Dear All

I have a Datsun 1200 GX Coupe (1975 model) imported from South Africa, I live in Queensland, Australia. My mechanic says (during her most recent service) that both the oil seals on the rear axle leaks the diff oil onto the rear brake shoes. I replaced the rear brake shoes 2 years ago, it was a big deal to source the parts as her brake shoes are very different from the Datsun 1200 sold here in Australia.

Now I wonder about the rear axle, and the oil seals. Are they also gonna be different and difficult to obtain here in Australia? Or is the diff and rear axle the same as the Datsun 1200 sold in Australia?

One of my friends says it was some local content story in 1975 that caused them to put different brake shoes on her in SA.

any advice and insights appreciated.

regards

JC

I have never owned a Datsun with a hydraulic clutch (like yours). But yes you circled the right container. Your Datsun doesnt have an automatic transmission, it uses normal gearbox oil in the gearbox. Then the clutch hydraulic system don't use what you know as "transmission fluid". The stuff it uses is like brake fluid, as its hydraulic. So it would be clear. Just ask a mechanic to change the fluid in your clutch master cylinder. Then see if that fixes the clutch.

I had the head gasket on my 1200 GX replaced with a new one (the old one leaked). The mechanic who did the work put water in the radiator and told me that it needs to run on pure water for up to a 1000 km. This is so that the head gasket can seat properly. Personally I dont like having pure water in my cooling system. Is this really needed? What will happen if I diluted the water with some normal (green) coolant before 1000km?

Now I am tempted to install the electric pump. I can place it under the battery indeed.

My 45 year old mechanical pump is still working fine. What worries me is that one day on the open road it starts leaking fuel into the sump. I met a Datsun owner who told me this happened to him, and his 1200 engine failed. So its a precautionary step to replace the mechanical pump. Whenever I drive her now, I fear this outcome.

Thanx for the info. My distributer sits up front, and the alternator sits below the 2 SU carbs. The car was imported from South Africa to Australia. I think this was the pre 74 arrangement.

Yes I thought about installing an electric pump. Only thing that bothers me is that the electric pump has to be mounted close to the fuel tank, and I see no nice space there for the pump. Any ideas where to put the electric pump back there near the tank?

I found an electrical transfer pump with the right pressure on EBay. So that is not an issue, its more the installation that is an issue.

I have a Datsun 1200 GX 1974 model, twin SU carbs (Hitachi). The fuel pump is original I believe (see picture), and I want to replace it with a new one (as a precaution). I found a new pump on EBay for a Datsun 1200/B110, picture shown. Will this work on a GX? Or does the GX use a different pump because of the twin carbs?

Any insights will be very helpful.

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thanx. I spoke to ABS and they confirmed they can reline them. So I am gonna do that.

thank you. Yes that would be an option, assuming I cant find anything of the right size.

I imported a 1200 GX 1975 Datsun from South Africa during 2011 (picture of car attached). My rear brake shoes are worn. Problem is it appears the Datsun 1200 brake shoes fitted on Australian build vehicles are different. See attached picture of a spare shoe I have for my vehicle. Where do I find such brake shoes in Australia? Or if thats not possible, can I modify the Australian shoes to work? Are the drum sizes the same?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

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Its roller bearings. The mechanic took the numbers and the dimensions by taking out the shaft. He gave it to to the parts place. I can get it from him if that will help. Will the parts place be able to source the bearings based on the numbers and dimensions they were provided?