Revision as of 11:48, 16 May 2018

Hitachi DCH-306 carburetors starting with 1975 B210 California models employ an Altitude Compensator mechanism. So the car runs in tune both at sea level and at high elevations -- and everywhere in between. This system can be easily retrofitted.

1 Overview
2 Testing

Overview

Altitude Compensator was fitted to California models AND to cars delivered to Datsun dealers in 41 high-altitude counties in the USA outside of California.

The Altitude Compensator used three different types in different years:

Automatic system: Bellows + hose from air cleaner
Manual system, using a switch that is similar in looks to the A.T.C.

Same castings with and without the holes drilled:
Album 23416

1975

1975 B210 for California uses a totally automatic bellows system. The bellows ("Altitude Compensator Assembly") is fitted to the body side. Hose runs from air cleaner to bellows. Then two hoses run to carburetor air bleeds.

Hitachi with 2-hose air bleed fittings.
Album 23417

* 16044-H7301 ASSY-ALTITUDE COMPENSATOR CARB A14 CAL 0475-
* 08513-51212 SCREW-TAPPING (2)

1976

B210 comes with carburetor fittings plugged. FSM refers to it as an installable option:

Drill hole in bottom of air cleaner, insert fitting
Run hose over the to Bellows. Mount that on the side of the coil/electronics cover (on strut tower)
Run two small hoses from Bellows to Carburetor (remove the plugs)
Set idle speed and mixture

1977-1978

California (V) models use a carburetor with two fittings which lead to the air jets. A valve in the air cleaner connects to those via hoses. The valve is manually configurable to either H or L position.

Counties in USA 1,219m (4,000 ft) or more above sea high have been designated "High Altitude Counties" (see 1977 B210 Service Bulletin).

At low altitudes: closed
At high altitudes: open

Remember to move the switch when you get to a legally-designated HAC -- and then readjust the mixture and idle speed. This is not an automatic system.

1979

Apparently 1979 models did not use a compensator.

1980

Bellows system like 1976 adopted. On above 600 m (1,978 ft). Non-adjustable.

1981-1982

1981 used an Altitude Compensator with totally automatic operation. It works by a bellows moving per altitude, exposing more or less air to the air bleeds inside the carburetor.

Operates above 500 m (1641 ft)
Adds a third hose, for primary slow air bleed
- 4-fitting bellows
- 3-fittng carburetor

Diagram from the 1981 B310 Factory Service Manual
Album 23415

Hitachi with vacuum secondary and 3-hose compensator.
Album 23418 Album 23419

* 16044-H9810 COMPENSATOR ASSY-ALTITUDE A15 CAL 0880-
* 16044-H9910 COMPENSATOR ASSY-ALTITUDE A12A CAL 0879-
* 08360-62514 SCREW-HEX W/WASHER(M6)(2)

Testing

If below 4,000 ft (1,219m) elevation, you can simply plug the Compensator ports on the carburetor. It will run as normal.

If it runs better than before, something is wrong with the Compensator external parts (hoses, manual switch, or bellows).

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Altitude Compensator