🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Daihatsu

Model:

F300

Year:

1987

Market:

International (likely Japan Domestic Market - JDM focus)

Chassis Code:

F300

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Kei SUV (depending on specific market and configuration).

Target Audience:

Individuals seeking a rugged, capable, and compact off-road or utility vehicle.

Key Competitors Era:

Suzuki Jimny, Mitsubishi Pajero Mini (later iterations), Toyota RAV4 (though typically larger), early compact 4x4s.

Off Road Capability:

Compact dimensions, likely available 4WD system, robust chassis for its class.

Utility:

Compact size ideal for navigating tight spaces and urban environments, yet capable of moderate off-roading.

Simplicity And Durability:

Daihatsu's reputation for building reliable and mechanically straightforward vehicles.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for the 1987 Daihatsu F300.

Secondary Coverage:

Includes maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and component-level repair.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 500+ pages (typical for a factory service manual of this era).

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

Japanese (with potential for English translation in some sections or supplementary materials).

Format:

Digital (PDF) - Assumed for modern sales, potentially originally printed.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, tolerances, timing, lubrication, cooling.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (if applicable), ignition system, emission control systems, sensors, actuators, troubleshooting.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox disassembly, assembly, inspection, shift mechanism, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

If equipped, automatic transmission disassembly, assembly, torque converter, hydraulic control, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differentials, axles, hubs, wheel bearings, 4WD system (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Steering gear, column, power steering system (if applicable), tie rods, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Brake system components (master cylinder, calipers, drums, pads, shoes), hydraulic lines, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, relays, battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, accessories.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, bumpers, frame specifications, rust prevention.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, refrigerant, troubleshooting, controls, blower motor.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flushes.

Component Removal And Installation:

Detailed steps for removing and reinstalling major and minor components.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Symptom-based diagnostic procedures and common fault resolution.

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete rebuild instructions for engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies.

Adjustment Procedures:

Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing, valve lash, clutch, brakes, parking brake.

Diagnostic Flowcharts:

Step-by-step diagnostic trees for various electrical and mechanical issues.

Depth:

In-depth, factory-level technical information suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIYers.

Detail Level:

Includes detailed exploded views, torque specifications, clearances, and critical measurements.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Digital Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Original Binding:

Wire-O or perfect bound (typical for factory manuals).

Original Paper:

Heavy-duty, coated paper stock for durability.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

Likely ED-series or similar small displacement Daihatsu engine (e.g., ED10, ED20).

Displacement:

Typically 550cc to 850cc for Kei-class vehicles of this era, or potentially larger if non-Kei variants existed. Exact displacement requires specific model variant confirmation.

Configuration:

Inline 3-cylinder or Inline 4-cylinder.

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (likely single or twin-barrel) for most 1987 models.

Horsepower:

Approx. 30-60 HP (highly dependent on displacement and specific engine variant).

Torque:

Approx. 40-70 lb-ft (highly dependent on displacement and specific engine variant).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 30-40 Liters (subject to specific variant).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission.

Transmission Type:

Could potentially have a 3-speed Automatic Transmission as an option on some variants.

Drive Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive (4WD).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3,200-3,400 mm (Kei class dimensions).

Width:

Approx. 1,395 mm (Kei class width limit).

Height:

Approx. 1,600-1,700 mm (including roof rack or raised suspension).

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,000-2,200 mm.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 700-900 kg (depending on engine, 4WD, and equipment).

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 1,200-1,400 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited to no official crash test data readily available for this specific model from major international agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. ABS was rare on Kei vehicles of this era.

Seatbelts:

Standard front seatbelts. Rear seatbelt availability may vary by market and trim.

Body Structure:

Reinforced chassis for its class, but safety standards of the era were less stringent than modern vehicles.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Some higher trims may have 2-4 speaker systems.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not standard and likely very rare on 1987 models.

Traction Control:

Traction control systems were not available on vehicles of this era.

Connectivity Features:

None (no Bluetooth, USB, or advanced connectivity features).

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6 months (whichever comes first).

Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 20,000 km or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (depending on plug type).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 40,000 - 60,000 km for manual; 30,000 - 40,000 km for automatic.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check specific engine requirement).

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water. (e.g., Daihatsu Genuine Long Life Coolant).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific type).

Rust And Corrosion:

Common for vehicles of this age, especially in humid or coastal climates. Check chassis, wheel wells, and door sills.

Carburetor Issues:

Clogged jets, worn gaskets, and vacuum leaks can affect performance and fuel economy. Regular cleaning and adjustment are recommended.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear out, leading to steering looseness and uneven tire wear.

Exhaust System:

Corrosion and leaks in the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if fitted), muffler, and pipes are common.

Electrical Connectors:

Corroded or loose electrical connectors can lead to intermittent faults in lights, sensors, and accessories.

📚 Vehicle History

Daihatsu Focus:

Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, historically specialized in small, economical, and robust vehicles, particularly Kei cars for the Japanese market.

F300 Lineage:

The F300 represents Daihatsu's entry or continuation in the compact SUV/off-roader segment, building on smaller chassis designs.

Predecessors:

Likely evolved from earlier Daihatsu utility vehicles or small 4x4s.

Production Period:

The F300 chassis code likely spanned several years around the late 1980s to early 1990s.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Specific Awards:

No widely documented specific awards for the 1987 Daihatsu F300 are readily available in international automotive history records. Awards for Daihatsu generally focus on reliability and economy in their segment.

Reliability Perception:

Daihatsu vehicles from this period are generally regarded as reliable and simple to maintain, though specific model performance can vary.