Target Audience:
Do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to keep your vehicle working properly, providing expert-level repair information.
Manual Features:
Hundreds of pages, detailed substeps, notes/cautions/warnings, numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, detailed illustrations/drawings/photos, enlarged inset views, numbered table of contents, troubleshooting and electrical diagrams.
Primary Coverage:
Workshop Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Electrical System Diagnostics, Fuel System, Emission Control, HVAC, Chassis and Body Repair, Interior, Restraint Systems
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds
Type:
Factory Official Full Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Cooling System, Emission System, Engine Control System
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brake System, Differential/Drive, Axle
Electrical:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams
Body Interior:
Chassis/Body, Interior, Restraint System, Heater/Air Conditioner
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly/disassembly, piston/ring inspection, bearing replacement, cylinder head service, valve train adjustments, crankshaft/camshaft inspection and repair.
Transmission Mechanical:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, gear replacement, clutch assembly service, driveshaft and universal joint maintenance.
Brake System Details:
Front disc and rear drum brake service, hydraulic system troubleshooting, master cylinder and wheel cylinder repair, brake pad/shoe replacement, parking brake adjustment.
Electrical System Details:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, troubleshooting of charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition, and accessories.
Suspension Steering Details:
Front independent suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear leaf spring suspension, shock absorber replacement, steering gear box service, tie rod end replacement, wheel alignment procedures.
Fuel System Details:
Carburetor disassembly, cleaning, and adjustment (likely Solex or Hitachi), fuel pump testing and replacement, fuel tank and line service, fuel filter replacement.
Cooling System Details:
Radiator service, water pump replacement, thermostat operation and replacement, cooling fan maintenance, heater core service.
Maintenance:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication
Repair:
Complete disassembly based procedures, detailed substeps, troubleshooting
Diagnostic:
Troubleshooting guides for various systems, including electrical issues with detailed wiring diagrams.
Depth:
Comprehensive, guiding the reader through each service and repair procedure with detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged inset views for detailed part examination.
Engine Family:
Nissan L-Series (likely J or R variants for PL510)
Displacement:
Commonly 1.6L (1595cc) or 1.8L (1770cc) for this era Datsun.
Carburetion:
Typically single or twin Solex or Hitachi downdraft carburetors. Fuel injection was introduced later in the PL510's lifespan in some markets.
Horsepower Approx:
Around 95-105 HP for the 1.6L, potentially up to 115-125 HP for the 1.8L.
Torque Approx:
Approximately 90-100 lb-ft for the 1.6L.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (though leaded was common in early years)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, points and condenser ignition system (may cover electronic ignition upgrades later).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 95.3 inches (2420 mm)
Length:
Approx. 160.6 inches (4080 mm)
Width:
Approx. 62.6 inches (1590 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.1 inches (1375 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2200-2350 lbs (1000-1065 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
To be detailed in manual, typically around 3000-3200 lbs.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, and carburetor adjustment typically every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/CD or SG/CD rated oil, viscosity typically 10W-30 or 10W-40, depending on ambient temperature.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio. Capacity approximately 5-6 quarts.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Rust in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels, floor pans), carburetor tuning difficulties, aging rubber components (hoses, mounts), electrical system gremlins, weak points in rear axle/differential under hard driving.
Specific Repairs:
Valve adjustments, timing chain tensioner checks, fuel pump diaphragm replacement, clutch slave cylinder replacement.
Brand Origin:
Datsun, a marque of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. of Japan, known for reliable and sporty compact vehicles.
Model Introduction:
The Datsun 510 was introduced globally in 1968, building on Datsun's success in the compact car market. The PL510 designation refers to the sedan body style.
Performance Variants:
Known for its surprisingly good handling characteristics, often compared to European sedans of the era, contributing to its racing success (e.g., under the Datsun Bluebird nameplate).
Production Period:
1968-1973 for the specific model covered by the manual.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with some assembly in other global locations.
