Just wondering if anyone has solved the common issue of fumey datsuns. Seems like every one I drive after a few mins you can smell the fumes.

Has been suggested that an air filter, oil change and general tuneup can help - but others have said it's just how datsuns are and its very hard to fix.
Am aware of looking for holes and gaps around gearbox and making sure exhaust sticks out past bumper.

Just wanting anyone to share experiences of fixing this issue to stop me from gassing myself, gives me a hell of a headache.

Oil, exhaust or petrol fumes?

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Not sure! How do you tell the difference? Can't say I have much of a nose for noxious fumes.

If your hooter is MIA, get a friend to sniff for you
Oil fumes can be blocked out by ensuring all firewall seals and grommets are intact, gear shift boot etc.
Check the PCV valve and hose are fully sealed and functioning correctly.
Exhaust is fairly obvious, check/replace the manifold gasket and any doubtful pipe gaskets.
Fuel will be a bit harder to fix: look for perished/loose hose connections, split vapour separator tank, disconnected fuel vent and return hoses etc.
All of the above will be deadly if left unattended

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

In alot of my 1600's it has been this as the clear vent hoses are not rated for fuel and either perish and splits or comes out of the boot floor opening and starts venting to the boot space.
Because a wagon tank is mounted lower than a sedan though it might pay to check around the filler neck behind the cargo trim as this is the main part inside the car...

Now that I think of it, it smells like exhaust, carbon monoxide. It doesnt smell like petrol and I don't think like oil, so that leaves exhaust.

Well, you'll need to have a close look at the exhaust manifold gasket.
Make sure all the retaining studs are still there and they are tight.
If you have tubular headers/extractors, check for splits or cracks at the welded joints.

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Thanks. Is all that you mentioned pretty run of the mill stuff or is that serious work? I'm looking at buying this car and want to fix that issue asap but scared of $$$$$

Removing any broken manifold studs could be a pain, but access to all that is relatively easy once both manifolds are removed from the engine.
Repair/replacement of a damaged exhaust, fairly simple.
Just make sure there isn't a gaping hole somewhere in the body that is letting the fumes in
One possibility is a faulty rear hatch seal and the fumes are entering there

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net