🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX2 Generation: First Generation (pre-facelift) Chassis Codes: AP17 Body Styles: 2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The Mazda RX2 was a pivotal model for Mazda, establishing the brand's reputation for innovative rotary engine technology in a stylish, compact package. It competed in the sporty compact segment against vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno and Datsun (Nissan) 1200/1600. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Offered a unique selling proposition with its smooth-revving, high-revving rotary engine, providing a distinct driving experience compared to conventional piston engines. This manual addresses the specific maintenance and repair needs of this unique powertrain. Key Features Key Features: Rotary engine technology, distinctive styling, nimble handling, sporty performance for its era. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Applicable Years: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Manual (WSM) Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, though physical reproduction is common for vintage manuals) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Rotary engine theory, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel, exhaust, emissions control Drivetrain Systems: Clutch, manual transmission, driveshaft, rear axle assembly, differentials Suspension Steering: Front suspension (struts, control arms, bushings), rear suspension (leaf springs, shock absorbers), steering gear, power steering system (if equipped) Braking Systems: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake Electrical Systems: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, ignition switch, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays Body Chassis: Body panel removal/installation, frame, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, bumpers, corrosion protection Heating Ventilation Ac: HVAC system operation, heater core, blower motor, ducting (AC likely optional/dealer installed) Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug indexing/replacement, coolant flushes, belt tensioning, brake adjustments, lubrication points Diagnostics: Troubleshooting engine performance issues (e.g., apex seal wear, carburation problems), electrical fault finding, brake noise diagnosis, suspension component wear Repair Rebuild: Engine rebuild procedures (rotary specific), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/wheel cylinder servicing, starter/alternator replacement, suspension component replacement Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized tools required for rotary engine maintenance and repair Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and skilled DIY enthusiasts. Covers detailed disassembly, reassembly, and calibration procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing. Searchable text functionality is a common feature for well-converted manuals. Print Quality Print Quality: High resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (for digital format). If a physical reproduction, typically spiral-bound or comb-bound for lay-flat usability. Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (for digital format). Original manuals were typically printed on durable paper stock. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Rotary (Wankel) Engine Model: 12A Engine Displacement Cc: 1146 cc (equivalent displacement for taxation purposes) Engine Description: Two-rotor, naturally aspirated, peripheral port or side exhaust port configurations depending on year/market. Performance Horsepower Gross Ps: Approx. 110-120 PS (varies by market and emissions regulations) Torque Gross Lb Ft: Approx. 110-125 lb-ft (varies) Fuel System Carburetion: Twin-choke downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi/Weber type) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (octane rating appropriate for the era, likely 91 RON or higher recommended) Oil System: Pressurized lubrication system with integrated oil cooler. Premixing of oil with fuel for apex seal lubrication is NOT standard on the 12A from the factory; it uses a separate oil injection system. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed manual transmission Optional Transmission Type: 3-speed automatic transmission (less common, often designated with an 'A' suffix, e.g., RX2 Deluxe Auto) Features Clutch Type: Dry, single-plate diaphragm spring clutch Manual Gear Ratios: Specific ratios will be detailed in the manual, typically varying slightly between coupe and sedan models. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: Coupe: ~4120 mm, Sedan: ~4125 mm Width Mm: Coupe/Sedan: ~1600 mm Height Mm: Coupe: ~1345 mm, Sedan: ~1385 mm Wheelbase Mm: ~2315 mm Weights Curb Weight Kg: Coupe: ~1000-1050 kg, Sedan: ~1030-1080 kg (varies with equipment) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg: Approximately 1400-1450 kg Wheel Bolt Pattern: 4x110 mm Tire Sizes: Commonly 165/80 R13 or 175/70 R13 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings Era: Vehicles from this era were not subject to modern crash test standards (like NHTSA or Euro NCAP) with comparable stringency. Safety features were basic. Active Features Active Safety Features: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, dual-circuit braking system. ABS was not available. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Lap belts (front), unpadded dashboard, basic body structure. Some later models may have offered optional headrests. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic AM/FM radio, possibly with a cassette player in later models or as an aftermarket addition. Speaker count typically 2 or 4. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: None by modern standards. Focus was on mechanical driver control. Connectivity Connectivity Features: No external connectivity or Bluetooth. All functions are mechanical or analog. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals...
The Mazda RX2 was a pivotal model for Mazda, establishing the brand's reputation for innovative rotary engine technology in a stylish, compact package. It competed in the sporty compact segment against vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno and Datsun (Nissan) 1200/1600.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Offered a unique selling proposition with its smooth-revving, high-revving rotary engine, providing a distinct driving experience compared to conventional piston engines. This manual addresses the specific maintenance and repair needs of this unique powertrain.
Key Features
Key Features:
Rotary engine technology, distinctive styling, nimble handling, sporty performance for its era.
Unleaded gasoline (octane rating appropriate for the era, likely 91 RON or higher recommended)
Oil System:
Pressurized lubrication system with integrated oil cooler. Premixing of oil with fuel for apex seal lubrication is NOT standard on the 12A from the factory; it uses a separate oil injection system.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
3-speed automatic transmission (less common, often designated with an 'A' suffix, e.g., RX2 Deluxe Auto)
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate diaphragm spring clutch
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios will be detailed in the manual, typically varying slightly between coupe and sedan models.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
Coupe: ~4120 mm, Sedan: ~4125 mm
Width Mm:
Coupe/Sedan: ~1600 mm
Height Mm:
Coupe: ~1345 mm, Sedan: ~1385 mm
Wheelbase Mm:
~2315 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
Coupe: ~1000-1050 kg, Sedan: ~1030-1080 kg (varies with equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Approximately 1400-1450 kg
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x110 mm
Tire Sizes:
Commonly 165/80 R13 or 175/70 R13
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings Era:
Vehicles from this era were not subject to modern crash test standards (like NHTSA or Euro NCAP) with comparable stringency. Safety features were basic.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, dual-circuit braking system. ABS was not available.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Lap belts (front), unpadded dashboard, basic body structure. Some later models may have offered optional headrests.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio, possibly with a cassette player in later models or as an aftermarket addition. Speaker count typically 2 or 4.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
None by modern standards. Focus was on mechanical driver control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
No external connectivity or Bluetooth. All functions are mechanical or analog.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 km or 3 months (whichever comes first). Refer to manual for specific oil type and viscosity.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000 km or 6 months.
Spark Plug Service:
Inspect every 10,000 km, replace as needed. Specific plug types (e.g., platinum or special rotary plugs) will be listed.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual. Typically API SF or SG rated oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate. **Crucially, rotary engines require specific attention to lubrication, including potential for oil consumption.**
Apex seal wear (leading to low compression, poor starting, smoking), oil seal wear, eccentric shaft seal leaks, carburetor tuning difficulties, carbon build-up in the combustion chambers, ignition system reliability, chassis rust.
Rotary Specific Maintenance:
Regular checks for oil consumption and compression are vital. The manual will detail procedures for compression testing and the importance of engine oil quality and level.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Mazda's commitment to rotary engines began with the Cosmo and continued with models like the R100 and RX2, establishing a unique identity in the automotive world.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The RX2 (chassis code AP17) was introduced in Japan in 1970 and was also sold in export markets. It represented a step up in size and refinement from the R100. Minor styling updates and mechanical improvements occurred throughout its production run.
Production
Production Years:
1970-1978
Production Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
While the RX2 itself may not have specific individual awards widely publicized, it was instrumental in cementing Mazda's reputation as a leader in rotary engine technology, paving the way for future award-winning models like the RX-7.
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