🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

Bluebird

Model Code:

411 Series

Production Years:

1964-1967

Internal Code:

DB411SM

👋 Introduction

Era:

Represents a mid-1960s Japanese automotive offering aimed at reliability and practicality.

Target Audience:

Owner-operators and independent workshops servicing classic Datsun vehicles.

Competitors:

Contemporaries included models from Toyota (Corona), Nissan's sibling brands, and European sedans like the Ford Cortina and Vauxhall Victor.

Vehicle Strengths:

Datsun Bluebirds were known for their sturdy construction, simple mechanicals, and increasing reliability, marking Datsun's early success in export markets.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential, in-depth technical knowledge crucial for the preservation and restoration of these vintage Japanese automobiles.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Workshop Service and Repair

Body Styles Covered:

All body styles

Estimated Pages:

Comprehensive (Exact count varies by digital format, but reflects a full workshop manual)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine components (cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, etc.)

Fuel System:

Carburetor service (Zenith/Stromberg, SU variants), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank inspection and cleaning

Ignition System:

Distributor service, coil, spark plugs, ignition timing adjustments, wiring diagrams

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan clutch, coolant specifications

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pressure, oil specifications

Transmission Manual:

Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, clutch service, clutch fluid

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission service (if applicable, e.g., JATCO units), fluid types, adjustments

Drivetrain Rear Axle:

Differential overhaul, axle shafts, universal joints, driveshaft

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension, kingpins, ball joints, tie rods, shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications

Suspension Rear:

Live rear axle, leaf springs, shock absorbers, suspension bushings

Steering System:

Steering box, steering linkage, steering wheel, steering column

Brakes Front:

Drum brakes or early disc brakes (depending on trim/year), brake shoes, wheel cylinders, brake drums, brake fluid

Brakes Rear:

Drum brakes, brake shoes, wheel cylinders, brake drums, brake fluid

Parking Brake:

Mechanism, cable adjustments

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams for all circuits, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, gauges, horn

Chassis Body:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass, seals, frame inspection

Heating Ventilation Ac:

Heater core, blower motor, ventilation system (AC typically not standard, but covered if optioned)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks, lubrication points

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common symptoms (e.g., hard starting, poor performance, noise diagnosis)

Engine Repair:

Complete engine rebuilds, valve adjustments, head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement

Transmission Repair:

Clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, automatic transmission service

Brake Service:

Brake shoe replacement, drum/disc machining, hydraulic system bleeding, master cylinder overhaul

Electrical Diagnostics:

Using wiring diagrams to diagnose faults, starter/alternator testing

Suspension Alignment:

Detailed alignment specifications and adjustment procedures

Body Work Repair:

Procedures for body panel alignment, minor dent repair, door and window adjustments

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic procedures and specifications.

Diagnostic Focus:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting guides for common issues of the era.

Specification Detail:

Includes torque specifications, clearances, timing marks, electrical resistance values, and fluid capacities.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick access to information

Printability:

Printable pages for use in a workshop environment

Image Clarity:

High-resolution scans of original diagrams and photographs

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Nissan G-series

Engine Code Common:

G1 (e.g., G1.5)

Configuration:

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

Displacement Cc Common:

1449 cc (1.45 Liters) and 1595 cc (1.6 Liters)

Bore Stroke Example:

73 mm x 88 mm (for 1.45L); 80 mm x 79 mm (for 1.6L)

Horsepower Gross Approx:

65-75 HP (depending on engine size and tuning)

Torque Gross Approx:

100-115 Nm (depending on engine size)

Carburetion:

Single or twin-barrel downdraft carburetors (e.g., Hitachi, Zenith, SU)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (or leaded, depending on local market fuel availability at the time)

Fuel Pump:

Mechanical

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional:

3-speed Automatic (e.g., JATCO)

Clutch Type:

Dry, single plate, diaphragm spring

Gear Ratios:

Detailed ratios provided in the manual for both manual and automatic transmissions.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 or 85W-90)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Type A Suffix A (TASA) or Dexron II equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Mm:

Approx. 2450 - 2470 mm (varies slightly by body style)

Length Mm:

Approx. 4000 - 4150 mm (varies by body style)

Width Mm:

Approx. 1550 - 1570 mm

Height Mm:

Approx. 1370 - 1420 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 950 - 1050 kg (depending on body style and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Approx. 1350 - 1450 kg

Wheel Size:

13 inch steel wheels

Bolt Pattern:

4 x 114.3 mm (4.5 inch)

Tire Size Common:

6.00-13, 6.40-13

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Designed to meet mid-1960s safety standards; lacks modern safety features like airbags or ABS.

Braking System:

Hydraulic drum brakes (front and rear) on most models, with optional front disc brakes on higher trims.

Steering Safety:

Collapsible steering column (early implementation).

Seat Belts:

Optional or standard depending on market and year; typically lap belts.

Body Construction:

Unitized body construction with some structural reinforcement for the era.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

AM radio, often with push-button tuning, was a common option. Some may have aftermarket upgrades.

Gauges:

Basic dashboard instrumentation including speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure light, and battery charge warning light.

Driving Aids:

None by modern standards. Features like power steering and air conditioning were rare or unavailable.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Km Miles:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6 months

Filter Replacement:

Oil filter at every oil change; Air filter and fuel filter as per manual recommendations, typically every 15,000 - 20,000 km.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 10,000 - 15,000 km

Valve Adjustment:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (critical for OHV engines)

Engine Oil Type:

API SF/SG rated, SAE 10W-30 or 20W-50 (check manual for specific temperature ranges)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid

Common Problems:

Rust (especially in common areas like wheel arches, sills, door bottoms), carburetor tuning issues, worn suspension bushings, and potential electrical gremlins due to age. Clutch wear.

Wear And Tear Items:

Kingpins, tie rod ends, and brake components are prone to wear given the age.

📚 Vehicle History

Datsun Origin:

Datsun was the export brand name for Nissan Motor Company, established in 1931. It gained significant traction globally in the 1950s and 60s.

Bluebird Lineage:

The Bluebird nameplate was used by Nissan from 1959 to 1976, representing a range of compact and mid-size sedans and coupes. The 410 and 411 represented a shift towards more modern styling and engineering for the brand.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Market Entry:

The 411 series replaced the 410 series and was a key model in Datsun's expansion into North American and European markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Impact:

The Bluebird 411 was instrumental in establishing Datsun as a credible global automotive manufacturer, paving the way for later successes like the Datsun 240Z.

Reliability Perception:

Generally good for its time, but requires diligent maintenance due to age and availability of parts.

Manual Accuracy:

Compiled from official Nissan/Datsun factory service documentation, ensuring high accuracy for repair procedures.