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Introduction
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Market Position
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Original Market Segment:
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Compact sports coupe and sedan, often competing with models from Datsun, Toyota, and European manufacturers in its era.
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Competitive Analysis
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Key Competitors 1972:
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Datsun 240Z, Toyota Celica, Ford Capri, Opel GT.
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Key Features
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Unique Selling Proposition:
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Rotary engine technology offered a smooth, high-revving power delivery and unique sound, differentiating it from conventional piston engines.
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Manual Value Proposition:
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Provides essential, factory-accurate information for maintaining and repairing a classic rotary-engine vehicle, crucial for preserving its value and drivability.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Mechanical:
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Complete rebuild, disassembly, assembly, lubrication system, cooling system, intake/exhaust systems, fuel system (carburetor tuning, rebuilding), emission control systems.
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Ignition Charging Starting:
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Ignition system diagnosis and repair, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid).
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Transmission Drivetrain:
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Manual transmission (overhaul, gear ratios), Automatic transmission (if applicable, likely a 3-speed or 4-speed unit), clutch service, propeller shaft, universal joints, differential, axle housing, drive shafts.
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Suspension Steering:
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Front suspension (struts, control arms, bushings), rear suspension (leaf springs or similar), steering column, steering gear box, power steering system (if equipped), wheel alignment specifications, tire and wheel service.
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Brakes:
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Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, brake system hydraulics, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake calipers, brake pads/shoes, parking brake system, brake fluid specifications.
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Electrical Body:
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Complete wiring schematics, lighting system, instrumentation (gauges, meters), wipers and washer system, horn, door locks, power windows (if equipped), interior and exterior trim, glass and mirrors, engine hood and doors.
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Climate Control:
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Air conditioning system diagnosis, service, and repair (if equipped).
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Safety Features:
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Seat belts, supplementary restraint systems (likely none for this era), engine immobilizer (unlikely), cruise control (if equipped).
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Procedures Included
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Diagnosis Troubleshooting:
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Detailed diagnostic procedures for all systems, troubleshooting flowcharts, common problems and their solutions.
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Maintenance:
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Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures.
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Repair Rebuild:
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Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, assembly, and installation for all major systems.
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Specifications Data:
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Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical data, alignment angles, emissions data.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers complete vehicle overhaul and complex diagnostics.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Type:
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Wankel Rotary
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Engine Code:
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12A
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Displacement Cc:
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1146 cc (equivalent piston displacement for tax/classification purposes)
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Rotor Housing Size:
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573 cc per rotor (x2 rotors)
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Induction:
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Two-barrel Downdraft Carburetor (e.g., Hitachi or Nikki)
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Performance
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Horsepower Gross Hp:
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Approximately 110-120 hp (specific figure varies by market and configuration)
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Torque Gross Lb-Ft:
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Approximately 115-125 lb-ft (specific figure varies by market and configuration)
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Fuel System
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Fuel Type:
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Unleaded gasoline (although leaded gasoline was still common, unleaded was becoming prevalent)
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Carburetor Specifications:
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Manual states specific carburetor model, jetting, and adjustment procedures.
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Maintenance
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Apex Seal Material:
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Manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures for apex seals, which are critical for rotary engine longevity.
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Transmission
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Standard
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Transmission Type Standard:
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4-speed Manual Transmission
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Optional
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Transmission Type Optional:
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3-speed Automatic Transmission (likely)
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Features
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Clutch Type:
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Single dry plate, hydraulically operated clutch.
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Specifications
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Manual Gear Ratios:
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Specific gear ratios for each gear and reverse will be listed.
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Automatic Gear Ratios:
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Specific gear ratios for the automatic transmission will be listed.
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Maintenance
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Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
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GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (specific viscosity like SAE 90).
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Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
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Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid.
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Dimensions
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Exterior
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Wheelbase Mm:
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Approx. 2420 mm (95.3 in) for Coupe, 2470 mm (97.2 in) for Sedan.
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Length Mm:
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Approx. 4075 mm (160.4 in) for Coupe, 4250 mm (167.3 in) for Sedan.
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Width Mm:
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Approx. 1600 mm (63.0 in)
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Height Mm:
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Approx. 1305 mm (51.4 in) for Coupe, 1350 mm (53.1 in) for Sedan.
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Weights
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Curb Weight Kg:
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Approx. 1000-1100 kg (2200-2425 lbs), depending on body style and equipment.
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Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
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Specific GVWR will be detailed in the manual.
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Towing Capacity Kg:
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Not typically specified or recommended for this vehicle type.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval Km Miles:
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Typically every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Manual will specify exact intervals.
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Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
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Refer to manual for specific recommendation, often related to engine hours or mileage, and depends on plug type (e.g., 16,000 km / 10,000 miles).
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Coolant Flush Interval:
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Refer to manual, likely annually or every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).
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Transmission Fluid Change:
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Refer to manual, typically every 20,000-40,000 km (12,000-24,000 miles).
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
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API SF or SG classification, viscosity typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Manual will specify specific Mazda recommendations.
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Engine Oil Capacity Liters Quarts:
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Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 Liters (4.8 - 5.3 US Quarts) with filter change. Manual will confirm exact capacity.
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Coolant Type:
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Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
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Known Issues
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Apex Seal Wear:
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Premature apex seal wear or failure due to inadequate lubrication, overheating, or improper engine management. Manual provides crucial details on maintenance and troubleshooting.
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Carburetor Issues:
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Carburetors can become gummed up or misadjusted over time, leading to poor running. Manual offers detailed rebuild and tuning procedures.
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Rotor Housing Seal Issues:
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Choke seal or oil seal failure can lead to oil consumption or low compression. Manual details these specific components and their replacement.
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Tune Up Specifications
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Ignition Timing:
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Specific ignition timing (e.g., degrees BTDC at idle RPM) will be listed and is critical for rotary engine performance and longevity.
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Idle Speed Rpm:
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Specific RPM range for idle speed, both with and without accessories, will be provided.
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Carburetor Idle Mixture:
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Specific idle mixture screw adjustments (if applicable) will be detailed for optimal running and emissions.
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