🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

510 PL521

Year:

1968

Chassis Code:

PL521

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Datsun 510 PL521 owners, enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists

Manual Authenticity:

Genuine Factory Service Manual, not a third-party reproduction

Content Source:

Official Datsun factory documentation

Instructional Style:

Step-by-step instructions with detailed illustrations, diagrams, and photos

Usability:

Searchable PDF for quick information retrieval, printable pages

Cost Savings:

Enables DIY servicing, potentially saving $50-$60 per hour in labor costs

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Models:

All Datsun 510 PL521 1968 variants

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as 'hundreds of pages')

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service:

Full engine service and repair procedures

Transmission Service:

Full transmission service and repair procedures

Brake System:

Comprehensive coverage of the brake system

Electrical System:

Detailed electrical system diagnosis and repair, including wiring diagrams

Suspension Steering:

Complete coverage of suspension and steering systems

Fuel System:

In-depth information on fuel system, including fuel injection (if applicable to 1968 models)

Cooling System:

Detailed information on the cooling system

Chassis Body:

Coverage of chassis and body repair

Differential Drive Axle:

Service and repair for differential and drive axle components

Emission System:

Information on emission control systems for the model year

Heater Air Conditioner:

Service and repair for HVAC systems

Restraint System:

Information regarding the restraint system (seatbelts, etc.)

Interior:

Procedures related to interior components

General Maintenance:

Guidance on routine maintenance tasks

Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive troubleshooting guide with diagnostic procedures

Periodic Lubrication:

Detailed lubrication schedule and specifications

Tune Up:

Procedures for engine tuning and adjustments

Rebuilds:

Instructions for complete engine and component rebuilds

Restoration:

Information relevant for vehicle restoration projects

Depth:

Factory-level, step-by-step instructions for all repairs and maintenance

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows and Mac operating systems

Printability:

Fully printable, individual pages or entire manual

Resolution:

High resolution

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

Software Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder (Likely Nissan L-series engine, commonly the L13 or L16 for this era)

Displacement Cc:

Approx. 1297cc (L13) or 1595cc (L16) - Specific to the 1968 PL521 variant

Horsepower Ps Approx:

Approx. 77 PS (L13) to 96 PS (L16) - Varies by specific engine and tuning

Torque Nm Approx:

Approx. 103 Nm (L13) to 130 Nm (L16) - Varies by specific engine and tuning

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (Single or Dual Hitachi SU or Solex carburetors likely)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (for vehicles originally designed for leaded, modifications may be needed)

Ignition Type:

Distributor-based ignition system

Cooling Method:

Water-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Manual (Likely 4-speed or 5-speed)

Transmission Type Optional:

Automatic transmission may have been an option on some variants (less common for this model year).

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

Pickup Truck (PL521 designation)

Curb Weight Kg Approx:

Approx. 950-1050 kg (Varies by configuration)

Payload Capacity Kg Approx:

Approx. 500-600 kg (Varies by configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Reflects 1960s safety standards; lacks modern active/passive safety features like airbags or ABS.

Active Safety Features:

Basic braking system, steering

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (likely lap belts as standard), reinforced body structure

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM radio (optional), manual climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

None.

Connectivity Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (refer to manual for specific factory recommendation)

Tune Up Interval:

Recommended annually or every 12,000-15,000 miles (points, condenser, spark plugs, filters)

Engine Oil Type:

API SF or SG (for older vehicles, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 likely appropriate, check manual for precise viscosity)

Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90, consult manual for exact specification)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Rust Corrosion:

Common issue due to age and material treatments of the era, especially in chassis and body panels.

Carburetor Issues:

Carburetors can require periodic cleaning, adjustment, and rebuilding due to age and gumming.

Ignition Component Wear:

Distributor points, condensers, and spark plug wires are wear items that need regular inspection and replacement.

Suspension Bushings:

Rubber suspension bushings degrade over time, leading to clunks and poor handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Datsun, a brand of Nissan Motor Corporation, Japan

Datsun 510 Lineage:

The 510 was a series of compact cars and trucks. The PL521 pickup truck variant shared mechanicals with the popular Datsun 510 sedan.

Production Period For Pl521:

Generally spanned from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Recognition:

The Datsun 510 series (sedan, wagon, and coupe) gained a strong reputation for its sporty handling, reliability, and value, often referred to as the 'poor man's BMW' in its sedan form. The PL521 pickup shared this robust mechanical heritage.