🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

1600 Estate

Year:

1968

Chassis Code:

510 (W510)

Body Style:

Station Wagon (Estate)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Datsun 1600 Estate owners, classic car enthusiasts, mechanics, and restoration specialists.

Differentiation:

Official factory manual, not a third-party publication, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Downloadable PDF format offers immediate access and cost savings over physical copies.

Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving on labor costs and fostering a deeper understanding of their vehicle.

Accessibility:

Easy to use, even for those not technically savvy with computers. Print-on-demand functionality provides flexibility.

📋 Manual Details

General Maintenance:

Covered

Troubleshooting:

Covered

Engine Service Repair:

Covered

Transmission Service Repair:

Covered

Brake System:

Covered

Wiring Diagram:

Covered

Electrical System:

Covered

Suspension:

Covered

Periodic Lubrication:

Covered

Steering:

Covered

Cooling System:

Covered

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Covered

Emission System:

Covered

Heater Air Conditioner:

Covered

Engine Control System:

Covered

Chassis Body:

Covered

Restraint System:

Covered

Interior:

Covered

Differential Drive:

Covered

Axle:

Covered

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific number not provided, but implies comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Origin:

Official Factory Manuals (Genuine)

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed service and repair for the entire engine assembly, including internals, cooling, fuel, and exhaust systems.

Transmission:

Comprehensive coverage of manual and potentially automatic transmission service, repair, and overhaul.

Electrical System:

In-depth diagnostics, repair, and wiring diagrams for all electrical components, including lighting, ignition, charging, and accessories.

Brake System:

Detailed procedures for hydraulic system maintenance, component replacement (pads, shoes, cylinders), and adjustments.

Suspension Steering:

Service and repair of front and rear suspension components, steering linkage, and wheel alignment procedures.

Fuel System:

Covers fuel injection (if applicable for the specific 1968 model variant) or carburetor systems, fuel pump, lines, and filters.

Cooling System:

Maintenance and repair of the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses.

Chassis Body:

Procedures for bodywork, frame straightening, and component replacement related to the chassis.

Maintenance:

Routine servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, and general upkeep procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic guides and symptom-based troubleshooting to identify and resolve issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhauls and complete rebuilding of major components.

Restoration:

Guidance for restoring the vehicle to original specifications, including trim, interior, and mechanical aspects.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete overhauls, mirroring factory technician knowledge.

Illustrations:

Includes detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets for clarity.

Instructions:

Features numbered, step-by-step instructions with substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Platform Compatibility:

Windows and Mac OS

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Fully printable without restriction; individual pages or entire manual.

Resolution:

High resolution

Binding:

Digital Download (printable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital - printable on any paper)

Software:

Adobe PDF Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

R (likely R16 or R20, with R16 being most common for 1600 model)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV) or Overhead Cam (OHC) depending on specific variant

Displacement:

Approximately 1.6 liters (1595 cc) for R16 engine. Some variants may have used a 2.0L (R20).

Horsepower Approximate:

Around 96 hp (SAE gross) for R16 engine, subject to specific tuning and emissions controls of the era.

Torque Approximate:

Approximately 128 lb-ft (SAE gross) for R16 engine.

Fuel Delivery:

Likely single or dual SU carburetors, or Hitachi downdraft carburetors. Fuel injection was less common for this year/model.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (though leaded fuel may have been common at the time of original production)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual transaxle

Transmission Type:

3-speed automatic transmission was an available option on some Datsun 510 models, potentially including the Estate.

Drive Layout:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 163.6 inches (4155 mm)

Width:

Approx. 64.2 inches (1630 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.9 inches (1420 mm)

Curb Weight:

Around 2200-2400 lbs (1000-1100 kg), depending on equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era:

Safety standards of the late 1960s, with limited passive safety features compared to modern vehicles.

Active Safety:

Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear (typical for the era).

Passive Safety:

Seat belts (likely lap belts for front, possibly lap belts for rear as standard or optional).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM radio, possibly with a single speaker. No advanced infotainment features.

Driver Assistance Features:

None. Focus is on fundamental mechanical operation.

Connectivity Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months (as per typical recommendations for vehicles of this era).

Tune Up Interval:

Recommended every 10,000-15,000 miles, including spark plug replacement, points adjustment, and carburetor tuning.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SF or SG classification (or equivalent for the era, e.g., MS classification). Manual will specify the precise recommendation.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Differential Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil.

Rust Corrosion:

Common issue with vehicles of this era, particularly in areas exposed to salt and moisture. Body panels, sills, and wheel arches are susceptible.

Carburetor Issues:

Carburetors can become gummed up with age, leading to poor idle, rough running, and fuel delivery problems. Rebuilding or tuning is often required.

Ignition System Wear:

Distributor points, condenser, and coil can wear out, affecting ignition timing and performance. Regular maintenance is crucial.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear over time, leading to loose steering and compromised handling.

Cooling System Leaks:

Aging hoses, radiators, and water pumps can develop leaks, leading to overheating.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Datsun is a historic Japanese automotive brand, now known as Nissan.

Datsun 510 Lineage:

The Datsun 510 (Bluebird) was a pivotal model for Nissan, renowned for its sporty handling and competitive pricing, often compared to European sedans of the era.

Estate Variant:

The Estate (wagon) variant offered practicality and cargo space, expanding the appeal of the 510 platform.

Production Period:

The Datsun 510 series was produced from 1968 to 1973. The 1600 Estate specifically falls within this first generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Reputation:

The Datsun 510 series is highly regarded in automotive history for its performance, reliability for the era, and contribution to the rise of Japanese cars in global markets. Often referred to as the 'poor man's BMW'.