🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

210

Chassis Code:

B310 Series

Model Years Covered From:

1979

Common Engine Codes:

A12, A14, A15 (variant dependent)

Common Body Styles:

Coupe, Sedan, Station Wagon, Van

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Subcompact/Compact car

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Datsun 210 owners seeking detailed repair information.

Competitors:

Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda GLC, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Chevette, Volkswagen Rabbit.

Value Proposition:

Comprehensive factory-level repair guidance, detailed diagrams, cost savings on repairs, empowerment of owners to maintain their vehicles.

Manual Advantage:

Authoritative, factory-sourced information, the 'same type of manual that is used by Professional Mechanics'.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Complete vehicle service and repair

Estimated Pages:

High (likely several hundred, as per factory standards for comprehensive manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical (including disassembly, assembly, inspection, troubleshooting), fuel system (carburetion, fuel pump, lines), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control systems.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, driveshafts), automatic transmission (if applicable to specific models), differentials, gearbox lubrication.

Brakes:

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

Steering:

Steering gear, steering column, tie rods, power steering (if equipped).

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, springs, shock absorbers), rear suspension (leaf springs, shock absorbers, trailing arms - depending on body style), alignment specifications.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition switch, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, instrument panel, gauges, horn.

Body And Chassis:

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

HVAC:

Heating system, ventilation, air conditioning system (if equipped, including refrigerant types and charging procedures).

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant checks and flushes, brake fluid replacement, belt adjustments, lubrication points, tune-up procedures.

Repair:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper/wheel cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator repair, fuel pump replacement, carburetor adjustment/rebuild.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues, common problem identification.

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing, valve clearances, fluid capacities, electrical system voltages, diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable).

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Printability:

Designed for printing specific sections or the entire manual as needed.

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital PDF format)

Paper Quality:

Not applicable (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Typically featured inline-4 cylinder engines: A12 (1.2L), A14 (1.4L), and A15 (1.5L).

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 55-75 hp (depending on engine variant and emissions equipment).

Torque Range:

Approximately 65-85 lb-ft (depending on engine variant).

Carburetion:

Typically single-barrel or two-barrel Hitachi or Mikuni carburetors. Electronic fuel injection (EFI) was less common on these early models but may exist in later or specific market variants.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (likely 87-89 octane).

Timing Belt Chain:

Timing chain (typically requiring no scheduled replacement unless issues arise).

🔧 Transmission

Manual:

4-speed manual transmission was common, with 5-speed manual transmissions available on some models/trims.

Automatic:

3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., Jatco 3N71B) was an available option.

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate diaphragm clutch.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for exact specification).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Approximate:

2300-2400 mm (varying by body style and specific generation/market).

Overall Length Approximate:

3900-4200 mm (varying by body style).

Curb Weight Approximate:

800-1000 kg (depending on body style and equipment).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 1300-1500 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited standardized crash test data available for this era and region; designed to meet passive safety standards of the late 1970s/early 1980s.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Power assist was often optional or standard on higher trims.

Seatbelts:

Lap and shoulder belts (front), lap belts (rear, typically).

Body Construction:

Unibody construction with crumple zones designed according to contemporary safety standards.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

Typically AM/FM radio, often with a cassette player as an option on later models.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not available on these models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; would require aftermarket modification.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era).

Spark Plugs:

Inspect every 6,000 miles, replace as needed (e.g., NGK BP5ES or equivalent).

Coolant Flush:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months (using a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water).

Engine Oil Type:

API SF or SG classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (refer to manual for specific climate suitability).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.5 - 4.0 liters (with filter, depending on engine variant).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (glycol-based).

Common Problems:

Carburetor issues (gumming, poor idle), ignition system wear (points, condenser, coil), rust (especially in wheel wells, rocker panels, and lower doors), worn suspension bushings, clutch wear, exhaust system leaks.

Electrical Issues:

Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connectors, failing alternator or voltage regulator.

Engine Performance:

Loss of power due to carbon buildup, incorrect ignition timing, or fuel delivery issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Datsun Era:

Datsun was Nissan's export brand until 1986. The 210 is a product of this era, known for reliability and affordability.

Predecessor:

Datsun 120Y/Sunny B210.

Successor:

Nissan Sentra/Pulsar (N12/N13 generation).

Production Period:

1977-1982 (B310 generation).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with assembly also occurring in various international markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

While specific major awards are not widely documented, the Datsun 210 was recognized for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and value for money in its class during its production run.