🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Datsun Model: 1600 Common Model Name: Bluebird (Australia, New Zealand) Chassis Codes: 510 Generation Generation Name: 510 Series 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact/Subcompact Sedan, Coupe, and Wagon Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists, and owners seeking to maintain their classic Datsun. Key Features Manual Value Proposition: Empowers owners to perform high-quality repairs and maintenance independently, saving money and gaining in-depth vehicle knowledge. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Years Covered: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 Engine Variants Covered: All Datsun 1600 engine variants Body Styles Covered: Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Station Wagon (5-door) Type Manual Type: All Service Repair Manual Format File Format: PDF Delivery Method: Download Language Language: English Software Requirements PDF Reader: Adobe PDF Reader Unzip Utility: WinZip or equivalent Compatibility Operating Systems: All versions of Windows & Mac 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Engine Service Repair: Comprehensive diagnostics, overhaul, and component repair for the Datsun 1600 engine. Transmission Service Repair: Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch service, and driveshaft maintenance. Brake System: Front disc and rear drum brake system inspection, repair, and adjustment, including hydraulic components. Wiring Diagram: Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, aiding in troubleshooting and repair. Electrical System: Coverage of battery, starting, charging, ignition, lighting, and accessory circuits. Suspension: Front independent suspension (struts, control arms) and rear leaf spring suspension service and alignment. Steering: Manual steering system maintenance, adjustments, and component replacement. Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan service and troubleshooting. Fuel System: Carburetor service (Hitachi, SU), fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel tank maintenance. (Note: Early models may have carburetor, later potentially injection). The manual covers 'Fuel Injection / Fuel System', implying it accounts for potential variations. Emission System: Information on emission control components and systems relevant to the covered model years. Engine Control System: Details on ignition timing, carburetor adjustments, and other engine management aspects. Chassis Body: Body repair, chassis lubrication, frame specifications, and sheet metal work. Restraint System: Seat belt operation and maintenance. Axle: Rear axle maintenance, lubrication, and potential overhaul procedures. Procedures General Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and general checks. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle problems. Periodic Lubrication: Specific lubrication points, recommended lubricants, and service intervals for various chassis components. Refurbish Renovate: Guidance for restoring and improving the condition of various vehicle components. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and specifications. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: R-series (specifically R20, R23) Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV) or Overhead Cam (OHC) Displacement: 1595 cc (97.3 cu in) Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 90-100 hp (SAE gross), depending on specific engine variant and carburetion. Torque Range: Approximately 115-120 lb-ft (SAE gross) Fuel System Carburetor Types: Typically Hitachi SU-style or Solex downdraft carburetors (single or dual). Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (or leaded where applicable during the era) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed manual transaxle Optional Type: 3-speed automatic transmission (Jatco) Features Clutch Type: Dry, single-plate diaphragm spring clutch Fluid Specification Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III/Mercon equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 99.9 inches (2538 mm) Length: Approx. 163.0 inches (4140 mm) for sedan/coupe Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2,200 - 2,500 lbs (1000 - 1134 kg) depending on body style and equipment Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by model and body style, typically around 3,000 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Passive Features Seat Belts: Standard front seat belts (lap belts in early models, possibly shoulder belts in later versions). Body Construction: Unitized body construction with crumple zones designed for the era. Ratings Crash Test Data: No formal modern crash test data available for this era of vehicle. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio: Optional AM/FM radio, often with analog tuning. Speakers: Typically 2 or 4 speaker setup. Driver Assistance Features: Minimal driver assistance features by modern standards. Focus is on mechanical systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Air Filter Replacement: Every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 12 months. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles (19,000 - 24,000 km). Coolant Flush: Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SE/CD or equivalent (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50 depending on climate). Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter. Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Known Issues Rust: Prone to rust, especially in wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans, common for vehicles of this era. Carburetor Tuning: Carburetors can be finicky and require regular tuning and cleaning for...
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists, and owners seeking to maintain their classic Datsun.
Key Features
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform high-quality repairs and maintenance independently, saving money and gaining in-depth vehicle knowledge.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage
Years Covered:
1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973
Engine Variants Covered:
All Datsun 1600 engine variants
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Station Wagon (5-door)
Type
Manual Type:
All Service Repair Manual
Format
File Format:
PDF
Delivery Method:
Download
Language
Language:
English
Software Requirements
PDF Reader:
Adobe PDF Reader
Unzip Utility:
WinZip or equivalent
Compatibility
Operating Systems:
All versions of Windows & Mac
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems
Engine Service Repair:
Comprehensive diagnostics, overhaul, and component repair for the Datsun 1600 engine.
Transmission Service Repair:
Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch service, and driveshaft maintenance.
Brake System:
Front disc and rear drum brake system inspection, repair, and adjustment, including hydraulic components.
Wiring Diagram:
Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, aiding in troubleshooting and repair.
Electrical System:
Coverage of battery, starting, charging, ignition, lighting, and accessory circuits.
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (struts, control arms) and rear leaf spring suspension service and alignment.
Steering:
Manual steering system maintenance, adjustments, and component replacement.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan service and troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service (Hitachi, SU), fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel tank maintenance. (Note: Early models may have carburetor, later potentially injection). The manual covers 'Fuel Injection / Fuel System', implying it accounts for potential variations.
Emission System:
Information on emission control components and systems relevant to the covered model years.
Engine Control System:
Details on ignition timing, carburetor adjustments, and other engine management aspects.
Chassis Body:
Body repair, chassis lubrication, frame specifications, and sheet metal work.
Restraint System:
Seat belt operation and maintenance.
Axle:
Rear axle maintenance, lubrication, and potential overhaul procedures.
Procedures
General Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and general checks.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle problems.
Periodic Lubrication:
Specific lubrication points, recommended lubricants, and service intervals for various chassis components.
Refurbish Renovate:
Guidance for restoring and improving the condition of various vehicle components.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and specifications.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
R-series (specifically R20, R23)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV) or Overhead Cam (OHC)
Displacement:
1595 cc (97.3 cu in)
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90-100 hp (SAE gross), depending on specific engine variant and carburetion.
Torque Range:
Approximately 115-120 lb-ft (SAE gross)
Fuel System
Carburetor Types:
Typically Hitachi SU-style or Solex downdraft carburetors (single or dual).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (or leaded where applicable during the era)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed manual transaxle
Optional
Type:
3-speed automatic transmission (Jatco)
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate diaphragm spring clutch
Fluid Specification
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 99.9 inches (2538 mm)
Length:
Approx. 163.0 inches (4140 mm) for sedan/coupe
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,200 - 2,500 lbs (1000 - 1134 kg) depending on body style and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and body style, typically around 3,000 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Standard front seat belts (lap belts in early models, possibly shoulder belts in later versions).
Body Construction:
Unitized body construction with crumple zones designed for the era.
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
No formal modern crash test data available for this era of vehicle.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio:
Optional AM/FM radio, often with analog tuning.
Speakers:
Typically 2 or 4 speaker setup.
Driver Assistance
Features:
Minimal driver assistance features by modern standards. Focus is on mechanical systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles (19,000 - 24,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SE/CD or equivalent (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50 depending on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Known Issues
Rust:
Prone to rust, especially in wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans, common for vehicles of this era.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can be finicky and require regular tuning and cleaning for optimal performance.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Model Evolution
Introduction:
The Datsun 510 (1600) was introduced in Japan in 1968 and quickly became a popular model globally, particularly in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Design Philosophy:
Known for its advanced (for the time) independent rear suspension, disc front brakes, and sporting handling, often compared to European sedans like the BMW 1600.
Production
Production Locations:
Primarily Japan, with assembly in other locations like Australia and Mexico.
Production End Year:
Production of the 510 chassis generally concluded around 1973, evolving into the Datsun 710 (Violet).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Reputation:
Widely acclaimed as a benchmark for affordable performance and handling in its class, often referred to as the 'Poor Man's BMW'.