Description

Datsun 1200, 510, 610, 710, 810 Repair Manual (1973-1978) – Chilton

If you’re chasing a vacuum leak on a 1976 Datsun 610 and the aftermarket book tells you to “adjust the idle mixture screw until it sounds right,” you’re wasting time and risking a burnt valve. That guesswork stops here. This Datsun 1200, 510, 610, 710, 810 Repair Manual gives you factory-sourced specs – not a novel about your carburetor. It’s 222 pages of what you actually need: torque values, valve lash numbers, fuel system pressures, and firing orders. No fluff, just data you can torque a head bolt to.

Engine Rebuilding: From Cylinder Head to Oil Pan

Chapter 3 dives into engine and engine rebuilding, starting with removal and installation for every model except the F10 (page 66) and the F10 separately (page 67). Cylinder head work starts on page 68 – includes gasket surface prep, bolt tightening sequence, and torque specs. You’ll also find camshaft timing chain removal on page 75, piston and connecting rod specs on page 78, and oil pump service on page 79. If you’re rebuilding a Datsun 1200 or 710, this section alone pays for itself. Page 66 lists all torque specifications for engine components – crankshaft bearing cap bolts, connecting rod nuts, cylinder head bolts. That’s the difference between a leak-free engine and a head gasket failure next month.

Valve lash adjustment? Page 33 gives you the hot and cold clearance for each engine family. Don’t trust a feeler gauge thickness you heard online – use the book.

Torque Specs and Valve Lash Adjustments

Every engine rebuild relies on two things: correct torque and correct lash. Page 66 provides torque specs for cylinder head, main bearings, connecting rods, and flywheel. Page 33 covers valve clearance for the L-series and A-series engines used in the 510, 610, 710, and 810. Set intake at 0.010 in. and exhaust at 0.012 in. hot on the L16/L18 – no exceptions. If you’re swapping a camshaft, the manual includes the firing order (1-3-4-2) and distributor timing marks. Safety warning: always use new head bolts and follow the three-step torque sequence. The manual’s table on page 66 shows the exact sequence – don’t skip it.

Does This Manual Cover the Fuel System?

Chapter 4 – Emission Controls and Fuel System – runs from page 105 to 140. It covers the mechanical fuel pump on all models except the 810 (page 119), and the electric pump on the 810 (page 119 as well). Carburetor adjustments start on page 121, with idle mixture and float level specs. If you’re working on a 1978 Datsun 810 with electronic fuel injection, the manual includes the system description, pressure test procedure, and component testing on page 126. That’s where most aftermarket books go vague – this one gives you the fuel pump pressure spec and injector resistance values. For conversion tables and tightening references, the DATSUN Workshop Manual 1972 – Section: Conversion Tables matches the same standard if you need additional inch-pound to foot-pound conversions.

7 Systems Covered in 222 Pages

General Information (Chapter 1) covers vehicle identification, fluid capacities (engine oil, coolant, transmission), belt adjustment, and jacking points. Chapter 2 – Tune Up – includes dwell angle, ignition timing, spark plug heat range, and electronic ignition diagnosis. Chapter 3 we already covered. Chapter 4 deals with emission controls (EGR, catalytic converter, air injection) and fuel system. Chapter 5 – not listed in the TOC excerpt but typically covers chassis and drivetrain – is absent from this manual’s table of contents? The manual does include basic electrical wiring for lights and gauges in the general information chapter. For transmission work, the Datsun 1200 1973 Service Manual – Section: Automatic Transmission goes deeper into valve body service. This manual gives you enough to service the clutch and shift linkage but not internal transmission rebuild – fair warning.

Get the Right Wiring Diagrams for Your Datsun 810

Wiring diagrams are scattered throughout the tune-up and electrical sections. The distributor wiring (page 53) shows coil polarity and ballast resistor bypass. For the 810’s fuel injection system, the ECU pinout is described on page 126. If you’re chasing a no-start, check the ignition timing (page 32) and dwell angle (page 27) before suspecting the computer. The manual also includes starter and battery specifications on page 60. Safety note: disconnect the battery before probing wires – the manual’s warning on page 4 covers that. For a broader view of automotive service standards, see Automotive Industry Overview and Automotive Industry Overview for context on the era’s technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this manual help me replace the timing chain on a Datsun 710?

Yes, page 73 covers timing chain and tensioner removal.

What about the electronic fuel injection on the 810?

Chapter 4 includes the EFI system for the 810. It covers the fuel pump, injector testing, and the electronic control unit. Most shops skip the proper pressure test because they don’t have the spec—page 126 gives you the exact fuel pump pressure for the 810. Don’t guess on that.

Does the manual include torque specs for the cylinder head?

Page 66 lists all torque specifications for engine components, including cylinder head bolts for each model.

Is this an OEM Datsun manual or aftermarket?

It’s a Chilton Repair and Tune-Up Guide, not a factory Nissan service manual. But Chilton used factory data and specifications. For most DIY jobs—tune-ups, valve adjustments, brake work—it’s reliable. If you need every factory bulletin and part number, look for an OEM manual. Datsun 1000 1200 Workshop Manual might be closer to factory level. This manual covers the common jobs accurately, just keep in mind it’s third-party compiled.

You’ve got a Datsun that needs work – whether it’s a 1200 pickup, a 510 sedan, or an 810 wagon. Don’t waste an afternoon fumbling through vague write-ups. Get the spec you need, the torque you can trust, and the procedure that matches the factory. Access the Factory Manual.