1977 Nissan Datsun 280Z Service Manual PDF

This Nissan factory service manual covers the 1977 Datsun 280Z, S30 Series, in U.S. and Canadian 2-seater and 2+2-seater configurations, including California and non-California models. The original publication was printed in Japan and carries a 1976 copyright.

• Engine repair: Engine removal and installation, internal disassembly, cylinder-head inspection, timing-chain service, valve-clearance adjustment, and lubrication-system testing.

• EFI and emissions: L-Jetronic troubleshooting, sensor and injector tests, idle-mixture adjustment, and crankcase, evaporative, and exhaust-emission control checks.

• Clutch and transmissions: Clutch hydraulic service, manual transmission overhaul, and automatic transmission disassembly, pressure testing, and shift diagnosis.

• Axles, brakes, and steering: Differential setup, front and rear suspension service, wheel-bearing inspection, brake bleeding, and rack-and-pinion repair.

• Electrical diagnosis: Starter and alternator service, transistor ignition testing, wiring diagrams, connector identification, and lighting and instrument troubleshooting.

• Body service: Underbody alignment references, door and window adjustments, glass replacement, weatherstrip service, and body sealing.

• Air conditioning: Refrigeration-system testing, vacuum-control diagnosis, compressor repair, and component removal and installation.

Written for service personnel at authorized Nissan/Datsun dealers, the manual specifies special tools for some operations.

L28 Engine Repair and Cooling

The text covers cylinder head surfacing limits, crankshaft bearing clearances, and valve-train adjustments. Factory assembly information includes staged cylinder-head tightening, a valve timing diagram, and the torque sequence of cap bolts chart.

Chain Stopper ST17420001 is identified for retaining timing-chain alignment during cylinder-head work. A specific caution explains that removing the camshaft bearings disturbs their alignment and requires suitable line-boring equipment.

Cooling coverage includes radiator pressure testing, thermostat inspection, and water-pump service. The cross-sectional view of the Tem-coupling and its operating-characteristic diagrams explain the temperature-controlled fan coupling.

Always consult professional safety protocols before lifting the vehicle or opening pressurized fuel systems.

L-Jetronic Diagnosis and Component Replacement

The fuel-injection section explains sensor inputs, cold start valve operation, and control-unit signal processing, including the altitude switch used on California models. The control unit block diagram and L28 engine system piping layout connect these explanations to the electrical and hose arrangements.

Symptom charts link starting problems, stalling, and unstable idle to specific inspections. Resistance and voltage checks at the 35-pin connector help distinguish harness faults from component failures before replacement.

The preliminary checks explain how unmetered air entering through the intake duct, oil filler cap, or ventilation hoses can upset the air-fuel ratio. Idle-mixture inspection and adjustment are documented with CO-analyzer requirements and variant-specific settings.

EFI service scope: Faulty EFI components are specified for replacement as assemblies. The air temperature sensor is part of the air flow meter, so its replacement requires the complete meter assembly. Electrical-handling cautions identify control-unit damage caused by connecting or disconnecting EFI connectors with the ignition on.

Transmission, Differential, and Chassis Work

The manual transmission chapters cover internal inspection and assembly for both gearbox types, including the five-speed unit’s overdrive components. Automatic transmission coverage extends to clutch packs, the control valve, stall testing, line-pressure diagnosis, and shift schedules; its welded torque converter is not designed for internal disassembly.

Separate R180 and R200 differential procedures cover pinion preload, pinion height, backlash, and tooth contact. Propeller-shaft inspection is included, with assembly replacement specified for damage or journal play.

Chassis procedures extend to strut service, rear wheel-bearing assembly, brake caliper and wheel-cylinder work, Master-Vac testing, and steering-gear adjustment.

Body Wiring and Original Air Conditioning

Body electrical diagrams cover lighting, gauges, heater controls, and warning circuits, with connector views and wire-color codes. Separate underbody alignment drawings and door-window details distinguish the two body configurations.

Air-conditioning procedures address the original R-12 system and SWP123 compressor, including evacuation, charging, leak testing, shaft-seal replacement, and vacuum-control diagnosis. The manual assigns this work to trained service personnel.

Compression, Cooling, and Sensor Data Preview

For L28 compression checks at operating temperature with the throttle open, the service-data table lists 12.5 kg/cm² (178 psi) as standard and 11.5 kg/cm² (164 psi) as minimum at 300–400 rpm.

Approximate cooling-system capacity is 10.3 liters with a manual transmission or 10.1 liters with an automatic, including the heater and reservoir tank.

For EFI diagnosis, the water temperature sensor’s specified resistance at 20°C (68°F) is 2.25–2.75 kΩ.

Chapter Bookmarks and Wiring-Page Detail

Search, navigation, and diagrams: PDF text search is unavailable. Embedded bookmarks link to most main sections, although rear suspension has no dedicated bookmark. Small wiring labels require zooming, and some connector details in the lighting diagrams are faint.

Supplied as one printable, English-language PDF with 681 pages, including the two opening pages containing the title, quick-reference index, and foreword, plus three appended wiring-diagram pages.