Revision as of 21:41, 18 February 2013

The camshaft is located on the right side of the engine block, and drives the valves via pushrods and rocker arms. The camshaft also drives the Oil pump and distributor. The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft via a double-row roller chain, which is extremely durable and long-lasting. Camshafts are physically different starting with 1974 model year engines, because the newer engines have the distributor in a different location.

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1 Also See
2 Camshaft Specifications
3 Interchange
4 Aftermarket Camshafts
5 Part Numbers
- 5.1 USA
6 Parts Suppliers

Also See

* Camshaft replacement
* Camshaft Comparison
* Camshaft Timing
* New Camshaft Break-in: See Camshaft replacement
* Installation: See Camshaft replacement
* Timing: See Camshaft replacement
* Adjustable Cam Gear: See Adjustable Cam Gear

Camshaft Specifications

Datsun 1200 1970-1973
A12: 248°, .315" (8 mm) lift
A12GX: 256°, .331 (8.4mm) lift

Here are the specs used in the standard B110 camshaft:

B = before
A = after
BDC = Bottom Dead Center
TDC = Top Dead Center

Exhaust open duration: 248 degrees
Intake open duration: 248 degrees
Intake opens at: 14 degrees BTDC
Intake closes at: 54 degrees ABDC
Exhaust opens at: 56 degrees BBDC
Exhaust closes at: 12 degrees ATDC

NOTE: It is unclear at which valve lift specifications this is measured at. So be wary of comparing other camshaft specs.

For other A-series camshafts, see Camshaft Comparison.

Interchange

Datsun 1200 engines, with the distributor at the front, use a single drive gear to drive both the oil pump as well as the distributor. Only Datsun 1970-1973 A12 engines and A10 engines use this arrangement.

From 1974 all Datsun A-series engines (other than A10) used a second drive gear as the distributor was now re-located back where the earlier fuel pump once was.

Strict interchange

1966-1973 cams interchange
1974-up cams interchange

In the A Engine Redesign for 1974 the location of fuel pump and alternator drives on the cam moved.

Loose Interchange

Late cam [two gears] = can be used in all engines, but conditions apply for early blocks
Early cam [one gear] = Can be used only in early engines, if you want to use a standard type distributor ignition system.

You can use the later cam in the earlier block as long as you block off the fuel pump mounting & run a different fuel pump [electric?], but if you wish to use the distributor in a later engine, then the earlier cam will not work as you get a fuel pump eccentric instead of a drive gear at that point.

You can use the 1974-up camshaft in earlier engines. Earlier cams fit newer engines, but will not drive the distributor.

For more interchange details, see Camshaft Comparison

Aftermarket Camshafts

Replacement camshafts don't have to come from Nissan. You can get them from most cam grinders even if they are not listed in their public catalog.

See main article: Camshaft_Comparison#Aftermarket_Grinds

Most cam grinders will make a camshaft for a Datsun 1200. Most cams are made on request you won't find it listed in a catalog. You supply a used cam, they do the rest.

For example, Camtech advertised these camshaft profiles for Datsun A engines:

#618 RPM RANGE 2000-6000 239/231 (Advertised Duration)
#639 RPM RANGE 2400-6400 254/254
#621 RPM RANGE 2600-6800 260/264
#609 RPM RANGE 3200-7200 277/284
#608 RPM RANGE 4000-7800 290/295
#604 RPM RANGE 4400-8200 301/310

Of course, the real RPM range will depend on:

the size of the engine, larger engine will need a slighter larger cam for same effective RPM range
the other equipment on the engine. For example, a stock Carburetor won't make more power over 6000 RPM

"Advertised Duration" means you should only compare these numbers with grinds from the same manufacturer. Other vendors may measure it differently.

Part Numbers

SET-BUSHING CAMSHAFT -- See Block
* Not normally replaced as part of an overhaul

LIFTER-VALVE
13231-H1000 A12
13231-H1001 1970-1983 A12, A14, A15

B110 ASSY-CAMSHAFT
13001-H1000 USA, JDM
13001-H2300 GX
13001-H7000 USA 0772-

13010-18001 PLATE-camshaft
second source 13010-18015
* 81-10616 BOLT (2)
* 89-15136 WASHER-lock (2)

USA

B110 RAW LIST
13001-H7000 ASSY-CAMSHAFT
13001-H1000 CAMSHAFT
11023-78200 PLUG-TAPER
13032-18000 DOWEL-CAMSHAFT GEAR
13010-18001 PLATE-CAMSHAFT
08110-6161A BOLT-FIXING CAMSHAFT PLATE
01111-00022 BOLT-FIXING CAMSHAFT PLATE
08915-1361A WASHER-LOCK FIXING CAMSHAFT PLATE
08915-13610 WASHER-LOCK FIXING CAMSHAFT PLATE

Parts Suppliers

Wade http://www.wadecams.com
Tomei: lifters, cams, sprockets, etc
Iskenderian - legendary California hot rod Cam Grinder - mperdue has an Isky cam
Crane: cams, springs, lifters
Datrats
APT
Malvern Racing
Yella Terra, roller pushrods
CamTech - Australia

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Camshaft