🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

310

Year:

1979

Chassis Code Identifier:

A10 Series (General)

👋 Introduction

Historical Context:

The Datsun 310 was a subcompact car produced by Nissan under the Datsun brand. It was known for its affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency, competing in a segment dominated by Japanese and European manufacturers.

Competitors 1979:

Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda GLC, Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Chevette

Value Proposition:

Offered a balance of practicality, economy, and Japanese engineering at a competitive price point.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving money and extending the vehicle's lifespan.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service Repair and Maintenance

Diagnostic Coverage:

Comprehensive diagnostic procedures

Electrical Coverage:

Detailed wiring diagrams and electrical troubleshooting

Maintenance Schedule Coverage:

Service and maintenance schedules included

Rebuild Coverage:

Engine, transmission, and other component rebuild procedures

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (based on typical full service manuals of this era and detail level)

Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and DIY Mechanics

Language:

English

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

File Format:

PDF

Printability:

Full Printable

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor tuning, fuel pump, lines), exhaust system, ignition system (distributor, spark plugs, coils)

Engine Performance:

Engine tuning, performance optimization, emissions control systems

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission: clutch system, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear ratios, lubrication

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (if applicable): operation, adjustments, overhaul, fluid service

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, rear axle assembly

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering:

Steering gear, steering column, tie rods, power steering system (if equipped), steering angle specifications

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, brake fluid specifications, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, parking brake system

Wheels And Tires:

Tire size specifications, inflation pressures, wheel bolt patterns, wheel bearing service

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses and relays

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, body sealing, rust repair considerations

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (if equipped): components, diagnosis, service procedures

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, belt tensioning, spark plug replacement, air filter service

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, specific component testing

Rebuild Procedures:

Complete engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, carburetor rebuilding, brake system overhaul

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing

Adjustment Procedures:

Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing adjustment, valve clearance adjustment, brake adjustment, clutch adjustment

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and electrical system analysis.

Detail Level:

Extremely detailed sub-steps, notes, cautions, and warnings

Illustrations:

Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos with enlarged insets for critical parts

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing

Binding:

Digital (N/A - instant download)

Paper:

Digital (N/A - printable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

A12 (Common for 310 models)

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

1.2 Liters (1171 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

Approx. 73.0 mm x 69.7 mm (typical for A12)

Compression Ratio:

Approx. 8.5:1 (typical for A12)

Horsepower Gross:

Approx. 60-65 hp @ 5600 rpm (typical for A12)

Torque Gross:

Approx. 67-70 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (typical for A12)

Fuel Delivery:

Single-barrel carburetor (e.g., Hitachi or Mikuni)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended)

Oil Type Specification:

API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for precise recommendation)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with water recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

3-speed Automatic Transmission (less common)

Manual Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 94.5 inches (2400 mm)

Length:

Approx. 157.5 inches (4000 mm)

Width:

Approx. 63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.5 inches (1360 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1800-1950 lbs (816-885 kg), depending on equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2700-2850 lbs (1225-1293 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data available for this era and specific model from independent agencies.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes

Seatbelts:

Standard front seatbelts (lap and shoulder belts likely)

Body Structure:

Unitized body construction with crumple zones (basic for the era)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio (optional)

Features 1979:

No electronic driver assistance systems typically found in modern vehicles.

Features 1979:

No electronic connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (recommended)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000-30,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (manual and automatic)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters) with filter change

Cooling System Capacity:

Approx. 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problems 1979 310:

Rust (especially wheel wells, rocker panels, door bottoms), carburetor issues (idling, fuel mixture), ignition system wear (points, condenser), clutch wear, exhaust system rust, electrical contact issues, cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses).

📚 Vehicle History

Datsun Legacy:

Datsun was Nissan's export brand, renowned for producing reliable and economical vehicles that played a significant role in establishing Japanese automotive dominance globally.

Predecessors:

The Datsun 310 (B210 generation) was part of a lineage that began with earlier Datsun sedans, evolving in design and technology.

Generation Codes:

The 1979 model is part of the A10 series Datsun 310.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (primarily)

Production Years:

Datsun 310 (B210) was produced from 1977 to 1979.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards History:

While specific awards for the 1979 Datsun 310 might not be prominently documented, the Datsun brand consistently received recognition for reliability and value throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.