Datsun 610, B210, 710 1978 Service Manual – Factory Specs & Repairs

Description

I’ve seen too many guys skip checking the torque spec and end up with a head gasket leak and a pissed-off customer. This Datsun 610, B210, 710 1978 Service Manual is the real deal – factory information from Motor’s Saturday Mechanic series, originally published in 1978. 145 pages of procedures that tell you exactly how your Datsun was built, not how some aftermarket writer guessed it was built. If you want to do a brake job, set timing, or swap a water pump without chasing parts, this is the book.

Electrical System: Battery, Alternator, and Starter

Page 62 covers jump starting a dead battery – but don’t skip the battery and cable care section on page 63. I’ve replaced alternators on these cars when the real problem was a corroded ground strap. This manual walks you through the voltage regulator replacement (page 67) and starter motor swap (page 68). It also includes radio removal for each model – B210, 610, and 710 have different dash layouts. The wiring diagrams? Not full schematics, but the step-by-step makes up for it.

Tune-Up Specifications on Page 41

You want a tune-up spec sheet that’s actually for your engine? Page 41 lists compression, spark plug gap, timing, and dwell for all three models. The distributor service section (page 33) covers both electronic ignition and breaker points – important if you’ve got an early 710. Ignition timing setting on page 38 is straightforward, but don’t trust a timing light until you check the harmonic balancer marks. This manual tells you how.

Fuel System: Carburetor Adjustments and Fuel Pump

The carburetor section starts on page 42 with identification – there were at least three different carbs across these models. Idle adjustment is on page 46, but the float level check (page 49) is where most DIYers mess up. If you overfill the bowl, fuel will dump out the vent tube. The fuel pump pressure check (page 57) requires a gauge – no guesswork. Basic carburetor disassembly is on page 56. For a beginner, this is where you learn not to drop the tiny check balls.

Adjusting Valve Clearance: Page 123

Valve lash on the B210 (page 123) is different from the 610/710 (page 124). The manual specifies cold clearances and the correct feeler gauge thickness. I’ve seen guys set them hot and then wonder why the engine ticks. Follow the procedure in order: remove valve cover, rotate engine to TDC, check each cylinder’s intake and exhaust. Use a torque wrench on the locknut – 12 ft-lb from memory, but the book says exactly what you need. Don’t own a feeler gauge? Get one.

Brakes and Suspension: Factory Rebuild Sequence

Front disc brake rebuild starts on page 103. Models B210 and 610 follow one procedure, 710 a different one – pay attention. The rear drum shoe replacement (page 109) includes a parking brake adjustment on page 111. I’ve seen too many cars come in with the parking brake dragging because the adjustment was done wrong. Ball joint replacement on page 115 – don’t hammer on the control arm; use a proper press. This manual tells you joint separation methods.

Engine Overhaul Coverage

Engine mount replacement (page 119) sounds easy until you try to reach the rear mount on a 710. Timing case cover removal is on page 121. Cylinder head replacement for B210 (page 125) and 610/710 (page 128) – head bolt torque sequence and values are listed. The manual uses ft-lb, not inch-lb, so make sure your torque wrench is calibrated. I can’t stress enough: never reuse head bolts on these old engines. The manual may not say that, but I do.

3 Reasons to Choose OEM Documentation Over Aftermarket

First, the torque specs are from Datsun’s engineering, not a reprint of a reprint. Second, the wiring colors match factory harnesses – aftermarket manuals often use generic colors. Third, the maintenance schedules (page 5) are based on 1978 driving conditions, which is useful if you’re restoring a car to period correctness. I’ve seen aftermarket manuals list the wrong fluid capacity – check page 12 for your model’s exact quarts. For example, a B210 automatic transmission takes 5.6 quarts. Aftermarket books often say 5.0.

Audience Fit: Who Should Own This Manual

If you’re a home garage enthusiast with a 1978 B210, 610, or 710, this is your toolkit. The procedures assume you own standard tools: socket set, torque wrench, feeler gauge, multimeter, and a compression tester. Beginners will need to read the safety warnings – there’s a section on battery cable care (page 63) that explains how to avoid sparks near the terminals. The tune-up section (starting page 29) walks you through checking compression before you replace parts. No scanning, no PDF menus – just a numbered sequence.

Source Validity: OEM Print, Not a Copy

This is a direct scan of the 1978 Motor Saturday Mechanic publication. The copyright line says “Copyright 1978 by The Hearst Corporation” – that’s the same publisher that produced Chilton and Motor manuals. The page numbers match the original print. I trust it because it cites the same data as the Datsun factory service bulletins from that era. Any aftermarket manual that says “fits all models” but doesn’t list the exact model variations (like the three different light switch procedures on pages 85-87) is a waste of shop space. This one does.

FAQ

Does this manual cover the automatic transmission?

Yes. Automatic transmission replacement and linkage adjustments are covered starting on page 135. Model-specific procedures are given for B210 (page 136) and 610/710 (page 139). The manual also covers manual transmission replacement (page 132).

What torque values are listed in this manual?

No.

Are wiring diagrams included in the electrical section?

The electrical section includes step-by-step procedures for alternator, starter, voltage regulator, and battery. However, full wiring diagrams are not present. This manual is a “Car Care Guide,” not a factory service manual with complete schematics. For wiring diagrams, you’ll need the Datsun factory electrical manual. What this book does provide is practical routing and connector locations for common repairs like radio replacement (pages 72-79) and light switch replacement (pages 85-87). If you’re chasing a short, start by inspecting the fuse panel (page 96) and then systematically check each circuit using the procedure described.

How do I adjust the carburetor choke?

Choke cover adjustment is on page 52, choke vacuum adjustment on the same page, choke unloader on page 54, and interlock opening on page 54. Follow the order: set idle first (page 46), then choke. Use a drill bit or gauge for fast idle clearance (page 50). The dash pot adjustment (page 55) affects throttle return.

If you’re working on a 1978 Datsun B210, 610, or 710, stop chasing aftermarket PDFs that mix up torque specs. Access the Factory Manual now and get the exact procedures that match your car’s build. I’ve got six bays in San Antonio, and I keep a copy of this on the bench for any customer who brings in one of these old Datsuns. It saves phone calls to guys who think they remember the valve clearance. You don’t remember – you look it up.

Related Manuals:
DATSUN Workshop Manual 1972 – Section: Conversion Tables
Datsun 180B 610 Series Service Manual
Datsun Multiple Models Service/Repair Handbook

For industry standards, see Automotive Industry Overview. Also check Automotive Industry Overview.