1981 Nissan Datsun problems
Datsun (UK: /ˈdætsən/, US: /ˈdɑːtsən/) was a Japanese automobile manufacturer brand owned by Nissan. Datsun's original production run began in 1931. From 1958 to 1986, only vehicles exported by Nissan were identified as Datsun. Nissan phased out the Datsun brand in March 1986, but relaunched it in June 2013 as the brand for low-cost vehicles manufactured for emerging markets. Nissan considered phasing out the Datsun brand for a second time in 2019 and 2020, eventually discontinuing the struggling brand in April 2022.
In 1931, DAT Motorcar Co. chose to name its new small car "Datson", a name which indicated the new car's smaller size when compared to the DAT's larger vehicle already in production. When Nissan took control of DAT in 1934, the name "Datson" was changed to "Datsun", because "son" also means "loss" (損 son) in Japanese and also to honour the sun depicted in the national flag – thus the name Datsun: Dattosan (ダットサン, Dattosan). The Datsun name is internationally well known for the 510, Fairlady roadsters, and the Z and ZX coupés.
History
Origin of Datsun
Before the Datsun brand name came into being, an automobile named the DAT car was built in 1914, by the Kaishinsha Motorcar Works (快進自動車工場, Kaishin Jidōsha Kōjō), in the Azabu-Hiroo District in Tokyo. The new car's name was an acronym of the initials of the company partners:
- Kenjiro Den (Den Kenjirō)
- Rokuro Aoyama (Aoyama Rokurō)
- Meitaro Takeuchi (Takeuchi Meitarō)
Incidentally, datto (how a native Japanese speaker would pronounce "dat") means to "dash off like a startled rabbit" (脱兎), which was considered a good name for the little car. The firm was renamed Kaishinsha Motorcar Co. in 1918, seven years after their establishment and again, in 1925, to DAT Motorcar Co. DAT Motors constructed trucks in addition to the DAT passenger cars. In fact, their output focused on trucks since there was almost no consumer market for passenger cars at the time. Beginning in 1918, the first DAT trucks were assembled for the military market. The low demand from the military market during the 1920s forced DAT to consider merging with other automotive industries. In 1926 the Tokyo-based DAT Motors merged with the Osaka-based Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd. (実用自動車製造株式会社, Jitsuyō Jidōsha Seizō Kabushiki-Gaisha) also known as Jitsuyo Motors (established 1919, as a Kubota subsidiary) to become DAT Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (ダット自動車製造株式会社, Datto Jidōsha Seizō Kabushiki-Gaisha) in Osaka until 1932. (Jitsuyo Jidosha began producing a three-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed cab called the Gorham in 1920, and the following year produced a four-wheeled version. From 1923 to 1925, the company produced light cars and trucks under the name of Lila.)
The DAT corporation had been selling full size cars to Japanese consumers under the DAT name since 1914. In 1930, the Japanese government created a ministerial ordinance that allowed cars with engines up to 500 cc to be driven without a license. DAT Automobile Manufacturing began development of a line of 495 cc cars to sell in this new market segment, calling the new small cars "Datson" – meaning "Son of DAT". The name was changed to "Datsun" two years later in 1933.
The first prototype Datson was completed in the summer of 1931. The production vehicle was called the Datson Type 10, and "approximately ten" of these cars were sold in 1931. They sold around 150 cars in 1932, now calling the model the Datsun Type 11. In 1933, government rules were revised to permit 750 cc (46 cu in) engines, and Datsun increased the displacement of their microcar engine to the maximum allowed. These larger displacement cars were called Type 12s.
By 1935, the company had established a true production line, following the example of Ford, and were producing a car closely resembling the Austin 7. There is evidence that six of these early Datsuns were exported to New Zealand in 1936, a market they then re-entered in May 1962. In 1937, Datsun's biggest pre-war year, 8593 were built, with some exported to Australia in knock-down form.
After Japan went to war with China in 1937, passenger car production was restricted, so by 1938, Datsun's Yokohama plant concentrated on building trucks for the Imperial Japanese Army.
When the Pacific War ended, Datsun would turn to provide trucks for the Occupation forces. This lasted until car production resumed in 1947. As before the war, Datsun closely patterned their cars on contemporary Austin products: postwar, the Devon and Somerset were selected. For Datsun's smaller cars (and trucks), such as the DB and DS series, they depended on designs based on the pre-war Austin Seven. The heavier trucks, meanwhile, were based on Chevrolet's 1937 design with an engine of Graham-Paige design. Nissan also built the 4W60 Patrol, based on the Willys Jeep, and the 4W70 Carrier, based on the Dodge M37. Not until January 1955 did Datsun offer a fully indigenous design.
That year, the Occupation returned production facilities to Japanese control, and Datsun introduced the 110 saloon and the 110-based 120 pickup.
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Common 1981 Nissan Datsun problems
The Nissan Datsun 1981, also known as the 280ZX, is a popular car among automotive enthusiasts. However, like any other vehicle, it has its own set of common problems that owners often encounter.
Firstly, rust is a significant issue with the Nissan Datsun 1981. The car's age means that it is well into 'classic car' territory, and any problems it may have had when new are likely to be forgotten and irrelevant by this point. Rust can affect any part of the car, and it is crucial to look carefully at each example you come across and see what kind of condition it is in. If the car is a rusty shit box, you will be an unhappy camper.
Secondly, the charging system can be problematic in the Nissan Datsun 1981. The alternator and charging system can have various issues, including problems with the fender fuse block, wiring, and rectifier. If the engine or transmission has a huge issue, it might be cheaper to swap the engine with a better Nissan engine than what the car came with.
Thirdly, the fuel system can also cause problems in the Nissan Datsun 1981. The fuel tank and associated vent hoses can leak fumes, and it is essential to replace all the hoses with new ones and drain and drop the gas tank to replace the large vent hoses. The large vent on the driver's-side edge of the 240 gas tank can also leak a lot of fumes and should be capped off.
Fourthly, suspension clunking on bumps can be a problem in the Nissan Datsun 1981. The "gland nut" or cap holding the strut inserts in can be several turns loose, causing the insert to clunk up and down in the strut housing. This can happen at all four corners, and a pair of large pliers slipped between the coils can make this a quick fix.
Lastly, the clock stopping can be caused by a leaky heater core in the Nissan Datsun 1981.
In conclusion, while the Nissan Datsun 1981 is a popular car among automotive enthusiasts, it has its own set of common problems that owners often encounter. Rust, charging system issues, fuel system problems, suspension clunking on bumps, and clock stopping are some of the most common issues that Nissan Datsun 1981 owners face. If you are considering purchasing a Nissan Datsun 1981, it is crucial to be aware of these common problems and to inspect the car carefully before making a purchase.
Why did Datsun become Nissan?
'But Datsun was a pet name for the cars when we started exporting. '" Ultimately, the decision was made to stop using the brand name Datsun worldwide, in order to strengthen the company name Nissan. "The decision to change the name Datsun to Nissan in the U.S. was announced in the autumn (September/October) of 1981.
Is Datsun a good car?
Excellent car for daily usage, low maintenance cost and a good car for mid-class. I have been driving this car for 3 years, with no expense at all.
What happened to Datsun?
Datsun was a key part of the global car market until 1986, when Datsun's owner, Nissan Motor Company, controversially scrapped the brand name in favor of its own.
Is Datsun engine good?
Very good.
Datsun GO is a very powerful car. I drove this car about 80,000 km and still, there is no problem in the engine or in transmission.
1981 Nissan Datsun car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Datsun problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Nissan Datsun vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Nissan Datsun complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Nissan Datsun.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JN1PS06S7BU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN PUT CAR INTO GEAR THE CAR ACCELERATES. TT
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Nissan Datsun problems:
Common problems with a Datsun 280ZX : r/cars
Nov 10, 2015 ... If the engine or transmission has a huge issue it might be cheaper to swap the engine with a better Nissan engine then what the car came with.
280ZX Common Problems / Checklist for Purchase Inspection ...
Jan 6, 2006 ... probably rust behind it. Joints of the body, rust creeps out round the tail lights. Lift the rear hatch. Look up at the bottom of the hatch.
buying a 720? - 720 - Ratsun Forums
I was curious if there are any common problems ... I was curious if there are any common problems ... It would be directly behind the Datsun or ...
Common 280ZX Problems? lets discuss | ZCar Forum
Oct 22, 2001 ... A forum community dedicated to Nissan and Datsun Z car owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications ...
1984 Nissan/Datsun 2.4 Truck will not start. Please Help! - 720 ...
... Datsun truck and I drove it home with no problems ... This article is written for owners of the 1981 to 1985 Datsun or Nissan 720 pickups with the ...
Other years of Nissan Datsun
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