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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.
Contents |
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
Overview
Camshaft installed
Camshaft inserted and U-Plate bolted down
Oiling
The camshaft is fully pressure-oiled. The center bearing journals have holes in them to let oil pressure into the center of the cam, and there are holes on each cam lobe to let oil out and thereby lubricate the lifters.
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: 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
N10 1979-1980 A14 13001-H6200 1871 A15 13001-H9800
Europe
C120 A15 Vanette 13001-H6200 0681-0687 GC22 A15 13001-H9800 0986-
Japan
B120 Sunny Truck 13001-H1000 1971-1973 13001-H5000 1976-
C120 Vanette 7810-8811 13001-H5000 A12 7810-8509 13001-H6200 A14 7810-8106 13001-H6200 A15.K 8006-8209 13001-H9800 A15 8209- 13001-H9800 A15.(V,T) 8106-8209 C22 Vanette 8509-9403 13001-H5000 A12 13001-H9800 A15
GC22 Vanette Largo 8605-9303 13001-H9800 A15
TC22 Vanette Truck 8811-9403 13001-H5000 A12 13001-H9800 A15
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