🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

310

Year:

1982

Chassis Code:

B210 (likely, as the 310 was a rebadged B210 in some markets)

Engine Codes:

A12, A13, E15 (common Datsun engines for this era)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Datsun 310 was positioned as an economical and reliable compact car, often competing with models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Pinto in the early 1980s.

Competitive Analysis:

Known for its fuel efficiency and straightforward engineering, the 310 offered a no-nonsense approach to personal transportation. Its compact size and maneuverability made it popular for urban driving.

Key Features:

Fuel efficiency, reliable A-series engines, practical hatchback or sedan body styles, accessible pricing.

Manual Benefit Owner:

Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving money and extending the life of the vehicle. Provides critical knowledge for understanding vehicle operation and diagnosing issues.

Manual Benefit Professional:

Valuable resource for independent mechanics or enthusiasts seeking to work on Datsun vehicles, offering factory-level accuracy and detail.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full vehicle service and repair, troubleshooting, maintenance, wiring diagrams

Page Count:

Unknown (typical for this era's factory manuals, often hundreds of pages)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Accessibility:

Easily accessible on multiple devices (computers, tablets, smartphones) with a PDF reader. Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical and electrical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles, suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front disc, rear drum), electrical system (lighting, instrumentation, charging, starting, ignition, accessories), body and chassis, heating and air conditioning (if equipped), body electrical and wiring diagrams.

Electrical System Detail:

Comprehensive coverage of all electrical components, including battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), turn signals, hazard lights, wipers, washer system, horn, dashboard indicators, fuses, relays, and detailed wiring diagrams for each circuit.

Suspension Steering Brakes:

Full coverage of front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings), steering system (steering gear, tie rods, ball joints), and braking system (front disc caliper and rotor, rear drum brake shoes, wheel cylinders, master cylinder), including removal, installation, adjustment, and repair procedures.

Bodywork Chassis:

Procedures for body panel alignment, door and window adjustment, interior trim removal and installation, and basic chassis lubrication points.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, inspections, diagnostics, troubleshooting, component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly, adjustments, specifications, repair procedures, rebuilding procedures, torque specifications, electrical troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams.

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, and performance concerns. Includes diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based problem resolution.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing common wear items such as brake pads/shoes, clutch components, CV joints (if applicable to specific variants), water pump, thermostat, and various sensors and actuators.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and in-depth electrical system diagnostics.

Engine Rebuild Depth:

Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measurement of critical tolerances (bore, piston ring gap, bearing clearance, valve lash), component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves, seals), and engine reassembly with torque specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High Resolution (typical for digital factory manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)

Displacement:

1.2 L (1238 cc) or 1.3 L (1278 cc) for A12; 1.3 L (1278 cc) for A13; 1.5 L (1487 cc) for E15

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 60-75 HP depending on engine and market specifications

Fuel System:

Carbureted (single or twin-barrel)

Specific Engine Options:

A12 (1.2L), A13 (1.3L), E15 (1.5L) – common engines for the B210/310 platform, often found in various states of tune and with different carburetion setups.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

4-speed manual

Optional:

3-speed automatic

Features:

Lightweight construction, durable gearsets typical of Datsun engineering.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 90.9 inches (2309 mm)

Length:

Approx. 157.5 inches (4000 mm)

Width:

Approx. 63.2 inches (1605 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.7 inches (1365 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1800-2000 lbs (816-907 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

N/A (No standardized crash testing ratings comparable to modern vehicles available for this era and model)

Active Features:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, recirculating ball steering.

Passive Features:

Lap and shoulder seat belts (front), lap belts (rear), padded dashboard, collapsible steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic AM/FM radio, possibly with cassette player in higher trims. Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (if equipped), fuel, and temperature.

Driver Assistance:

None (Driver assistance technologies were not prevalent in this era).

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Oil Changes: Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months. Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Spark Plugs: Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Transmission Fluid: Check periodically, change per manual recommendations (often around 30,000 miles).

Tune Up Specifications:

Includes spark plug gap, ignition timing (static and dynamic), idle speed, and carburetor mixture adjustments. Critical for optimal performance and fuel economy.

Engine Oil:

API SE or SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (verify with manual for specific climate/usage)

Coolant:

Datsun/Nissan Anti-freeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II (or equivalent)

Known Issues:

Rust and corrosion (especially in rocker panels and wheel wells), carburetor issues (clogging, idle instability), ignition system components (points, condenser, rotor, cap), starter motor solenoid failure, fuel pump diaphragms, aging rubber hoses and belts, exhaust system leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Datsun (Nissan's export brand until 1986) was renowned for producing reliable, affordable, and technologically sound vehicles, often punching above their weight class in terms of engineering and durability.

Model Evolution:

The 310 was part of Datsun's successful compact car lineage, succeeding models like the Datsun 1200 and being a precursor to the Nissan Sentra. It was based on the B210 platform but often rebadged or slightly differentiated for different markets. The 1982 model represents a late iteration of this generation.

Drivetrain Configurations:

Primarily front-engine, rear-wheel drive (RWD).

Production Years:

The B210/310 platform was produced roughly from 1977 to 1981/1982, with the 1982 model year representing the final iteration or a transition period before the next generation.