Joined your forum last week and have been enjoying sniffing around the site. I was given a rusty and neglected 84 Vanette last week, which I am going to restore and get back on the road. Used to get around in it years ago with my mate, the previous owner.
Got a few questions, though-
How do you identify what engine is fitted- I don't think it is an a12, as the alternator is fitted on the driver's side (right hand side)of the engine. (Australian van) So I'm guessing A14 or A15- I looked at the pad under number 4 sparkplug and nothing seems to be written there. I know it isn't the original engine. My mate who used to own it said it was a 1400 chassis with a 1200 engine fitted. I'm thinking it is the other way around.
It is a column shift, and am wondering how many speeds it is- once again, not original box, I can only find four speeds and reverse, but the smooth case gearbox says Nissan 5 on it on the driver's side....Could it be a five speed and the column shift doesn't suit?
Thanks! :)

A couple of ways to tell if it's an A15, firstly the van would be a square headlight model (Frank and I found out the stupid way) and secondly the A15 has that extra surface on the block for the engine code. here it is above the fuel pump hole in the block.



With the alternator they used the later setup from 120Y onwards A series engines. Not sure about the forklift A series engines though, they may have been different

Cheers. I don't think mine has that- maybe it is a A14?

forgot about the Box. Um, well here's a pic of 2 60 series gearboxes, one on the right from an A15 Vanette the other from an A14 Sunny. The van boxes use 2 levers instead of the normal selector setup.

One on the right looks correct judging by rear mount, but the number there is '5'. Maybe that signifies 4speed, assuming yours is a five speed?

my A14 has a big ol' A14 cast into the lower section of the block, you should check for that.

I wouldn't have a clue if mines a five I've never bothered playing with the levers. The sunny one has five on the other side. It'd be nice to have one of those "phantom" five speeds all the guys were talking about a while ago :P

Best way is to check the engine ID stamp.
A12 has alternator on both sides, depending on the year.
Vanette engine may have been swapped.
So check the ID plate for positive ID.

[img]http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/770.jpg[\img]
[img]http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/16669.jpg[\img]
[img]http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/18238.jpg[\img]
[img]http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/17147.jpg[\img]
Identification

Thanks for that. Id stamps in the A12 areas are non-existant so it must be one of the others. My van is at a mates place, 40 minutes out of town so will have a look today when I go out. :)

Woohoo! Got an A15 in it. Gearbox seems like a 4 speed. Pretty slow to drive though. Must need a tune! :)