Market Position:
Compact executive sedan/coupe positioned as a reliable and stylish offering from Datsun, competing with domestic and international rivals in the mid-1970s automotive market. Known for its build quality and value.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Corona, Mazda Capella, Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega, and Plymouth Valiant, offering a blend of Japanese engineering and appealing styling for its era.
Key Features:
Rear-wheel drive, durable L-series engine, comfortable ride, distinct styling (especially the coupe), comprehensive features for its class at the time.
Coverage Areas:
All services and repairs, routine maintenance, engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical system, bodywork, heating and ventilation.
Page Count:
Not specified, but described as 'full professional quality in depth' and 'complete'.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual (WSM) / Service Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine (L-series inline-4), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, clutch, manual transmission (likely 4-speed and 5-speed), automatic transmission (optional), driveshaft, rear axle, front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (leaf spring), steering system (recirculating ball), braking system (front disc, rear drum), electrical system (wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories), body and chassis, heating and ventilation, maintenance procedures.
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, adjustment procedures, component removal and installation, routine maintenance tasks (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake service, suspension alignment, electrical component testing.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed troubleshooting and repair procedures with illustrations and diagrams.
Primary Engine:
Datsun L20B Inline-4 (2.0-liter)
Engine Variants:
Likely available with the L18 (1.8-liter) in some markets or configurations, but the L20B was the more common and powerful option for the 1976 model year.
Horsepower L20B:
Approximately 90-100 hp (SAE gross) depending on configuration and emissions controls.
Torque L20B:
Approximately 110-120 lb-ft (SAE gross) depending on configuration.
Fuel System:
Typically twin SU carburetors or Hitachi carburetors for gasoline models. Diesel variants were not common for the 610 in North America.
Engine Block Material:
Cast iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum alloy
Cooling System Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized
Standard Transmission:
4-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission:
3-speed automatic transmission (likely JATCO)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil (specific Datsun part number would be in manual).
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Dexron II or equivalent (specific Datsun part number would be in manual).
Body Styles:
2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 5-door Station Wagon (availability varied by market).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 98.4 inches (2500 mm)
Length:
Approximately 167.1 inches (4244 mm) for Sedan, 168.9 inches (4290 mm) for Coupe.
Width:
Approximately 63.8 inches (1620 mm)
Height:
Approximately 53.5 inches (1360 mm) for Coupe, 54.7 inches (1390 mm) for Sedan.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2300-2600 lbs (1043-1179 kg) depending on body style and equipment.
Safety Ratings:
No official government safety ratings (NHTSA, IIHS) available for this era of vehicle.
Active Features:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, safety glass windshield.
Passive Features:
Lap belts (front occupants), basic crumple zones (designed to 1970s standards), padded dashboard and steering wheel.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Specific interval in manual.
Tune Up Interval:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), including spark plugs, points, condenser, distributor cap, rotor, and ignition timing adjustment.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Manual: Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km). Automatic: Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) or as per manual recommendation. Filter replacement with fluid change on automatics.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 24,000 miles (38,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SE/SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Specific Datsun part number/recommendation available in manual.
Coolant Type:
Datsun Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues:
Rust and corrosion (particularly in rocker panels, wheel arches, and floor pans), carburetor tuning issues, ignition system component wear (points, condenser), potential for rear axle seal leaks, aging rubber bushings and suspension components, electrical connector corrosion.
Common Repairs:
Carburetor rebuilds, ignition system overhauls, brake component replacement (pads, shoes, calipers, wheel cylinders), suspension bushing replacement, exhaust system repair/replacement, rust repair, fuel line replacement.
Spark Plug Part Number:
NGK BP6ES or equivalent (specific part number for L20B engine in manual).
Oil Filter Part Number:
Purolator L10002, Fram PH8A, or equivalent (specific Datsun part number likely available).
Brand Heritage:
Datsun (later Nissan) has a long history of producing reliable and affordable vehicles, gaining significant traction in international markets throughout the 1960s and 1970s with models like the Fairlady/Z, 510, and 610.
Model Evolution:
The Datsun 610 was the successor to the highly successful Datsun 510, intended to offer a more upscale and refined experience with modern styling and independent rear suspension (IRS) on some models (though IRS was often replaced by leaf springs in later iterations or specific markets).
Production Years:
1973-1977
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (primarily by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.)
Recognitions:
While the Datsun 610 itself did not receive specific 'awards' in the modern sense, it was generally well-regarded for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and value for money within its segment during its production run.
Ratings:
Subjective reviews from automotive publications of the era often praised its comfortable ride and competent handling, though some criticized its styling compared to the sportier 510.
