Segment:
Compact/Subcompact Sedan
Target Demographic:
Economy-minded buyers, small families, commuters.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Chevette, Plymouth Horizon.
Vehicle Selling Points:
Fuel efficiency, reliability, affordability, compact size for urban driving.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners with factory-level knowledge for effective maintenance and repairs, reducing reliance on expensive professional services.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, timing, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery.
Engine Management:
Ignition system, carburetor tuning and overhaul, emissions control systems.
Transmission:
Manual transmission overhaul, automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable), clutch system.
Drivetrain:
Drive axles, propeller shaft, differential.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, steering linkage.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, brake calipers/drums, master cylinder, power assist, parking brake.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, frame alignment.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault finding charts.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed instructions for component removal and reinstallation.
Cleaning And Inspection:
Procedures for cleaning and inspecting parts during repair.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering factory-level repair and diagnostic information.
Primary:
Professional Technicians
Secondary:
Enthusiast DIY Mechanics with Basic Mechanical & Electrical Knowledge
Engine Code Common:
A12 (and potential variants like A13, A14 depending on market/specific model)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement Cc:
1.2 Liters (1200cc) - Common for A12. May also feature 1.3L (A13) or 1.4L (A14) in certain markets.
Bore X Stroke Mm:
A12: 73.0 x 73.7 mm (Typical)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.5:1 to 9.5:1 (Varies by specific engine variant and fuel octane)
Horsepower Gross Ps:
A12: Approx. 60-68 PS (Gross)
Torque Gross Kg-M:
A12: Approx. 9.5-10.0 kg-m (Gross)
Carburetor:
Single-barrel or twin-barrel Hitachi/Mikuni carburetor (e.g., Hitachi SU-type or DC-series).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (as regulations shifted in the late 70s)
Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with fan and thermostat.
Oil Capacity Liters:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 Liters (without filter change) - Consult manual for exact specification.
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SF or SG classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 typically recommended for this era.
Type:
4-speed Manual Transaxle
Type:
3-speed Automatic Transaxle (less common than manual)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in the manual, typically with a lower first gear for city driving.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (if automatic equipped).
Crash Test Era Standards:
Standards from the late 1970s were less stringent than modern tests; focus was on occupant restraint and basic impact protection.
Brakes Front:
Discs (often solid discs)
Steering:
Recirculating ball (non-power assisted typically)
Seat Belts:
Standard lap and shoulder belts (3-point front, lap rear).
Body Structure:
Unitary body construction with integrated safety cage principles of the era.
Radio:
AM/FM Radio, often with a single speaker. Cassette players were becoming optional or aftermarket additions.
Features:
Minimal driver assistance features by modern standards. Primarily focused on basic vehicular operation.
HVAC:
Optional heater, basic ventilation. Air conditioning was a rare and expensive option.
Oil Change Km Miles:
Typically every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement Km Miles:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km (9,000 - 12,000 miles) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plugs Replacement Km Miles:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles), depending on plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change Km Miles:
Manual: Every 40,000 - 60,000 km (24,000 - 36,000 miles). Automatic: More frequent, often every 20,000-30,000 km.
Coolant Flush Km Miles:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km (24,000 miles).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific Datsun/Nissan recommended coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Carburetor Performance:
Carburetors from this era can be prone to wear, leading to rough idling, poor fuel economy, and starting issues. Rebuild kits are common repairs.
Ignition System:
Distributor points and condenser wear, coil failure, and spark plug fouling can affect performance.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this age, especially in areas exposed to salt or moisture. Floor pans, wheel wells, and rocker panels are susceptible.
Cooling System Leaks:
Aging hoses, radiator degradation, and water pump seals can lead to coolant leaks.
Exhaust System Wear:
Corrosion and leaks in the exhaust manifold, pipes, and muffler are common due to age and environmental exposure.
Datsun Legacy:
Datsun (later Nissan) was known for producing reliable, affordable, and fuel-efficient vehicles that gained significant international market share in the 1970s.
310 Lineage:
The Datsun 310 (also known as Sunny in many markets) represented Datsun's entry into the subcompact segment, evolving through several generations before its successor, the Nissan Sentra, took over.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with some assembly in other international locations.
Production Years Model Line
First Generation Start:
1966 (Datsun 1000/Sunny)
Third Generation A10 Era:
1977-1981 (This generation included the 310 nameplate in North America).