🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

Pick-up

Series:

520 Series

Model Code:

Likely varies by specific sub-model and year, but common identifiers are associated with the 520 chassis.

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Essential resource for owners and mechanics of the Datsun Pick-up Model 520 Series, providing in-depth technical information for maintenance and repair.

Competitive Analysis:

This is the definitive official manual, offering a level of detail and accuracy unmatched by generic repair guides. Its comprehensiveness ensures it serves as the primary reference for all service needs.

Key Features:

Instant download, printable pages, complete coverage, detailed visuals, cost-effective repair solution.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete service and repair for Datsun Pick-up Model 520 Series.

Page Count:

Not explicitly stated, but described as 'COMPLETE' and containing 'hundreds of photos and illustrations'.

Manual Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Completeness:

100% Complete and Intact, no missing or corrupt pages/sections.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, electrical system (including wiring schematics), bodywork, interior, and diagnostics.

Procedures Included:

Repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishing, restoration, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting, step-by-step repair instructions, component disassembly and reassembly, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering all details from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds, suitable for both do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics.

Diagnostic Procedures:

The manual provides step-by-step diagnostic trees and troubleshooting guides for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical faults across all vehicle systems.

Wiring Schematics:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams are included, detailing the layout of circuits for lighting, ignition, charging, starting, instruments, and accessories, crucial for electrical fault finding and repairs.

Body And Frame:

Includes procedures for body panel alignment, door and window adjustment, rust repair guidance, and chassis frame inspection and repair.

Interior Trim:

Details on removing and installing dashboard components, seats, door panels, headliner, and carpeting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Fully printable

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Features:

Searchable text, bookmarked sections, zoom in/out capability, detailed illustrations, diagrams, exploded views, wiring schematics, photos.

Compatibility:

All versions of Windows & Mac

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

The Datsun 520 series typically featured the Datsun G-series inline-four gasoline engines. Common variants included the G1 (988 cc) and G2 (1299 cc), and later models might have utilized variations like the G3 (1467 cc) or J15 (1487 cc). Specific engine details will be within the manual.

Performance:

Performance figures varied significantly with engine displacement and tuning. Early models with the G1 engine produced around 45-50 horsepower, while later larger displacement engines like the J15 could produce upwards of 70-75 horsepower. The manual will contain precise horsepower, torque, and RPM data.

Fuel System:

Typically carburetor-based. The manual will detail specific carburetor models (e.g., Hitachi, Mikuni), fuel pump operation, fuel filter replacement, and troubleshooting.

Engine Codes:

Likely G1, G2, G3, or J15 engines. The manual will provide specific codes and their associated specifications.

Ignition System:

Conventional breaker-point ignition system. The manual covers distributor maintenance, points gap, dwell angle, ignition timing, coil testing, and spark plug specifications.

Engine Cooling Type:

Water-cooled

Cylinder Arrangement:

Inline-four (I4)

Valve Train:

Overhead Valve (OHV) or Overhead Cam (OHC) depending on specific engine variant. The manual will detail valve adjustment procedures if applicable.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

Likely a 3-speed or 4-speed manual transmission. The manual will cover clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, and gearshift linkage adjustments.

Optional:

While less common for this era of light commercial vehicles, an automatic transmission option might have been available in certain markets or later production runs. The manual would specify if applicable.

Features:

The manual will cover transmission fluid type and capacity, gear ratio specifications, and bearing/synchro replacement procedures.

Clutch System:

Hydraulically or mechanically actuated clutch. The manual details clutch disc inspection, pressure plate and release bearing service, and hydraulic system bleeding.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior:

Dimensions for the Datsun 520 series varied by body style (e.g., standard bed, long bed, chassis cab). The manual will provide exact length, width, height, wheelbase, and track measurements for different configurations.

Interior:

While specific interior dimensions are less commonly detailed in service manuals compared to exterior and mechanicals, the manual will cover seat adjustment, dashboard removal, and interior trim component service.

Weights:

The manual will list Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Curb Weight, and Payload Capacity for various configurations. These are critical for understanding load limits and vehicle dynamics.

Wheelbase:

Wheelbase specifications will vary by body style, but typical figures for the 520 series are around 100-110 inches (approx. 2540-2794 mm). Exact figures provided in manual.

Tire Size:

Commonly fitted with 6.00-13 or 6.40-13 bias-ply tires. The manual will confirm original equipment sizes and recommended pressures.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

Likely a 4x114.3 mm (4.5 inch) bolt pattern, common for Datsun vehicles of this era.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

Safety ratings for vehicles of this era are generally not comparable to modern standards. The manual will likely focus on mechanical safety systems like braking and steering rather than crash test results.

Active Features:

Focus will be on the reliable operation of braking systems (drum and potentially front disc brakes depending on year/market), steering components, and lighting systems.

Passive Features:

The manual will detail the construction of the chassis, body panels, and seatbelt installation (if equipped) for structural integrity.

Brake System:

Typically front drum brakes with rear drum brakes, though some later or higher-trim models might have featured front disc brakes. The manual covers drum brake adjustment, shoe replacement, cylinder service, and disc brake pad replacement if applicable.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Given the era (1959-1965), infotainment systems were rudimentary. The manual will cover the operation and repair of the factory-installed radio (if any) and the basic heating and ventilation controls.

Driver Assistance:

No modern driver assistance features would be present. The focus is on the mechanical operation of steering and braking systems.

Connectivity:

No digital connectivity features were available for this model.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

The manual will provide detailed recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, coolant flushes, brake inspections, lubrication points, and other scheduled maintenance tasks. These are typically based on mileage or time, whichever comes first.

Fluid Specifications:

The manual will specify exact types and grades of engine oil (e.g., SAE 10W-30, 20W-50), coolant (type and mixture ratio), transmission fluid (e.g., GL-4 gear oil for manual), brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4), and chassis lubrication grease.

Known Issues:

While not explicitly stated in the product description, a comprehensive service manual often includes sections on common problems or troubleshooting guides that address typical wear-and-tear issues specific to the 520 series, such as carburetor adjustment needs, ignition system reliability, or suspension component wear.

Tune Up Procedures:

Detailed procedures for spark plug gap and replacement, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment and cleaning, distributor maintenance, and valve clearance adjustment (if applicable to the engine series).

Lubrication Points:

The manual will detail all chassis lubrication points, including kingpins, tie rod ends, ball joints (if applicable), driveshaft U-joints, and steering box, with specified grease types and intervals.

Cooling System:

Covers radiator service, thermostat replacement, water pump inspection, coolant capacity, and flushing procedures. The manual will specify the correct coolant mixture ratio.

Exhaust System:

Guidance on inspecting and replacing exhaust pipes, mufflers, and hangers, along with mounting hardware specifications.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Datsun (later Nissan) has a long history of producing robust and reliable vehicles, particularly known for their trucks and sportscars. The Datsun Pick-up line, starting with models like the 520, established the brand's reputation in the light commercial vehicle market globally.

Model Evolution:

The 520 series, produced from 1959 to 1965, was a significant step in Datsun's truck development. It evolved from earlier, smaller trucks and laid the groundwork for subsequent generations like the 521, 620, and beyond. Key advancements included improved engines, suspension, and chassis design.

Production:

The 520 series was primarily produced in Japan. Specific production figures are difficult to ascertain without dedicated historical data, but it represented a key volume model for Datsun's truck offerings during its production run.

Predecessor:

The 520 series replaced earlier Datsun light trucks like the E2W and LHT series, representing a more modern approach to truck design and functionality.

Successor:

The 520 series was succeeded by the Datsun 521 series, which continued the evolution of the popular Datsun truck line.