🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX3 Model Codename: S102 Generation Generation Designation: First Generation Codes Chassis Codes: S102A (Sedan), S102C (Coupe) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Compact sports coupe/sedan with unique rotary engine technology, targeting enthusiasts and drivers seeking distinctive performance. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno, Datsun 240Z (though a class above), Nissan Sunny, Mitsubishi Lancer. Key Features Distinguishing Features: Rotary engine, rear-wheel drive, stylish coupe and practical sedan body styles, lightweight construction. Value Proposition Manual Value: Essential resource for DIY mechanics and restorers to maintain and repair the unique Mazda rotary engine and the rest of the vehicle. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Years: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 Covered Regions: Global (assuming factory service manual content) Covered Body Styles: All (Sedan, Coupe, potentially Wagon if applicable to RX3 series) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Rotary Engine (Wankel), Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel System (Carburetion), Ignition System, Exhaust System Drivetrain: Clutch, Manual Transmission, Driveshafts, Rear Axle Assembly Suspension Steering: Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Leaf Spring), Steering System (Recirculating Ball), Wheel Alignment Specifications Braking System: Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Brake System Hydraulics, Parking Brake System Electrical System: 12V Electrical System, Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Lighting System, Fuses, Wiring Diagrams, Instrumentation Body Chassis: Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Chassis Components, Corrosion Protection Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug (Apex Seal/Gasket) Checks, Ignition Timing Adjustment, Carburetor Tuning, Cooling System Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Lubrication Points Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting charts for engine performance, electrical issues, starting problems, cooling system malfunctions Repair Procedures: Engine rebuild (rotary specific), transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement Adjustment Procedures: Carburetor idle speed and mixture adjustment, ignition timing, clutch pedal free play, parking brake adjustment Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and drivetrain rebuilds) Detail Level: Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, exploded views, diagnostic flowcharts 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (Searchable text and high-resolution images likely) Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution, clear diagrams and photographs Binding Type Physical Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Physical Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Mazda Rotary (Wankel) Engine Engine Designation: 12A Rotor Displacement: 573cc per rotor (total 1146cc equivalent reciprocating displacement) Configuration: Two-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated Performance Horsepower Early Models: Approximately 90-105 hp (depending on specific market and emissions regulations) Torque Early Models: Approximately 100-115 lb-ft Redline Rpm: Around 6500-7000 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Single or Twin Carburetor (e.g., Hitachi, Mikuni, Solex) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (though early models might have been designed for leaded and require additives or valve seat modifications for unleaded) Lubrication System Oil Type: Specific Rotary Engine Oil (e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30, consult manual for exact spec). Separate oil metering pump injects oil into the combustion chamber for apex seal lubrication. Cooling System Type: Water-cooled Coolant Capacity: Approximately 5-6 liters (consult manual) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 3-speed Automatic Transmission Features Drive Layout: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Transmission Fluid Type: GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90, consult manual for exact specification) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 2400 mm (94.5 inches) Length: Approximately 4050-4150 mm (159.4-163.4 inches) Width: Approximately 1600 mm (63 inches) Height: Approximately 1350-1370 mm (53.1-53.9 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 950-1100 kg (2094-2425 lbs) depending on body style and options Wheels Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 4x110 mm Standard Tire Size: 155SR13 or 165/70SR13 (common sizes, consult manual for exact fitment) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: No formal crash test data from modern agencies available for this era. Design likely reflected contemporary safety standards of the early to mid-1970s. Active Features Braking System Features: Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Dual Circuit Hydraulic System Passive Features Restraints: Seat belts (likely lap belts for front, lap belts for rear; shoulder belts may have been optional or standard in later years). Chassis Design: Unitized body construction with front and rear crumple zones (basic by modern standards). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio, optional Cassette player. Likely 2-4 speaker system. Driver Assistance Features: Limited to standard automotive safety features of the era (e.g., safety glass, basic seatbelts). Connectivity Features: N/A (No electronic connectivity features typical of modern vehicles). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil Change: Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (consult manual for specific mileage based on driving conditions). Spark Plug Inspection Replacement: Apex seal and spark plug inspections are critical for rotary engines. Replacement intervals vary greatly based on...
PDF (Searchable text and high-resolution images likely)
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High-resolution, clear diagrams and photographs
Binding Type
Physical Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Physical Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Mazda Rotary (Wankel) Engine
Engine Designation:
12A
Rotor Displacement:
573cc per rotor (total 1146cc equivalent reciprocating displacement)
Configuration:
Two-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated
Performance
Horsepower Early Models:
Approximately 90-105 hp (depending on specific market and emissions regulations)
Torque Early Models:
Approximately 100-115 lb-ft
Redline Rpm:
Around 6500-7000 RPM
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Single or Twin Carburetor (e.g., Hitachi, Mikuni, Solex)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (though early models might have been designed for leaded and require additives or valve seat modifications for unleaded)
Lubrication System
Oil Type:
Specific Rotary Engine Oil (e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30, consult manual for exact spec). Separate oil metering pump injects oil into the combustion chamber for apex seal lubrication.
Approximately 950-1100 kg (2094-2425 lbs) depending on body style and options
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x110 mm
Standard Tire Size:
155SR13 or 165/70SR13 (common sizes, consult manual for exact fitment)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test data from modern agencies available for this era. Design likely reflected contemporary safety standards of the early to mid-1970s.
Active Features
Braking System Features:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Dual Circuit Hydraulic System
Passive Features
Restraints:
Seat belts (likely lap belts for front, lap belts for rear; shoulder belts may have been optional or standard in later years).
Chassis Design:
Unitized body construction with front and rear crumple zones (basic by modern standards).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional Cassette player. Likely 2-4 speaker system.
Driver Assistance
Features:
Limited to standard automotive safety features of the era (e.g., safety glass, basic seatbelts).
Connectivity
Features:
N/A (No electronic connectivity features typical of modern vehicles).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (consult manual for specific mileage based on driving conditions).
Spark Plug Inspection Replacement:
Apex seal and spark plug inspections are critical for rotary engines. Replacement intervals vary greatly based on driving style and maintenance. Manual will detail inspection procedures.
Cooling System Service:
Flush and refill coolant every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-30 (API SF or SG rated, or equivalent. Crucially, a dedicated rotary oil with proper EP additives for the oil injection system might be recommended by Mazda specialist sources).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 80W-90.
Known Issues
Rotary Engine Specific:
Apex seal wear, rotor housing scoring, oil seal failure, carbon buildup in the intermediate housing, starting issues when hot ('hot soak'), oil consumption.
General Wear And Tear:
Carburetor tuning issues, electrical system reliability, rust on body panels (especially wheel arches and sills), suspension bushing wear.
Continuation of Mazda's pioneering efforts with the Wankel rotary engine, following the R100.
Model Evolution
Series Development:
Evolved from the R100, offering more refined styling and increased practicality with sedan and coupe variants. Key model changes occurred through facelifts and updates during its production run.
Production
Production Years:
1972-1978 (Model years 1970-1978 covered by the manual represent early production through later facelifts).
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Rotary Engine Recognition:
Mazda's rotary engines, including the 12A used in the RX3, are historically significant for their unique technology and performance characteristics, often praised for smoothness and high-revving nature.