1982 Nissan Datsun problems

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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.

1982 Nissan Datsun

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Common 1982 Nissan Datsun problems

Based on the information gathered from the sources provided, common problems with the 1982 Nissan Datsun can be summarized as follows:

  • Fuel System Failures: Another common issue with 1980s Datsun vehicles is related to the fuel system. Problems such as clogged fuel filters or malfunctioning fuel pumps can lead to poor engine performance, stalling, or complete engine failure if not addressed promptly.
  • Engine Performance Problems: Owners of 1980s Datsun vehicles, like the 1982 models, may encounter engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or reduced power output. These problems can stem from factors like dirty fuel injectors, worn spark plugs, or a malfunctioning engine control module.
  • Rust: Rust is a significant concern for Datsun vehicles from this era, including the 1982 models. The thin sheet metal used in their construction makes them prone to rusting, especially in humid or salty environments, leading to structural weakness and cosmetic damage.
  • Transmission Failures: 1970s Datsun vehicles, which include the 1982 models, can experience transmission failures. Manual transmissions, although reliable, may wear out over time, while automatic transmissions could face issues like slipping or improper shifting.
  • Engine Overheating: Some 1970s Datsun vehicles, like the 1982 models, are susceptible to engine overheating, particularly those with air-cooled engines. Overheating can occur if the engine fins become clogged with dirt or debris, potentially causing severe damage if not addressed promptly.
  • General Maintenance: Due to the age of these vehicles, general maintenance and care are crucial to ensure their longevity and performance. Regular checks, replacements of worn components, and proactive measures like rust-proofing the body are essential for preserving these classic cars.

By addressing these common issues proactively and ensuring regular maintenance, owners of 1982 Nissan Datsun models can enjoy reliable transportation and driving pleasure from these classic vehicles.

1982 Nissan Datsun engine

How much is a Datsun 1982?

1982 Datsun 280ZX Trims

Trim typeMSRP
GL RWD$14,694
GL 2-Row RWD$15,694
Turbo RWD$17,494
Turbo 2-Row RWD$18,494

Why Datsun failed in India?

However, like the Nano, the Datsun brand failed because it only prioritised low-cost motoring which did not appeal to buyers. The Datsun Go was not a success and failed due to its cost-cutting, lack of features plus not being packaged well enough to take on Maruti.

What engine does a 1982 Datsun 280ZX have?

1982 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX (2.8L 6 -cyl Engine Code [C] L28ET 8 Turbo) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.

What is the rarest Datsun?

The 2000GT is arguably the rarest with only 351 units built from 1967 to 1970, but the Z car is the one that survived the longest and kickstarted a series that soldiered on to this day.

1982 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:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Nissan Datsun vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1982 Nissan Datsun complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Nissan Datsun.

1996-10-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-17
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1RS06S0CU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE PARKED, GOT IN AND STARTED VEHICLE, DROVE ABOUT 2 MILES, SAW SMOKE, STOPPED AND TURNED VEHICLE OFF, CALLED FIRE DEPT., FIRE ENGULFED FRONT OF VEHICLE*AK
1996-07-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
  • VIN: 4N1HVC1S1CT
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: FUEL IS LEAKING FROM TWO FUEL INJECTOR ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAMPAIGN #95I006000. *AK
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1982 Nissan Datsun problems:

buying a 720? - 720 - Ratsun Forums
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 logo on the fender. ... poor-mans-720 · poor- ...

Common problems with a Datsun 280ZX : r/cars
Common problems with a Datsun 280ZX : r/cars
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/3sb3uv/common_problems_with_a_datsun_280zx/

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 ...
280ZX Common Problems / Checklist for Purchase Inspection ...
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/280zx-common-problems-checklist-purchase-inspection-16386/

Jan 6, 2006 ... Chapter 3 what are commen problems making my new datsun not start. . . . ... Nissan Parts | Online Nissan OEM Parts and Accessories ... 1982, 1st, ...

Common 280ZX Problems? lets discuss | ZCar Forum
Common 280ZX Problems? lets discuss | ZCar Forum
https://www.zcar.com/threads/common-280zx-problems-lets-discuss.48235/

Oct 22, 2001 ... A forum community dedicated to Nissan and Datsun Z car owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications ...

Q&A: Troubleshooting 1982 Nissan Datsun Pickup with Z22 Engine
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1982 Nissan Datsun Pickup with Z22 Engine
https://www.justanswer.com/nissan/2r6cv-1982-datsun-720-feels-running-cylinders.html

Nov 9, 2009 ... I just bought a 1982 datsun 720 pick up with a Z22 engine. It feels like it is running on 3 cylinders ... HI! I think you are on the correct track ...

Other years of Nissan Datsun

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1982 Nissan Datsun photo