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Introduction
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Market Position
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Market Segment:
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Compact sports coupe/sedan, positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented vehicle with unique rotary engine technology.
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Competitive Analysis
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Key Competitors:
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Datsun 240Z, Toyota Celica, Ford Capri, various European sporty coupes of the era.
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Key Features
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Unique Selling Proposition:
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Mazda's revolutionary Wankel rotary engine, offering a compact, smooth, and high-revving alternative to conventional piston engines. Distinctive styling.
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Manual Value Proposition
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Technician Grade Info:
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Exact same manual used by dealership technicians, providing unparalleled accuracy and completeness for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair.
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Specificity:
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Vehicle-specific information, not generic repair data, ensuring correct procedures and specifications for the 1974 RX-4.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Systems:
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Rotary engine (12A), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (if applicable for 1974, though carburetors were more common), ignition, exhaust, emissions control
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Transmission Systems:
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Manual transmission, automatic transmission (if equipped), clutch, drivetrain, driveshafts, rear axle
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Chassis Systems:
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Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (hydraulic, disc/drum configurations), wheels, tires
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Electrical Systems:
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Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, accessories, fuses, relays
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Body And Trim:
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Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, chassis lubrication points
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance Procedures:
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Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups
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Diagnostic Procedures:
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Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, specific repair procedures for common faults
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Repair Procedures:
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Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper service, electrical component replacement, body repair techniques
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Adjustment Procedures:
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Ignition timing, carburetor adjustments, clutch adjustment, brake shoe adjustment
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Technical Depth
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Diagnostic Level:
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Advanced diagnostics, component testing, specifications for troubleshooting
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Rebuild Level:
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Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, component disassembly and reassembly with torque specifications
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Specification Detail:
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Comprehensive technical data, including tolerances, clearances, pressures, and electrical specifications
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Type:
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Rotary (Wankel)
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Engine Code:
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Mazda 12A
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Displacement:
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1146 cc (equivalent rotary displacement)
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Rotor Housing Shape:
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Epitrochoid
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Performance
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Horsepower:
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Approx. 100-110 hp (SAE Gross) depending on specific tuning and market.
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Torque:
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Approx. 110-120 lb-ft (SAE Gross) depending on specific tuning and market.
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Redline:
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Approx. 7000 RPM
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Two downdraft carburetors (e.g., Hitachi, Mikuni)
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Fuel Type:
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Unleaded gasoline (required for emissions equipment, though leaded was still prevalent)
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Ignition System
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Ignition Type:
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Distributor-based, dual ignition system (two spark plugs per rotor housing)
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Cooling System
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Cooling Method:
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Water-cooled (with recirculating oil for apex seals)
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Lubrication System
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Oil Type:
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Specific rotary engine oil blend (e.g., SAE 20W-50, often with API SF or SG rating, depending on manual specification). Crucial for apex seal lubrication. Manual will specify exact type and quantity.
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Oil Capacity:
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Approx. 5-6 quarts (including oil cooler and filter). Exact specification in manual.
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Dimensions
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Exterior
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Wheelbase:
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Approx. 98.4 inches (2500 mm)
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Length:
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Approx. 168.5 inches (4280 mm)
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Width:
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Approx. 65.4 inches (1660 mm)
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Height:
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Approx. 51.6 inches (1310 mm)
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Weights
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Curb Weight:
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Approx. 2200-2400 lbs (1000-1100 kg) depending on body style and equipment.
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Wheels And Tires
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Wheel Size:
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13-inch or 14-inch steel wheels with hubcaps.
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Tire Sizes:
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Commonly 175/70R13, 185/70R13, or 185/70R14. Manual will confirm original equipment sizes.
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Bolt Pattern:
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4x114.3 mm (4x4.5 inches)
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change:
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Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Manual will provide precise recommendations, especially considering rotary engine oil consumption.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Refer to manual for specific mileage. Rotary engines use specific spark plug types and require precise gap settings.
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Filter Replacement:
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Oil filter: With every oil change. Air filter: Per manual recommendations (e.g., every 12,000-15,000 miles).
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Timing Belt Chain:
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Rotary engines do not have traditional timing belts or chains; they use internal timing gears. Manual will cover inspection of rotating elements and associated components.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil:
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Specific rotary engine oil blend, SAE 20W-50 (likely). Refer to manual for exact API rating and quantity.
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Coolant:
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Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify type and capacity.
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual will specify type and capacity for the reservoir.
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Transmission Fluid:
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Manual: GL-4 SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent ATF. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
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Known Issues
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Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
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Wear on apex seals is a common concern in high-mileage rotary engines, leading to loss of compression and power. The manual details diagnostic procedures and replacement.
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Carburetor Issues:
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Carburetors can require frequent adjustment and rebuilding due to their complexity and sensitivity to fuel quality and intake air conditions. Manual provides adjustment and overhaul procedures.
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Oil Consumption:
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Rotary engines naturally consume some oil as part of their lubrication system. Excessive consumption may indicate seal wear. Manual explains normal vs. abnormal consumption.
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Cooling System Overheating:
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Overheating can be an issue if the cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat) is not maintained. The manual details inspection and replacement of cooling system components.
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