Pete84 Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 I picked up a solid '71 Datsun 510 yesterday. It was running when the previous owner parked it in his garage, he just didn't have time for it. I will be flushing the coolant, brakes, gas, oil, and re-greasing the wheel bearings before running it. On the gas: I am going to just pull the tank to get it flushed out. What sort of shop would be able to do that properly? How should I flush the fuel lines? Carb? Marvel Mystery oil: I have been told to put two shots worth into each cylinder, let it sit overnight, kill the spark and crank the motor to get it really mixed in, then sit again. Is it good stuff? I have never re-conditioned a car that has sat, so advice is welcome! The PO auto crossed the car, so it is not nearly stock. Very much a home built job: VW sideflow radiator, L20B block, port and polished head, Crane cam, Cannon intake, Webber carb with a manual choke. The paint is mostly primer, the only rust I have been able to find is above the drip rail on the drivers side and the very bottom of the right rear quarter panel. I also got a whole bunch of parts: extra 4 spd + driveshaft, 5 spd + shortened driveshaft, rear disc conversion set, Suspension Techniques swaybars, set of axles, extra intakes and manifolds, stock carb, trim . . . Sounds great, but heck, the side and rear view mirrors are no longer attached, the product of a small garage, two 510's, and several kids. Plus, several trim pieces are missing etc. All I have for pics is an almost useless cell phone, I will attempt later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woldson Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 Year and a half is not that long. Your on the right track, (just in case), me, I would had triied to fire it up, if it moved frist by hand. And checked the oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supra510 Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 A radiator shop should be able to clean the tank, however not sure that's necessary. I'd probably put a new fuel filter on and check regularly if you're worried about sediment in the tank. If the filter keeps filling up, fine, pull it and have it cleaned. If not avoid the hassle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwik240z Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 Welcome to the wonderful world of 510 owners. Does it still have a points type distributor? As someone else said, 1 1/2 years is not that long. I would pull the hose from the fuel filter (front corner of engine compartment) that goes to the fuel pump and stick it in a can of fresh gas. Then make sure you have a good battery. Next pull the air cleaner and put a little fresh gas in the carb and then see if it will start. If it does not start, pull a spark plug and see if it is getting spark. If no spark, pop the cap on the dizzy and check the points. That car should start if it was running when parked. Check out the following sites for good 510 info: http://www.the510realm.com http://www.dimequarterly.com http://www.ratsun.net http://www.datsun510.com Good luck with the new 510. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete84 Posted March 15, 2009 Author Share Posted March 15, 2009 Thanks for the tips! And yes, it does have points still, the PO recommended that I update that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 Color me jealous, I love those things. Best of luck with the project, you need a build thread! Evan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete84 Posted March 15, 2009 Author Share Posted March 15, 2009 Ah, one sorta big problem. The front windshield is cracked, top to bottom almost right in front of the driver. Anyone have an idea on where I could source a replacement? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nbesheer Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Might want to check http://forum.ratsun.net/ or http://the510realm.com/phpBB3/ they would probably be the best bet for finding a windscreen. Be prepared to see how spoiled you are coming from HBZ though ha ha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete84 Posted March 20, 2009 Author Share Posted March 20, 2009 I gassed it up, put a new battery and . . . nothing. At all. From the way the wiring looks, I might 'get' to do a pretty complete re-wiring job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
510six Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 There is a blade connector on the starter solenoid , make sure that it actually is making contact. If that doesn`t work wire a relay , like this article shows. http://dimequarterly.tierranet.com/tech/starter_relay.shtml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MONGO510 Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 wind shield is available from any auto glass shop Mongo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete84 Posted March 20, 2009 Author Share Posted March 20, 2009 There is a blade connector on the starter solenoid , make sure that it actually is making contact. If that doesn`t work wire a relay , like this article shows.http://dimequarterly.tierranet.com/tech/starter_relay.shtml If that only described my problem. When I put the battery in and turned the key, there was ZERO activity. No lights, no ticking, absolutely nothing. One of my roommates got a camera, so pictures should be up after the weekend. The wiring in the car really is 'unique', well just about everything is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete84 Posted March 20, 2009 Author Share Posted March 20, 2009 Got some pictures of the engine bay uploaded. Let me know your thoughts. http://picasaweb.google.ca/martens.peter/PicsOfCar# Let me know if that link does not work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zrultima Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 I have the same issue where can i take a too a radiator shop ????? Well my fuel line is also clogged up changed the fuel filter it seems the fuel tank is clogged with rust because there pressure if u leave it there sitting for a bit then when u turn it on in a few seconds it dies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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