
The Datsun 510 was introduced in 1968 and underwent a significant redesign for the 1971 model year, becoming known as the 510 A2. This 1973 model falls into this second generation. It was praised for its advanced suspension design (independent rear suspension on sedans/coupes) and responsive handling, earning it the nickname 'Baby Benz' due to its sophisticated engineering.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily)
Production Years:
1968–1973 (globally for first and second generation).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press:
Widely praised by automotive press for its handling, performance, and value. Often compared favorably to European competitors. Nicknamed 'Baby Benz' for its sophisticated engineering and ride quality.
Motorsport Success:
The Datsun 510 achieved significant success in various motorsports, particularly in Trans-Am racing in the early 1970s, further cementing its performance credentials.
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