So, I am chasing a new rear main seal and sump gasket for my 79 model 1200 ute.

First port of call, as always, is the mighty datsun1200.com wiki. Then I discovered this

SEAL, Rear
• 12279-18000 SEAL-OIL CRANKSHAFT REAR 1 A12 - $81.18
• 12279-18010 SEAL-OIL CRANKSHAFT REAR (NDK) 1 A12 0271- 2 12279-18000 NLA
• 12279-H1000 SEAL-OIL CRANKSHAFT REAR (NOK) 1 A12 0271- $81.18


Is there a reasonably simple way to decipher the part numbers listed to figure out which one I actually need? Because I order my parts through an amazingly awesome website that gets me original parts quicker and cheaper than anything in Australia, but I need to be 100% sure on the part numbers I quote.

The amazingly awesome web site it just a Nissan dealer. Many USA dealers are online and sell parts mail order.

For your 1979 A12, all three part numbers are valid. One OEM supplier was NOK, and the other was NDK. Either can be used, they are exactly the same specification. Most assemblers in every industry use two suppliers for each part, and Nissan was no exception.

The 180 part numbers originate with the Datsun 1000
The H10 part numbers originate with the Datsun 1200
Code '2' means the part number is an updated one compatible with the older number.

Yet again, a thousand internets be uopn you dd.

And no, the website isnt a nissan dealer. Its these guys

http://www.amayama.com/

I dunno if anyone remebers me looking for synchro baulk rings a while back? Well, Nissan Australia quoted me $130 AUD each, and 6 weeks lead time. I punched the part numbers into Amayama's web site, paid the paypal account and had them sitting on my table in 10 days time, for $31 AUD each and they arrived in the original nissan packaging.

Also - the quoted prices on those seals? $30 + delivery.

I am never buying genuine parts anywhere else, ever again.

Oh, and can anyone give me the std sump gasket part number?

I keep hearing that Nissan Australia charges very high prices for parts. By contrast, Nissan USA is reasonable. They are selling synchro rings for $35 each.

Every single 1200 part is listed here. See Block & Pan Part Numbers.

Choke Knob 18415-H1001

Amayama : $10.75
Nissan USA: 4.99

No doubt you yanks get excellent part prices, but the thing that kills it for us here is the freight. Plus, a lot of amercian places cant or wont send stuff to australia. (something to do with trade agreements between us and aus I think)

Anyway, It looks like the sump gasket is discontinued by nissan japan. Time to look for aftermarket ones I think.

Try Odin auto parts in Balcatta, I always go there first when I need parts. If they cannot help (not often) then I go online and take a chance.