Vehicle Class:
Subcompact car.
Target Audience:
Owners and independent repair shops seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Datsun 310.
Key Competitors 1980:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Chevette, Plymouth Horizon.
Vehicle Selling Points:
Fuel efficiency, compact size, affordability, and Datsun's reputation for reliability at the time.
Cost Savings:
Enables DIY repairs and informed maintenance, potentially saving significant costs compared to dealership servicing.
Emergency Preparedness:
Provides in-depth knowledge for diagnosing and addressing issues in emergency situations.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, and emission controls.
Transmission:
Service, repair, and overhaul procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, including gear engagement, clutch service, torque converter, valve body, and transmission fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, including transaxle, driveshafts, CV joints, and differentials.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including MacPherson struts, control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, bushings, and wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Steering system components, including steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column, and power steering system (if applicable).
Brakes:
Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, including hydraulic system, brake pads/shoes, calipers, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake lines, and parking brake system.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layout, component testing, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting, gauges, and accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass, bumpers, and chassis structural components.
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, evaporator, refrigerant service (if applicable), and ducting.
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, and general inspection points.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Component Replacement:
Guidance for replacing wear items such as spark plugs, belts, hoses, brake pads, and more.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and performance data for all components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, allowing for accurate diagnosis of electrical faults.
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level technical depth, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Print Quality Expectation:
High-resolution, clear reproductions of original factory documentation, ensuring readability of diagrams and text.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type Expectation:
N/A (Digital PDF format, but original manual would have been on durable paper suitable for workshop use).
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression utility).
Operating System Compatibility:
Compatible with all versions of Windows and macOS.
Engine Code And Type:
Likely A12 series engine (1.2L SOHC inline-4 cylinder). Specific engine code may vary by market and sub-model, but A12 is common for this era Datsun compacts.
Displacement:
1.2 Liters (1171 cc).
Bore X Stroke:
Typically around 73.0 mm x 69.7 mm for the A12. Precise figures available in the manual.
Compression Ratio:
Likely around 8.5:1 to 9.0:1 depending on tuning.
Horsepower Net:
Approximately 55-60 HP @ 5600 RPM (highly dependent on exact tune and emissions equipment).
Torque Net:
Approximately 65-70 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM.
Fuel Delivery:
Single barrel carburetor (e.g., Hitachi, or similar).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Ignition Type:
Conventional distributor-based ignition system with points and condenser.
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with thermostat and radiator.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters) with filter change.
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
API SG or SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific climate recommendations).
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transmission.
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed automatic transmission (less common).
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated (manual transmission).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II (if automatic is equipped).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km). Automatic: Every 20,000-40,000 miles (32,000-64,000 km).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 24,000-36,000 miles (38,000-58,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Common Problem 1:
Carburetor issues (clogging, tuning).
Common Problem 2:
Rust and corrosion, especially in wheel wells and rocker panels.
Common Problem 3:
Wear and tear on suspension bushings and components.
Common Problem 4:
Electrical gremlins due to age of wiring and components.
Common Problem 5:
Aging rubber hoses and seals leading to leaks.