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[Datsun 1200 encyclopedia]

B-210 Electronic Distributor Swap

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Categories: Engine Electrical System | Ignition Modifications

In USA, starting with 1975 California B210 models, a fully-transistorized Electronic Ignition was fitted, adapted from the 240Z. It is commonly called the "Remote Ignitor" distributor, and was expanded to all USA models in 1978. It is of the Hitachi D4F type. This was used by other 1975-1978 Datsuns in USA and Canada (including L20B engine).

Contents

Advantages

  • stealth. Looks very much like a factory 1200 point setup
  • Larger cap -- less chance to crossfire (important in humid climates)

3516.jpg
Late model cap (left) versus smaller Datsun 1200 cap (right)

  • High-energy spark -- uses full 12V coil (no ballast resistor)
  • No points to wear out, no dwell to adjust

Overview

The B210 EI uses the same distributor housing as with other A14 engines (same as points-type).

3517.jpg
The 1978 distributor. Looks very similar to the stock B110 distributor.

This distributor is factory stock on all 1978 Datsun B-210 (USA versions).

Using the B-210 Electronic Distributor Swap in other A-series engines is a fairly simple swap:

  1. If using in an A10 or older A12, perform the usual minor modification needed to put a 1974-up distributor in a pre-1974 engine. See Using Newer Distributor
  2. Set the engine to TDC, remove old distributor and insert new distributor, in correct timing
  3. Bolt the control unit somewhere. For reliabilty it should be inside the cabin for protection from dampness and vibration
    This step makes the B-210 swap a bit more difficult than the B310 Electronic Distributor Swap
  4. Wire the control unit to the coil and IGN+ (3 wires)

Identification

When you remove the cap, you can see the unique angle-pickup and reluctor of the Hitachi D4F system.

24382.jpg

Further identification is by looking at the control module, located under the dash on the kick panel.


NOTE:
  • 1978 USA models used a high energy ignition module with full 12V coil
    Also used by all GFU models (5-speed, which was introduced Dec 1976)
    22320.jpg 22020-H7281
    COIL: 22433-H7280
  • 1976-1977 CAL Interchangeable with 1975 CAL unit. These earlier control units have screw-type terminals, as opposed to push-on connector for the 1978 controller.
    24381.jpg 22020-F1703
    COIL: 22488-H73012
  • 1975 California models used a dual-resistor ballast. Both primary and secondary coil terminals were wired into it.
    24380.jpg 22020-U6800

The distributor with Ballast Resistor looks the same. While the resistor setup is better than stock (it eliminates the points) ... if you have a choice you definitely want the high energy setup. I'm guessing you could use the 1975-1977 distributor and control unit along with a 12V coil and no resistor, but don't know for sure whether the controller will handle the higher coil load.


Parts Needed

When buying/looking for a setup like this, get:

  • distributor + rotor & cap (or buy new cap & rotor, it's the same as all later models)
  • control unit. A new control unit is about $175-$200 USD, so be sure to get the used one
    22320.jpg
    If the Control Unit is missing, you can use an inexpensive GM HEI module
  • (optional) as much of the wiring harness as you want. At least the control wiring plug makes it easy. The rest is just wires
  • Matching coil. You can probably use any coil with the right ohms

Source

Hitachi D4F distributor for A-series engine can be found in these models:

USA B210
CAL from 0974      1975-1978 model year
FED GFU from 1276  1977 model year 
FED ALL from 0877  1978 model year
CANADA: points type only

For distributor part numbers, see Hitachi_D4A_Distributor#D4F_EI_TYPE.

Testing

See Testing in the factory service manual.

The two pickup wires should read a about 750 ohms resistance. And using an analog voltmeter, should waver while cranking.

Mechanical

1. Modify distributor hold-down bracket to fit 1971-1973 A-type engines. The mounting bracket on newer distributors needs a slot cut with a hacksaw. See the Using Newer Distributor article.

2. Remove old distributor, Insert new distributor. And of course, set initial timing. See the Ignition Timing article.

Mounting the control Unit

4190.jpg

On a factory install, the 'black box' for the B210 distributor mounts inside the car on the right kick panel. So it may be important to keep the box away from moisture, excessive vibration or high underhood temperatures. The box is called the "Hitachi Transistor Ignition Unit" (aka TIU/T.I.U./electronic ignition module/control module).

The odd-looking junction box is not really necessary to use, but is handy to connect the "inside" wiring with the "outside" wiring.

Wiring

Ah, wiring is the beautiful part of this swap, 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.

4191.jpg
wiring - connect it as shown here if you don't have the wiring harness

  • Remove the standard low-energy (points) coil, then bolt the B-210 12V coil in its place and reconnect the wires
  • If using the high-energy box (1978) and coil, bolt a wire across the ballast resistor terminals so it always delivers full voltage to the coil
    23409_D4F.jpg
TIU B (Black)Ground/Earth
TIU B/W (Black/White)coil + (IGN)
TIU L (Blue)coil -
TIU R (Red)dizzy R
TIU G (Green)dizzy G
distributor RTIU R
distributor GTIU G
  • NOTE: California models routed the power through an relay (ignition relay). I'm not sure how it is wired, but you can simply just not use the relay and wire it as shown here.

Adjustment

No periodic adjustment is required. Before or after installation, set the Air Gap to .008 to .016 inch (smaller than a points gap).

Air Gap: 8-16 thousands inch (.2 to .4 mm)

At tune-up intervals, check the condition:

  • Air Gap
  • Vacuum Advance module (does it leak)?
  • Bearing plate? Move smoothly?
  • Inspect Cap & Rotor, wash if dirty. Replace if burn marks found in cap.

Part Numbers

Distributor:

  • D4FB-03 7904 22100-H3760 (and others)

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

RockAuto.com

  • 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---ModelYear
HONDA---ACCORD1976
CIVIC1976-1975
NISSAN---200 SERIES1981-1977
2101982-1979
260 SERIES1974
280 SERIES1978-1975
3101982-1979
5101980-1978
6101977-1974
620 PICKUP1977-1974
7101977-1974
8101978-1977
B2101978-1974
F101978-1976
PICKUP1980-1976
PULSAR1985-1984
PULSAR NX1986
SENTRA1986-1982
SUBARU---SEDAN, COUPE, WAGON1985
XT1985

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

Coil

CAL TYPE COIL (for EI with external resistor)
* CIT-16 HITACHI
* STC-9 HANSHIN
0.45 to 0.55 ohms primary @68F/20C
Coil never gets a full 12V, not even when starting. Uses 3-tap resistor
POINTS TYPE COIL
* C6R-608 HITACHI
* H5-15-9 HANSHIN
1.17 to 1.43 ohms primary @68F/20C
12V coil. Full 12V applied while starting. Uses 1.5 ohm external resistor
ASSY-IGNITION COIL 
HITACHI 
 22433-H7280 FED,CAL 0877
 22433-H7280 FED(GFU) 1276-
 22488-H7302 CAL 0277-0777 <> 22448-H7301
 22448-H7301 CAL -0177
 22448-H7208 FED 0277-0777 <> 22448-H7207 [Points]
 22448-H7207 FED 0875-0177 <> 22448-H7206 [Points]
 22448-H7206 FED -0775 [Points]
HANSHIN
 22433-H7285 FED(GFU) -1276
 22433-H7285 FED,CAL 0877-
 22448-H7312 CAL 0277-0777 <> 22448-H7311
 22448-H7311 CAL -0177
 22448-H7217 FED 0875-0177 <> 22448-H7206 [Points]
COIL IGNITION
22462-H7310 CAL 0277-
22462-N7110 FED 0277-

1978

For the 1978 unit (high energy)

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
MakeModelYear
CHRYSLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES1984-1982
CHRYSLER IMPORTSCHRYSLER IMPORT VEHICLES1982,1979
SAPPORO1982-1980
DODGECHALLENGER1982-1980
COLT1981-1980
DODGE CARS1984-1981
DODGE LIGHT TRUCKCARAVAN / GRAND CARAVAN1984
PICKUP -19 FULLSIZE / RAMCHARGER1981-1980
PICKUP -19 MINI1982
ISUZUIMPULSE1989-1983
MAZDA8081977-1975
NISSAN200 SERIES1981-1978
2101982-1979
280 SERIES1983-1979
3101981-1979
5101980-1978
8101981-1978
B2101978-1977
F101978
MAXIMA1984-1982
PICKUP1980-1978
PULSAR1984
PULSAR NX1983
SENTRA1987-1984
PLYMOUTHARROW1980
CHAMP1981-1980
PLYMOUTH VEHICLES1983-1981
RELIANT1984
VOYAGER / GRAND VOYAGER1984

Ballast Resistor

For 1974-1977 B210 models

22460-H7210 RESISTOR FED -0277 [for Points distributor]
* 1.17 to 1.43 ohms primary @68F/20C
23268.jpg
22460-H7310 RESISTOR CAL -0277
3-tap type -- coil never gets a full 12V
* 1.3 ohms (.0 primary + .9 secondary) @68F/20C
24383.jpg

Vacuum Advance

All 1974-1982 USA model B210 and B310 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.

Breaker Plate

  • 22136-M5600 Breaker A12A Canada (points type)
  • 22136-H9501 PLATE ASSY-BREAKER (IC Type Hitachi) (formerly 22136-Q1700) $73.08

Pickup

LX-507
Make---ModelYear
NISSAN---280 SERIES78-75
81078-77
B21078-75

Control Module

UNIT-TRANSISTOR IGNITION
22020-H7281 CAL+FED.0877- FED(GFU).1276-
22020-F1703 CAL 0775-0777 <> 22020-U6800
22020-U6800 CAL -0675

Ignition control module (ICM)

  • Nissan 22020-H7281 UNIT-TRANSISTOR IGNITION (HITACHI E12
    • marked 'Hitachi E12-27 12V 7298'
    • 1978 B210
    • 620 0877-0678
  • Airtex/Wells 6H1202
    • 22020-H7281, 88921666, JA114
  • Standard Motor Products/Intermotor/Ultrapower: LX-513
    • 12334610, 22020-H7281, D302, E1909
Make---ModelYear
NISSAN---200 SERIES78
280 SERIES78
51080,78
81078
B21078-77
F1078
PICKUP78

620 Pickup unit was marked 'E12 - 27 12V 7X15', is this the same???

  • 1977 Federal Module: LX-512. Use with coil UF-4
  • NISSAN --- 280 SERIES: 77-75

75-77 Federal, Canada 280Z


  • 22020-U6800 UNIT-TRANSISTOR IGNITION (HITACHI E12
    • CAL 620 0875-0777
  • B210 1975-77 California Module: LX-511. use with coil UF-5
  • 280Z 75 California and Hi-Altitude models
  • 280Z 76-77 California
Make---ModelYear
NISSAN---200 SERIES77
280 SERIES77-75
61077-76
71077-76
81077
B21077-75
F1077-76
PICKUP77-76


Coil older UF-5
Make---ModelYear
NISSAN---200 SERIES79-77
260 SERIES74
280 SERIES78-75
61077-76
71077-76
81077
B21077-75
F1077-76
PICKUP77-76

Contactor

LX-699
Make---ModelYear
NISSAN---200 SERIES78-77
21081-80
280 SERIES78-75
61076-75
620 PICKUP78-76
71077-75
81078-77
B21078-75
F1079-76