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Hitachi D4K is the famous "matchbox" distributor first used in 1979 Datsuns for USA -- the 2nd-gen electronic ignition for Datsuns. Later used by a few JDM models too.
Contents |
Overview
The integrated distributor and electric control module design replaced the 1st-generation EI with separated control module used in the B210.
About $120 rebuilt.
Hitachi "Ignition Module" (IGN. Module), or as Nissan calls it the "IC Ignition Unit":
Some L-series used an spark-retard unit with two connectors:
But don't worry about these. None of the A-series distributor use it.
Buying Used
Matchbox distributors are common in USA.
If not buying new, there are two things to watch out for:
* Advance plate bearing gone bad * Vacuum advance canister not holding vacuum
CAUTION: These often go bad after 20 years. Inspect carefully before buying.
Inspection
To ensure you obtain a good unit:
- Remove the cap and if it's rusty, pass on it.
-
- Turn the rotor. If it moves back and forth floppily, the springs are broken
-
- Check vacuum advance -- most are bad! -- bring a gun with you:
- new advance units are $30-$120 USD
- new advance units are $30-$120 USD
- make sure the 'teeth' line up evenly, evenly spaced (gap is equal with all four)
- bad:
- bad:
- Wiggle the shaft from side to side. It should have no or a tiny bit of play. If it has enough to allow the teeth to hit the reluctor teeth, that's way too much. Shaft wear is rare; more common is bearing plate wear
- Grab the toothed ring, and try to move it side to side. It should not move. If it does, the bearing plate bearing holders are broken, and vacuum advance will not work correctly.
Ball Bearing Alignment
About the teeth alignment: Most of the 20-year old distributors I purchased have this problem. In the photo, note the mis-alignment of the reluctor. It is caused by a bad "breaker plate" assembly -- what i would call the vacuum-advance plate, which you cannot see without disassembly the distributor. In some of the distributors you can see ball bearings loose in the housing. In the others I couldn't see, but they are all broken. That's the problem, the BBs are held in by a plastic race, which is broken on every distributor I have, save one which used a different design.
For a photo guide of inside parts, see:
Atlantic Z distributor rebuild
- Nissan have new breaker plates, but they are a $72 part.
- If the alignment is good, chances are the breaker-plate bearings are OK.
You can disassemble it for inspection like this, it only takes a few minutes:
- Remove cap and rotor
- Unbolt the black box from the side of the distibutor
- Remove the red and green wires from the black box
- Remove toothed ring (3 screws) and carefully pry the ring & magnet assembly straight up and out
- Remove Vacuum Advance diaphragm
- Screw on outside
- Screw on inside
- Remove the two assembly retaining screws, deep inside in the "box" sections 180 degrees around the edge
- Pop the rubber plug out of the shaft (where the rotor pushes on
- Unscrew the screw inside the shaft
- Pull out the assembly
- Assembly is reverse of these instructions
The D4K plastic bearing holders (become brittle with time, then break). There are ball bearings on the bottom of the unit, and ball bearings in-between the two plate. It's the in-between ones that often go bad.
A new bearing holder can be made out of poly. It should be fixed to a plate to prevent rotation too far and the bearing falling out :-)
Original (thin) bearing 'finger' | replacement holder disc
Durable Metal bearing holders are used on the bottom side of the plate. They rarely go bad:
Metal bearing plates can rust out (pass on rusty distributor, even at bargain price)
Also See
- Matchbox Testing
- B310 Electronic Distributor Swap
- E15 Electronic Distributor Swap
- E-Series Distributor
Wiring
Ah, this is the easy part, especially if you get a cut of the wiring harness when you purchase your distributor. But if you don't, it's still easy to hook up the wires.
The module has two wires
Battery
Signal out
Connect wiring as shown here.
- The small black square on right side of schematic is the condensor
- As you can see, the two wires on the distributor go to the two coil wires.
The two wires on the distributor go to + and - terminals of the coil
- Remove the standard low-energy coil and ballast resistor, then bolt the 12V coil in its place
- I believe the condensor is optional, it is to reduce radio interference. I bolted the condensor to the distributor mounting screw. Keep it away from the vibration and heat of the engine (mount it to the body panel). One end of the condensor can go to the ground spade-connector on the distributor body
- One side of the ballast resistor has a 12V IGN feed, so connect the Black/white wire to this original wire (Black/white)
On the distributor's black box module, the T-connector wiring is:
- Head of T: "C" connector goes to Blue (L) wire (coil negative)
- Stem of T: "B" connector goes to B/W wire (coil positive)
Ignitor
MATCHBOX TYPE IGNITION - bolts to outside of Hitachi D4K Distributor body
- Nissan 22020-S8002, 22020-S6701, 22020-S6702
- Airtex/Wells 6H1203
- BWD CBE503
- MasterPro MPI 2-7004 $147 O'Reilly Auto
- Standard Motor Products LX516
- 12334609
- E1908
Vehicles
E-Series Distributor includes: JDM B11 8110-[8608] E15S.(GL,LT).F5 JDM N12 8205-[8610] E15S.5F.(TS,D,FC) USA N10 E15
A-series: B310 USA A12A/A14/A15 N10 USA A14
L-series 620 USA L20B 1979 720 USA L20B 1979- 810 USA L24E 1979- A10 USA L20B 1979 S10 USA L20B 1979 S130 USA L28E except Turbo
Z-series S110 USA Z20E
Maintenance Part Numbers
Cap & Rotor
The Hitachi D4A cap & rotor also fits Hitachi D4F electronic ignition and Hitachi D4K electronic ignition. A-series, L-series and Z-series four-plug distributors use the same cap. Also fits Subaru, Honda and Isuzu with one of the above Hitachi types.
Cap
Part Number and aftermarket caps interchange, but differ by color, type of terminals (brass vs aluminum), cap finish material, presence or abscence of anti-tracking bosses inside, resistor type, vent/no vent, etc.
- Nissan 22162-19M01 CAP ASSY $36.48 USD
- superceded 22162-19M00, 22162-U6004, 22162-U6003, 22162-U6002, 22162-U6001
- Standard Motor Products JH-63X/JH-63T/JH-63
- Standard Motor Products JH-63/JH97 (aluminum terminals)
- Standard Motor Products JH-63X (Blue?)
- Standard Motor Products JH-63T/JH97T
- Bosch 03107 (resistor type) (or cap & rotor set: Bosch 06054) F2010-13140
- Bosch 1235999104
- Niehoff WA435CS
- Beck/Arnley 1743145/1746544
- BWD C561/C561P
- AC/Delco E386(12321929)/E374
- Mighty 6343
- Nissan 22162-AA020
- 30102657005
- JA918
- AirTex/Wells 5D1172
- Master Pro 2-4825
Fits Nissan:
- 1977-1979 with L20B
- 1980 200SX with Z20E
- 1974-1979 620 PICKUP
- 1979-1982 210
- 1974-1977 710
- 1979-1981 310
- 1980 720 PICKUP
- 1978-1980 510
- 1974-1978 B210
- 1974-1976 610
- 1976-1978 F10
Also Fits:
- Isuzu 1983 - 1986 IMPULSE
- Honda 1976 ACCORD
- Honda 1975 - 1976 CIVIC
- Subaru 1986 - 1987 GL
- Subaru 1986 - 1987 RX
- Subaru 1986 - 1987 GL-10
- Subaru 1986 - 1987 XT
Rotor
Nissan 22157-U6091 Rotor, Distributor $10.67 USD
Rotor is same as points ignition, 1974 up:
- Standard Motor Products JR-79X/JR-79/JR-79T
- Bosch 04095, F2020-13435, 1987234015
- Lucas DRJ102C
- Subaru 22157-AA030
| Make | --- | Model | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| HONDA | --- | ACCORD | 1976 |
| CIVIC | 1976-1975 | ||
| NISSAN | --- | 200 SERIES | 1981-1977 |
| 210 | 1982-1979 | ||
| 260 SERIES | 1974 | ||
| 280 SERIES | 1978-1975 | ||
| 310 | 1982-1979 | ||
| 510 | 1980-1978 | ||
| 610 | 1977-1974 | ||
| 620 PICKUP | 1977-1974 | ||
| 710 | 1977-1974 | ||
| 810 | 1978-1977 | ||
| B210 | 1978-1974 | ||
| F10 | 1978-1976 | ||
| PICKUP | 1980-1976 | ||
| PULSAR | 1985-1984 | ||
| PULSAR NX | 1986 | ||
| SENTRA | 1986-1982 | ||
| SUBARU | --- | SEDAN, COUPE, WAGON | 1985 |
| XT | 1985 |
Daiichi F2020-18361
| Model | Year Range | Engine | Chassis | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accord 1.6 | 1976 | EF1 | SJ_ | 5MT,HMT |
| Civic 1.5 2 Door/3 Door | 1975-1976 | ED_ | SG_ | |
| Civic 1.5 Wagon | 1975-1976 | ED_ | WB_ | 4MT,HMT |
| B210 1.3 | 1973-1974 | A13 | B210 | |
| B210 1.4 | 1974-1978 | A14 | B210 | |
| F10 1.4 | 1976-1978 | A14 | F10 | |
| Pulsar and NX 1.6 | 1983-1986 | E16 | N12 | 5MT,3AT |
| 620 Pickup | 1973-1974 | L18 | 620 | 4MT,3AT |
| 620 Pickup | 1974-1979 | L20B | 620 | |
| 720 Pickup | 1979-1980 | L20B | 720 | |
| Sentra 1.5 | 1982-1983 | E15 | B11 | |
| Sentra 1.6 | 1983-1986 | E16 | B11 | |
| 200SX 2.0 | 1976-1979 | L20B | S10 | |
| 200SX 2.0 | 1979-1980 | Z20E | S110 | |
| 210 1.2 | 1979-1982 | A12 | B310 | |
| 210 1.4 | 1978-1982 | A14 | B310 | |
| 210 1.5 | 1978-1982 | A15 | B310 | |
| 260Z 2.6 | 1973-1974 | L26 | S30 | |
| 280Z 2.8 | 1974-1978 | L28E | S30 | |
| 310 1.4 | 1978-1980 | A14 | N10 | |
| 310 OHV | 1980-1981 | A15 | N10 | |
| 310 SOHC | 1981-1982 | E15 | N10 | |
| 510 2.0 | 1977-1979 | L20B | A10 | |
| 510 2.0 | 1979-1980 | Z20S | A10 | |
| 610 2.0 | 1973-1976 | L20B | 610 | |
| 710 1.8 | 1973-1974 | L18 | 710 | |
| 710 2.0 | 1974-1977 | L20B | 710 | |
| 810 2.4 | 1976-1978 | L24E | 810 | |
| 4WD Turbo exc. Brat | 1983-1984 | EA81T | AM5,AW5 | 3AT |
| Brat Turbo | 1983-1984 | EA81T | AT55B | 3AT |
| Loyale Turbo 4WD | 1985 | EA82T | A10/A11 |
Part Numbers
Coil
Coil: 12V non-resistor, used by USA models 1978 B210 D4F and 1979-1982 B310 and other D4K electronic ignition systems.
- Nissan 22433-H7280
- CIT-30/STC-30
- Primary Resistance at 20C (68F): 0.84 to 1.02 ohms
- Secondary Resistance at 20C (68F): 8.2 to 12.4 Kohms
- Bosch 00200
- Beck/Arnley 1800039
- AC Delco E525 or C502 (replaces F519 #12321584)
- Standard Motor Products UF-4/UF-4T
- Airtex/Wells 5C1017
- Primary 200 Scale .7 - 1.4
- Secondary 200 Scale 9.0k - 15.5k
- 12321584, 22433-AA140, 22433-H7280, 22433-H7285, 22433-KA040, 22433-P7500, 22433-P7510, 22433-V0801, 22433-V0821, 22448-P9000, 22448-V0801, 22448-V0821, 429887900, 802518100, 88921271, 8942483450, C840, MD013789, MD025702, MD025703
- Coil: 12V non-resistor
- Bosch 00200, Beck/Arnley 1800039, AC Delco E525 or C502 (replaces F519 #12321584), Standard Motor Products UF-4/UF-4T
| Make | Model | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHRYSLER | CHRYSLER VEHICLES | 1984-1982 | |
| CHRYSLER IMPORTS | CHRYSLER IMPORT VEHICLES | 1982,1979 | |
| SAPPORO | 1982-1980 | ||
| DODGE | CHALLENGER | 1982-1980 | |
| COLT | 1981-1980 | ||
| DODGE CARS | 1984-1981 | ||
| DODGE LIGHT TRUCK | CARAVAN / GRAND CARAVAN | 1984 | |
| PICKUP -19 FULLSIZE / RAMCHARGER | 1981-1980 | ||
| PICKUP -19 MINI | 1982 | ||
| ISUZU | IMPULSE | 1989-1983 | |
| MAZDA | 808 | 1977-1975 | |
| NISSAN | 200 SERIES | 1981-1978 | |
| 210 | 1982-1979 | ||
| 280 SERIES | 1983-1979 | ||
| 310 | 1981-1979 | ||
| 510 | 1980-1978 | ||
| 810 | 1981-1978 | ||
| B210 | 1978-1977 | ||
| F10 | 1978 | ||
| MAXIMA | 1984-1982 | ||
| PICKUP | 1980-1978 | ||
| PULSAR | 1984 | ||
| PULSAR NX | 1983 | ||
| SENTRA | 1987-1984 | ||
| PLYMOUTH | ARROW | 1980 | |
| CHAMP | 1981-1980 | ||
| PLYMOUTH VEHICLES | 1983-1981 | ||
| RELIANT | 1984 | ||
| VOYAGER / GRAND VOYAGER | 1984 |
Breaker Plate
CAUTION: These often go bad after 20 years. Inspect carefully before buying.
- Breaker plate assy: Nissan 22136-H9501 (formerly 22136-Q1700) $72
- 22433-H7280/22433-H7280 COIL-IGNITION HITACHI CIT-30 78-81 A/Z/L Engine
Reluctor
- Reluctor (rotating part): Standard Motor Products LX-528
Make Model Year NISSAN 200SX 81-80 210 82-79 310 81-79 510 80 [edit]Pickup
Pickup: Standard Motor Products LX-502Make Model Year NISSAN 210 82-79 310 81-79 [edit]Ignitor
The matchbox per se:
Ignitor: Standard Motor Products LX-516, F2045-18322 at drivewire.com ($126)Make Model Year NISSAN 200SX (uses UF-5 (Hanshin coil Calif.), UF-10 (Hanshin Federal) or UF-4 (Hitachi), Federal Hitachi used different reluctor. 1981-1979 210 1982-1979 280ZX, canada, US (except dist. 22100-P9000) 1981-1979 310 1981-1979 510 1980-1979 810 1981-1979 PICKUP 1980-1979 The Ignitor (elec. module) seems to be bulletproof. I'm told that the currently available replacement modules are junk, but the original Hitachi units are very good. They are still working after 25+ years!
Model Year Range Engine Chassis Maxima/810 4 Door Gas 1980-1981 L24E 910 Maxima/810 5 Door Gas 1980-1981 L24E 910 620 Pickup 2.0 1978-1979 L20B 620 720 Pickup 2.0 1979-1980 L20B 720 200SX 2.0 1978-1979 L20B S10 210 1.2 1979-1982 A12 B310 210 1.4 1978-1982 A14 B310 210 1.5 1978-1982 A15 B310 280ZX 2.8 1978-1981 L28E S130 310 1.4 1978-1980 A14 N10 310 1.5 OHV 1980-1981 A15 N10 510 2.0 1978-1979 L20B A10 810 2.4 1978-1980 L24E 810 200SX 2.0 1979-1980 Z20E S110 510 2.0 1979-1980 Z20S A10 [edit]Vacuum Advance
All 1974-1982 D4A, D4F, and D4K use the same vacuum advance modules. Advance varies slightly by year and model. Some are advance/retard units. See Datsun Factory Service Manual for details.
See Late-model Vacuum Advance for part numbers.
[edit]Distributor Numbers
Matchbox distributors for A-series engines are all identical except for the mechanical advance and vacuum advance Spark Curves. Advance varies slightly by year and model.
22100-H9560 D4K81-01 1X01 1982 California A12A manual transmission * dual-diaphragm (advance and retard). Mine had what loosk like an adjustable advance * Vacuum Advance: 0/4.13 in, 9/11.81 * Centrifugal Advance: 0/600 rpm, 9/1700, 11.5/2800
22100-H9760 D4K9-05 9Z02 1980 Federal A12A and A14, manual transmission * Vacuum advance: 0/3.15 inch,8.4/7.87,14.5/12.99 * Centrifugal Advance: 0/560 rpm, 3.2/1000, 12/2800 D4K9-05 9Z04
22100-H9102 D4K8-19 9604
1979 22100-H9162 D4K8-18 A14 FED(KFU) 22100-H9106 D4K8-13 A14,A15 FED(AUTO) 22100-H9305 D4K8-16 A14,CAN(AUTO) 22100-H9166 D4K8-02 A14,A15 CAL
1980 22100-H9701 D4K9-12 California A12A, A14 m/t 22100-H9900 D4K9-04 Federal A15 auto 22100-H9905 D4K9-04 A15 FED(MTM) 22100-H9760 D4K9-05 Federal A12A m/t 22100-H8700 D4K9-05 Federal A14 m/t 22100-H9700 D4K9-06 California A15 22100-H9806 D4K9-06 California A15 auto 22100-H9801 D4K9-06 California A15 m/t 22100-H9960 D4K9-07 Canada A15 auto 22100-H9300 D4K8-15 Canada A12A, A14 m/t 22100-H8720 D4K8-15 Canada A12A, A14 m/t D4K9-20 Federal A15 m/t 1981 22100-H9501 D4K80-01 1981 California, Federal, A12A m/t * Also Federal A14 m/t * Also Federal A15 auto D4K80-02 1981 California A15 m/t D4K80-03 1981 Federal, Canada A14 m/t D4K80-04 1981 California A15 auto D4K80-05 1981 Canada A15 m/t D4K80-06 1980 Canada A15 auto1982 -- California and Federal have Vacuum Retard D4K81-01 California, Federal A12A m/t * Also: Federal A15 m/t, auto D4K81-02 California A15 m/t D4K81-03 Federal, Canada A14 m/t D4K81-04 California A15 auto D4K81-05 Canada A15 m/t D4K81-06 Canada A15 auto
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