Datsun 510 PL521 owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops.
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
Provides professional-level repair and maintenance information, enabling significant cost savings on vehicle upkeep and repairs compared to relying solely on professional services.
Key Features
Authenticity:
Original Datsun Workshop Manual, same as used by local service/repair shops.
Completeness:
Complete and intact, no missing or corrupt parts/pages.
Usability:
Easy-to-follow directions, diagrams, and illustrations. Numbered table of contents for quick access.
Format Advantage:
Digital PDF format allows for easy printing of specific sections, keeping the electronic copy clean.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Service, Maintenance, Troubleshooting
Model Variant Coverage:
All Models, Engines, Trim, and Transmission Types for 1973 Datsun 510 PL521
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of Pages (as stated in product description)
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
File Format:
PDF Download
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Service:
Engine Service / Repair
Transmission Service:
Transmission Service / Repair
Brake System:
Brake System
Electrical System:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagram
Suspension Steering:
Suspension, Steering
Cooling Fuel Emission:
Cooling System, Fuel Injection / Fuel System, Emission System
Comprehensive diagnostic information, electrical system diagnostics
Technical Depth
Depth:
Professional Technician Level, covering detailed procedures, critical specifications, diagrams, and illustrations.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Printable:
Full Printable
Zoom Capability:
Zoom IN/OUT
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format) - Printable sections allow for user-defined paper quality.
Delivery
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Requirements
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip
Compatibility
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder (Typical for Datsun 510 family)
Displacement:
Likely 1.6L (J16) or 1.8L (L18) engines, common for this era and model range.
Performance
Horsepower Approx:
Approx. 90-100 HP (for 1.6L/1.8L variants, depending on tuning and market)
Torque Approx:
Approx. 115-130 lb-ft (for 1.6L/1.8L variants)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (Single or Dual Hitachi SU-type, Mikuni, or Rochester carburetors common) or Fuel Injection (less common on PL521, but covered if applicable for specific trims/markets).
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition system.
Cooling System
Cooling Method:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with a radiator, fan, and water pump.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
Manual Transmission
Gear Count Manual:
Typically 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission.
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
Optional automatic transmission (less common for this specific commercial variant, but may be covered).
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry-plate diaphragm clutch.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Style:
Pickup Truck (Datsun Truck)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
Approx. 2100-2300 lbs (depending on configuration).
Payload Capacity Approx:
Approx. 1000-1500 lbs (typical for this class of truck).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Safety Era Standard:
Reflects safety standards of the early 1970s; advanced safety features were minimal by modern standards.
Active Features
Active Safety:
Disc front brakes, Drum rear brakes. Power assisted brakes likely an option or standard on higher trims. Safety belts.
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Collapsible steering column (likely introduced by this era), reinforced chassis.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM radio, potentially with a single speaker. Cassette player was not standard for this era.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
None by modern standards. Focus on mechanical systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months. Manual will specify exact intervals and oil type.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, ignition timing, and carburetor adjustments typically recommended every 10,000-20,000 miles. Manual will provide detailed procedures.
Filter Replacement Intervals:
Air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter replacement typically tied to oil change intervals or as needed based on conditions. Manual will detail.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Likely API SF or SG service classification oils, viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40. Manual will provide exact specifications and capacities.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify capacity and type.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual transmission: Gear oil, likely GL-4 rated. Automatic transmission: ATF Dexron II or equivalent. Manual will specify.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify.
Differential Fluid Type:
Hypoid gear oil, typically GL-5 rated, viscosity SAE 90. Manual will specify.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition points/condenser wear, brake system maintenance (especially wheel cylinders and brake lines), suspension bushings and ball joints, exhaust system integrity.
Rust Prone Areas:
Fender wells, rocker panels, cab floor pans, frame rails are common areas for rust on vehicles of this vintage. Manual provides guidance on body maintenance.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Origin:
Datsun (later Nissan) is a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a strong heritage in reliable and affordable vehicles.
Model Evolution
Datsun 510 Lineage:
The Datsun 510 (Bluebird) passenger car was highly successful, and the PL521 represented its concurrent commercial vehicle counterpart, sharing many mechanical components.
Production
Production Era:
The PL521 truck series was produced from the late 1960s through the mid-1970s, with 1973 being a specific model year within this generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Model Reputation:
The Datsun 510 platform (which this truck shares components with) was renowned for its sporting credentials and affordability, often referred to as the 'poor man's BMW'.