Description

Datsun 510 Service Manual – Factory Specs for 1968-1973

I’ve torqued more head bolts than most people have had hot meals. When I see a tech reach for an aftermarket reprint on a Datsun 510 Service Manual, I stop them. That car from 1968 to 1973 has quirks – like the rear axle nut torque that’ll snap if you go by a generic book. This is the real deal: 249 pages of factory procedures, not summaries. Drake Publishers printed this, and it’s the same info the dealerships used. No guesswork, no “close enough.” You need the exact break-in procedure for the carburetion and exhaust system? It’s there. You want to know why the ignition system timing marks are off? The manual explains it.

Datsun 510 Service Manual – What Makes It Different

Aftermarket manuals skip steps. They tell you to remove the cylinder head without telling you the order to loosen bolts or the torque sequence for reinstallation. This manual doesn’t do that. The Engine chapter gives you the exact tightening sequence and the foot-pounds for each fastener. The Clutch section includes the release bearing clearance. These are the details that keep a Datsun 510 on the road instead of on jack stands for weeks. If you’ve ever fought with a frozen bleeder screw on the Braking System chapter, you’ll appreciate the factory bleeding procedure that doesn’t ruin the master cylinder.

14 Chapters from Cooling to Suspension

Look at the table of contents: Bodywork and Underframe, Braking System, Carburation and Exhaust, Emission Control, Clutch, Cooling System, Electrical System, Engine, Gearbox and Transmission, Ignition System, Propeller Shaft, Rear Axle, Suspension and Steering. Each chapter is a standalone procedure. The Cooling System section covers thermostat replacement, radiator removal, and water pump rebuild. It tells you the coolant capacity in quarts, not liters – because this is North America, and we work in imperial units. The Electrical chapter has wiring diagrams for the entire car, including the turn signal flasher unit. You don’t want to trace a short without those diagrams.

Torque Specs and Tolerances You Can Trust

When you’re bolting the transmission bell housing back to the engine block, you need the exact torque. The Gearbox and Automatic Transmission chapter lists it. The Rear Axle chapter gives the pinion bearing preload. These numbers come from Datsun, not from a third party who copied and pasted. I’ve seen aftermarket manuals list the same torque for a 10mm bolt as a 12mm bolt – that’s a disaster. This manual prints the spec per fastener. Use it. If you need additional specs from a different year, check the DATSUN Workshop Manual 1972 – Section: Conversion Tables for dimensional data.

Who Needs This Manual?

If you’re a home garage guy who bought a 510 because you like the way it handles, this manual will keep you from making expensive mistakes. The beginner will find the step-by-step procedure for swapping the clutch without pulling the engine (you can, if you know the trick). The professional mechanic will use it to verify valve clearances on the L16 engine. The workshop owner needs it for liability – when a customer’s car leaves the bay, you want proof you used factory specs. Even if you’re a collector restoring a 510 to concours condition, the Bodywork and Underframe chapter shows the factory welding points and panel alignment.

Opening a factory manual saves you time. Period.

Why OEM Documentation Beats Aftermarket Reprints

This isn’t a scanned copy with blurred pages. It’s the original 1973 publication from Drake Publishers. The ISBN 087149-394-4 is printed on page 3. The manual includes the preface explaining that it contains the latest manufacturing design changes up to publication. Aftermarket books often update photos but forget to update the specs. For example, the Emission Control chapter in this manual covers the early smog pump systems that many aftermarket manuals ignore. If you rely on a generic guide, you might miss the idle adjustment damper setting. That’ll fail inspection in states that check. For a broader understanding of the industry, see Automotive Industry Overview.

FAQ – Common Questions About This Manual

Does this manual cover the fuel injection system?

No, it covers carburetion and exhaust. For 1968-1973, most 510s were carbureted.

Can I use this for the Datsun 510 Pickup?

Yes, the manual covers both the 510 sedan and pickup models from 1968 to 1973. The table of contents includes sections for bodywork, suspension, and rear axle that apply to both variants. The wiring diagrams and engine specs are identical for the pickup versions. However, verify your VIN for any unique body differences. The Gearbox and Automatic Transmission chapter also applies to the pickup’s drivetrain.

What torque specs are listed?

Factory torque values for head bolts, connecting rods, and many fasteners are listed in the Engine and Suspension sections. The manual includes specific numbers rather than generic ranges.

Is this a digital access?

Yes, you get a PDF of the 249-page factory manual.

Before you touch a wrench on your Datsun 510, get the documentation that eliminates guesswork. The Datsun 510 Workshop Manual covers the same 1968-1973 range, and the Datsun 510 1969-1973 Workshop Manual is a close variant. But this specific service manual has the exact 249 pages you need. Grab the PDF, print the page you’re working on, and follow the factory sequence. You’ll find the coolant capacity in the Cooling chapter, the timing marks in Ignition, and the wiring colors in Electrical. Don’t trust a third-party copy – trust the original. Access the Factory Manual today and keep your 510 running the way Datsun intended.