Datsun 510 160B 180B 610 1972 Workshop Manual – Factory Specs

So you’ve got a Datsun 510, 160B, 180B, 610 1972 Workshop Manual sitting in your garage, and you’re staring at an engine bay that looks like a puzzle. I’ve been there. You don’t want to pull a head bolt to find out it’s stripped because you guessed the torque. This manual stops that. It’s 171 pages of factory-sourced data, written by C.R. Newton and published by Intereurope in 1972. No aftermarket guesswork. No reprints from some third-party that swapped out the torque table. You get the original workshop procedures.

Engine and Fuel System: What You Get

Open to the ENGINE chapter and you’ll find the full disassembly sequence for the L13, L14, L16, and L18 engines. The FUEL SYSTEM section covers carburetor adjustments, fuel pump specs, and the factory flow rates. If you’re swapping a cam or setting valve lash, the tolerances are right there. No wondering if the 14 mm head bolt torque should be 35 ft-lb or 40 – it’s printed. For the 160B and 180B models, the supplement section addresses the Bluebird specifics. Need a deeper dive on the 510? See the Datsun 510 Workshop Manual for that model alone.

Does This Manual Cover the Cooling System?

Yes, and it’s not a paragraph of vague advice. The COOLING SYSTEM chapter walks you through thermostat replacement, radiator removal, and hose routing. It also includes the factory bleed procedure – something the aftermarket manuals always skip. I’ve seen water pumps fail because someone didn’t torque the bolts to spec. This manual lists those torque values. Simple as that.

Check the Wiring Before You Fry Something

The ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT and WIRING DIAGRAMS sections are worth the price alone. The diagrams are factory-issue, not redrawn by some intern. You get the real wire colors, connector pinouts, and ground points. For a 1972 Datsun 610, that’s critical. One wrong splice and you’ll chase a short for a week. Use the trouble-shooting guide (right after the wiring section) to isolate faults without burning up the harness. For background on how manufacturers like Datsun built these cars, refer to Automotive Industry Overview.

Suspension and Steering: Factory Procedure

Front suspension, rear axle, steering – they’re all here. The REAR AXLE AND REAR SUSPENSION chapter gives you the shim adjustments for the differential. The STEERING section covers the box adjustment and pitman arm torque. If you’re rebuilding the front end on a 510, you’ll need those alignment specs. The original manual even includes the PROPELLER SHAFT AND DIFFERENTIAL chapter, so you won’t have to guess the pinion preload. Related manual: Datsun 180B 610 Series Service Manual covers the same chassis with additional notes.

Why This Manual Beats Aftermarket

Intereurope printed this in 1972. It was compiled using data direct from Nissan. Every specification – from the TIGHTENING TORQUES section to the AUTOSERVICE DATA CHART – was checked against the factory. Aftermarket manuals take shortcuts. They’ll paste a generic torque table that doesn’t account for the L-series head bolt sequence. This one has the exact sequence for the L16 and L18 engines. The Automotive Industry Overview gives context on the era. If you want to keep that Datsun running right, get the information that was written for it. Download the Factory Manual.

• Datsun 510 1969-1973 Workshop Manual
• Automotive Industry Overview

Does this manual cover both 510 and 610 series?

Yes. It covers 510 series (1300, 1400, 1600) and 610 series (160B, 180B) with separate sections.

What about the 180B SSS model?

The supplement section includes the 1800 SSS data, including the L18 engine specs and the Series C30 model supplement.

Are the wiring diagrams easy to read?

They are factory-original, two-color diagrams. Some are folded. You’ll need a good light, but they’re accurate. No redrawn nonsense.

Can I use this for a 1971 Datsun 510?

This manual covers 1972 model year. For 1969-1971, get the Datsun 510 1969-1973 Workshop Manual which includes earlier revisions.