Oil pump

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The Datsun 1200's A12 engine uses a standard type oil pump. The oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Also see: Oil pressure indicator lamp: Wiring

Oil Temperature

Also See: Oil Pump Coolers

The oil temperature is controlled by the engine coolant temperature. As long as the engine coolant ("water") does not overheat, neither will the oil. Only a very few high performance cars have a separate oil cooler. So this means:

keep your coolant temp low, and your oil temp will be happy.

Count on the oil temp to be about 20 F degrees hotter. So here is a good street performance equation:

• Thermostat: 180 F degrees
• Oil temp will run about 200 F degrees

At this temperature, the good quality regular oil (inexpensive) will perform as good as the expensive synthetics in a street car. It is high temps that ruin regular oil whereas the synthetic oil can take high temps OK.

Now if you are racing or towing there is more to talk about.

Engine oil capacity

• Oil pan: 2-7/8 U.S. qts., 2-3/8 Imper. qts. (2.7 L)
• Oil filter: 1-1/8 U.S. pints, 1 Imper. pint. (0.54 L)

Oil Pressure

From the 1973 factory service manual:

• Oil pressure at idle (650 RPM ): 13-17 psi
• Regulator valve spring
  • Free Length: 43.49 mm (1.71 inch)
  • Pressured Length: 30.3 mm (1.19 inch)
• Regulator opening pressure: 54-60 psi

Gauge

The pressure switch threads is 1/8 BSPT (british standard pipe tapered).

Oil Usage

It is normal to add some oil between the oil changes. Usually a quart every 1,500 miles is OK. A quart every 500 miles indicates either a serious leak, or "oil burning" (bad rings) in the egine.

Oil Specifications

Reference: 1972 USA Owners manual original Specification:

• Multigrade: SD MIL-L-2104B

or

• Monograde: SD MIL-L-2104B

1972 USA Owners manual (see pages 22-24 for oil information):

The recommended viscosity grade of lubricants...varies with temperature changes. The lubricants provided at the factory are intended for use at temperatures between 32 and 90

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Interchangeability

All A-series oil pumps are interchangeable except early A10 models. New pumps work with early A10 connection rods.

• connecting rod cap strengthened with 1mm longer bolt boss starting with A10-728641
• Therfore, Oil pump driveshaft decreased 1.5 mm to clear the new cap design

Nissan Competition Parts

LUBRICATION (A-SERIES)

• 15010-25720 COMPETITION OIL PUMP Generates an oil pressure of over 100psi and does not self prime
• 15010-M0821 COMPETITION OIL PUMP (FWD) Similar to 15010-25720 except unit is designed for FWD Datsuns with A-series engines
• 11710-H5720 ALTERNATOR BRACKET For use on B210 and 210 models when installing 15010-25720 oil pump
• 15025-25720 GASKET FOR COMPETITION OIL PUMP T= 0.10mm (Yellow)
• 15025-25721 GASKET FOR COMPETITION OIL PUMP T=0.12mm (Blue)
• 15025-25722 GASKET FOR COMPETITION OIL PUMP T = 0. 1 4mm (Green)
• 15010-M0821 DRY SUMP OIL PUMP Similar to 115010-25720

except has additional fittings for dry sump system

• 15025-H5720 GASKET FOR DRY SUMP OIL PUMP T = 0. 10mm (Yellow)
• 15025-H5721 GASKET FOR DRY SUMP OIL PUMP T = 0. 1 2mm (Blue)
• 15025-H5722 GASKET FOR DRY SUMP OIL PUMP T = 0. 14mm (Green)