1986 Nissan 720 problems

General information about Nissan-720
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Datsun Truck is a compact pickup truck made by Nissan in Japan from 1955 through 1997. It was originally sold under the Datsun brand, but this was switched to Nissan in 1983. It was replaced in 1997 by the Frontier and Navara. In Japan, it was sold only in Nissan Bluebird Store locations.

Predecessors

Pre-war

The Datsun truck line began with the Type 13 Truck of April 1934, and was later used as the basis of the Datsun DC-3 roadster. A series of small trucks based on their passenger car counterparts, the 14T, 15T, and 17T, continued to be built until early 1944.

Post-war

The 17T was followed by the post-war Datsun 1121 in 1946, which was nearly identical technically but had an extremely simple body made out of simple pressed metal (with almost no chrome) and many body parts made from wood, to enable production in resource-starved early post-war Japan. Early trucks also depended on leftover stocks of pre-war parts. The engine was the 15 PS (11 kW) Type 7 unit. As the supply situation improved the new 2124 and then 2225 took over in July 1947 and at the end of November of the same year.

A rapid stream of changes and new model numbers followed in this early post-war area, as pre-war parts dried up and new designs were substituted. The naming followed a clear system: the first number represented the chassis/engine iteration, with "1" being the pre-war (17T) design. The second digit was for the bonnet and grille, the third digit for the cab, and the fourth and final digit for the rear body. 1121 thus had mostly pre-war parts, with a post-war design for the cab. The 2225 had post-war chassis and front end designs, with a fourth redesign of the rear bodywork. The grille was a plain, painted pressed steel piece. Some numbers were assigned but never used, such as rear body designs 2 and 3. The 2225 was succeeded by the 2125 at the end of July 1948; this seemingly retrograde step marked the return to the more ornate pre-war 17T grille.

In January 1949 the 3135 took over, followed by the January 1950 3145 model with a slightly different cabin. In August 1950 the Datsun 4146 arrived, introducing the 860 cc Type 10 engine with 15 kW (20 hp; 20 PS). The 4146 also had a bit more chrome trim included, as well as a stronger transmission. The power increase allowed for a somewhat bigger cargo area but top speed only crept up from 67 to 70 km/h (42 to 43 mph).

In 1951 the 5147 appeared, introducing a longer wheelbase of 2,150 mm (84.6 in) rather than the 2,005 mm (78.9 in) chassis which had been used for seventeen years. Most important was the introduction of hydraulic brakes, replacing the original mechanical units. The 5147 was succeeded two years later by the final 6147 model, which received the 25 PS (18 kW; 25 hp) D-10 version of the old sidevalve engine. The extra power output was made possible because of higher quality petrol allowing for higher compression rates. Although somewhat longer and with a bigger engine, the Datsun 6147 remained very similar to the prewar type 15 truck. Payload increased from 500 to 600 kg (1,100 to 1,300 lb) while overall length increased to 3,406 mm (134.1 in). A rare double-cab version, the DU-5, was introduced alongside the 6147. The 6147 was built until the 1955 introduction of the all new 120-series truck.

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Common 1986 Nissan 720 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1986 Nissan 720, several common problems have been identified:

Ignition Control Module (ICM) Problems: Some owners have experienced issues with the 5 pin distributor ignition control module, leading to spark cut-off or performance problems after driving at higher speeds. Replacing the ICM with a new one did not resolve the issue, raising concerns about potential overheating of components like the ignition coil.

Transmission Problems: Complaints have surfaced regarding transmission issues in the 1986 Nissan 720 with an automatic transmission. Specific problems with the torque converter or other transmission components have been reported, causing operational difficulties for owners.

Cold Start Stalling: Another common problem involves stalling right after starting the vehicle, particularly during cold starts. This issue may be linked to a valve in the intake system that acts as a choke, affecting the engine's performance until it receives sufficient heat from the header. Modifications like changing the exhaust system can impact the heating process, leading to stalling after ignition.

These problems highlight various challenges faced by owners of the 1986 Nissan 720, ranging from starting issues to ignition and transmission-related concerns. Addressing these issues may require thorough diagnostics and potentially replacing or repairing specific components to ensure optimal performance and reliability of the vehicle.

How much is a 1985 Nissan 720 worth?

A: The lowest recorded sale price was $3,200 for a 1985 Nissan 720 King Cab 5-Speed on Sep 10 2023. Q: What is the average sale price of a Nissan Datsun 720? A: The average price of a Nissan Datsun 720 is $9,898.

How many miles per gallon does a 1986 Nissan 720 get?

Based on data from 4 vehicles, 405 fuel-ups and 98,986 miles of driving, the 1986 Nissan 720 gets a combined Avg MPG of 23.53 with a 0.28 MPG margin of error.

What engine is in a 1985 Nissan 720?

The fuel-injected version referenced above was denoted as the Z24i (Throttle Body Fuel Injection) and was first available in the Nissan Model 720 ST pickup during the 1985 model year and was replaced in 1990 by the KA24E engine and they share the same bellhousing pattern.

How much horsepower does a Nissan 720 have?

Datsun 720 I 1.8 AT — specifications

Engine
Boost type	no
Engine capacity, cm³	1,770
Power	88 hp
Power, kWt)	65

1986 Nissan 720 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan 720 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems
Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Nissan 720 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Nissan 720 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Nissan 720.

2013-09-05

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-09-05
VIN: JN6ND01Y4GW
Components: STEERING
Summary: THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING GEAR BOX. A SEPARATION OF THE GEAR BOX FROM THE STEERING SHAFT (WHICH HAS DISAPPEARED FROM THE RECALL DATABASE). IT ONLY AFFECTED ONE MONTH OF MANUFACTURE (10/1995 I BELIEVE) WHICH IS THE MANUFACTURE OF MY TRUCK. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER PURCHASING NEW IN KINGMAN, AZ JANUARY 1986 AND WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. WHEN I LEARNED OF IT DECADES LATER, I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET NISSAN TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS, SINCE IT IS A SAFETY THING, AND EVERY PLACE I HAVE TURNED I HAVE BEEN IGNORED GETTING MY TRUCK CORRECTED. I STILL OWN THIS TRUCK AND WOULD LIKE THIS SAFETY RECALL PERFORMED. *JB

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1995-04-14

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-01-15
VIN: JN6ND06Y8GW
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: DRIVER'S 3 PT SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT (INTERMITTENTLY); HANGS LOOSE; EXCESSIVE EFFORT BEFORE RETRACTS. TT

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1986 Nissan 720 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 Nissan 720.

1990-04-17

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.

1985-11-13

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: THE STEERING COLUMN IS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING GEAR BY MEANS OF SPLINED SHAFT COUPLINGS. THESE COUPLINGS ARE SECURED WITH A TRANSVERSE BOLT AND LOCKWASHER. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS NOT TIGHTENED AND TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: ALTHOUGH THE SPLINES PROVIDE ADEQUATE COUPLING TO PERMIT OPERATION, EXTENDED USE MAY RESULT IN SPLINE DISENGAGEMENT AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CORECTIVE ACTION: INSPECT AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY TO PRECLUDE SPLINE DISENGEMENT.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Nissan 720 problems:

buying a 720? - 720 - Ratsun Forums

https://ratsun.net/topic/43414-buying-a-720/

I was curious if there are any common problems ... It would be directly behind the Datsun or Nissan ... Cars:1980 Datsun 720 pick up 2 wheel King ...

I Might buy a 1985 4x4 720 this week. What should I watch out for ...

https://forums.nicoclub.com/i-might-buy-a-1985-4x4-720-this-week-what-should-i-watch-out-for-t486310.html

Mar 29, 2010 ... 1980-1986 Datsun 720 forums. All 720 ... 720 is compression and carb problems. Mine ... A driver with some rust and minor engine issues or that ...