What is the best repair manual that you have used?

[owenk]

I am picking up a 240Z in a week and have ordered the parts CD and would like to know what you consider the best repair manual that you have used. I have one for my 620 Pick-Up and it could be better.

Thanks

[Zvoiture]

This is a very subjective topic. I have only one manual, and I do not like it. It is Haynes. I bought it right before I bought this car, and have basically given up on it. I have never compared it to another, but that doesn't change the fact I just don't like it. There are a bunch of little reasons that I can't remember, but when they happen, they are really annoying. For THIS uncultured Yankee, the King's English can be difficult at times. As an American, I dare you to find the torque requirements of the exhaust mani in a Haynes. The other problem is the year of my car. The FI and the 5-sp and the advanced emmissions are merely a short addendum at the end of the book. FI needs at least a chapter.

The best manuals? I don't know. What do I use? Catalogues. The blow-ups in the VB are WAY better than the Haynes. Ditto MSA.

steve77

[Mike]

I am picking up a 240Z in a week and have ordered the parts CD and would like to know what you consider the best repair manual that you have used. I have one for my 620 Pick-Up and it could be better. Thanks

You would be better off if you purchased 2-3 manuals. I've found that only one manual isn't enough. For instance, one of my manuals (can't remember which one off hand) has more torque settings than others. So, when you are trying to get the job done, don't just rely on a single reference material. Use a couple and then cross reference to make sure it's correct.

I think I did a write-up on this at one time. Search the forums for reference materials or manuals. I think you'll find it.

[m]

[EScanlon]

SURVEY SAYS: ONE OF EACH!!

If you are trying to find the ONE manual that will help you the most: The Factory Service Manual; both sections: Engine and Body.

If you are looking for a manual OTHER than the FSM; I personally (for the 240) vote for the EARLY Clymers. The one with the Blue cover and the picture of the Red Z, NOT the one with the Red cover and the same red Z. i.e. THE VERY FIRST EDITION Clymer's. Although the latter editions were ok, they chopped out major sections on electrical and body that reduced them (in my opinion) to the level of a Hayne's or Chilton's.

If you can't find the Clymer's: Hayne's or Chilton's. Both have their shortcomings, and both have their good points. You can usually find these just about anywhere, even at car shops, they can order them for you.

Need to be told where to start?: Wic Humble's "How to Restore Your Datsun Z-Car" You can get this one at Amazon or various other places.

2¢

[owenk]

Where can I get a Factory Service Manual?

Thanks

[EScanlon]

First off, the FSM is Model Year Specific. This means that you may find SOME information in a 71 FSM for a 72, but you won't find all. This gets progressively worse the further apart your car's model year and the FSM you get are.

I would recommend you wait till you get your car. Then look at it's manufacture date to determine WHICH year FSM to get. Then you can try to get one through e-Bay, or Courtesy Nissan. Mind you, it isn't going to be cheap. Expect to pay from $50 up to $125. If I recall Courtesy also sells some years in CD format, but not for the EARLY 240. I think their manuals on CD begin with either the 72 or 73 models.

You might also post on the Wanted Forum here. Someone may have one that they would sell.

Good Luck!