🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-4 Model Code: LA2 Production Year: 1975 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Niche: The Mazda RX-4 was positioned as a sporty and stylish compact car with a unique rotary engine, appealing to enthusiasts seeking an alternative to conventional piston engines. It competed in a segment with other sporty coupes and sedans of its era. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Datsun 240Z/260Z, Toyota Celica GT, Ford Capri, and other sporty coupes and sedans of the mid-1970s. Key Features Distinctive Attributes: Rotary engine technology, distinctive styling, and a focus on sporty driving dynamics. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Complete Service & Repair Manual Language: English Format: Downloadable Digital Format (e.g., PDF) Page Count: Estimated 500-700 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Rotary engine (12A) general repair, troubleshooting, component overhaul (rotor housing, apex seals, rotor, eccentric shaft), cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, fuel system (carburetion), emissions control systems. Transmission Systems: Manual transmission (4-speed and 5-speed) overhaul, maintenance, troubleshooting. Automatic transmission (if applicable) overview and basic maintenance. Drivetrain Systems: Clutch system, driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly, differential overhaul. Suspension Systems: Front suspension (struts, control arms, bushings, steering linkage), rear suspension (leaf springs, shock absorbers, axle mounting), wheel alignment specifications. Braking Systems: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, bleeding procedures. Steering Systems: Steering gearbox, steering column, tie rods, steering wheel, power steering system (if equipped). Electrical Systems: Battery, starter motor, alternator, ignition system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), gauges, switches, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic procedures for electrical faults. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis lubrication points, rust prevention. Heating And Air Conditioning: HVAC system operation, heater core, blower motor, control panel, refrigerant system (if applicable for AC). Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks/replacement, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment), fluid level checks and top-ups, lubrication. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides for common problems, symptom-based diagnostics, specific component testing procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable). Repair And Overhaul: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems. Technical Specifications: Torque specifications for fasteners, clearance specifications, pressure readings, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameter ranges. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed, often color-coded, wiring schematics for all electrical circuits. Special Tools: Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Likely PDF, ensuring compatibility and searchability. Print Quality Print Quality: Digital format allows for high-resolution viewing and printing of all diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Wankel Rotary (12A) Engine Configuration: Two-rotor, naturally aspirated Displacement: 1146 cc (equivalent to approximately 1.15 liters) for the 12A rotary engine. Performance Horsepower: Approximately 90-110 HP depending on emissions equipment and specific market tuning. Torque: Approximately 100-115 lb-ft depending on market tuning. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Single or dual barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi or Solex). Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (as mandated for 1975 model year in many markets). Cooling System Cooling Type: Water-cooled Lubrication System Oil Type Recommendation: API SG/SH or equivalent, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult specific manual for exact viscosity based on ambient temperature). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed manual transmission Optional Transmission Type: 5-speed manual transmission; 3-speed automatic transmission Features Clutch Type: Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring clutch. Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific capacity and exact type). Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron II or equivalent (if applicable, check manual for exact specification and capacity). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 98.2 inches (2495 mm) Length: Approximately 168.7 inches (4285 mm) Width: Approximately 65.2 inches (1655 mm) Height: Approximately 52.6 inches (1335 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 2400 - 2600 lbs (1089 - 1179 kg) depending on body style and options. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Typically around 3300 lbs (1497 kg) Wheels And Tires Standard Tire Size: 175SR13 or 185/70R13 (check manual for specific trim variations) Wheel Bolt Pattern: 4x110mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: No formal crash test ratings available from modern agencies for this era of vehicle. Safety features were basic by today's standards. Active Features Braking System Type: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Passive Features Seatbelts: Lap belts and shoulder belts (as standard for the era). Steering Column: Collapsible steering column designed to absorb impact energy. Body Construction: Unitized body construction with crumple...
The Mazda RX-4 was positioned as a sporty and stylish compact car with a unique rotary engine, appealing to enthusiasts seeking an alternative to conventional piston engines. It competed in a segment with other sporty coupes and sedans of its era.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Datsun 240Z/260Z, Toyota Celica GT, Ford Capri, and other sporty coupes and sedans of the mid-1970s.
Key Features
Distinctive Attributes:
Rotary engine technology, distinctive styling, and a focus on sporty driving dynamics.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Complete Service & Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (e.g., PDF)
Page Count:
Estimated 500-700 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Systems:
Rotary engine (12A) general repair, troubleshooting, component overhaul (rotor housing, apex seals, rotor, eccentric shaft), cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, fuel system (carburetion), emissions control systems.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (4-speed and 5-speed) overhaul, maintenance, troubleshooting. Automatic transmission (if applicable) overview and basic maintenance.
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, often color-coded, wiring schematics for all electrical circuits.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Likely PDF, ensuring compatibility and searchability.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Digital format allows for high-resolution viewing and printing of all diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Wankel Rotary (12A)
Engine Configuration:
Two-rotor, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
1146 cc (equivalent to approximately 1.15 liters) for the 12A rotary engine.
Performance
Horsepower:
Approximately 90-110 HP depending on emissions equipment and specific market tuning.
Torque:
Approximately 100-115 lb-ft depending on market tuning.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Single or dual barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi or Solex).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (as mandated for 1975 model year in many markets).
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Lubrication System
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG/SH or equivalent, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult specific manual for exact viscosity based on ambient temperature).
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific capacity and exact type).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (if applicable, check manual for exact specification and capacity).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approximately 98.2 inches (2495 mm)
Length:
Approximately 168.7 inches (4285 mm)
Width:
Approximately 65.2 inches (1655 mm)
Height:
Approximately 52.6 inches (1335 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2400 - 2600 lbs (1089 - 1179 kg) depending on body style and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3300 lbs (1497 kg)
Wheels And Tires
Standard Tire Size:
175SR13 or 185/70R13 (check manual for specific trim variations)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x110mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test ratings available from modern agencies for this era of vehicle. Safety features were basic by today's standards.
Active Features
Braking System Type:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Lap belts and shoulder belts (as standard for the era).
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column designed to absorb impact energy.
Body Construction:
Unitized body construction with crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, possibly with an 8-track player or cassette deck as an aftermarket or dealer option.
Driver Assistance
Braking Features:
Power assisted brakes (optional on some models/trims), brake assist systems were not present.
Connectivity
Exterior Lighting:
Halogen headlights, basic exterior and interior lighting controlled by switches.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Approximately every 3,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first). Rotary engines require more frequent oil changes and often have separate oil injection for lubrication.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Inspection And Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace every 30,000 miles. Rotary engines often use specific long-reach spark plugs.
Ignition Timing Adjustment:
Recommended every 15,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change (check manual for exact capacity).
Known Issues
Rotary Engine Wear:
Apex seal wear can lead to decreased compression, rough running, and oil consumption. Proper maintenance and avoiding extreme heat are crucial.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors can become gummed up and require cleaning or rebuilding over time, affecting fuel mixture and idle quality.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Due to the nature of rotary engines, maintaining an optimal cooling system is vital to prevent overheating and potential housing damage.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, starting with the Cosmo and RX series, cemented its reputation for innovation in powertrain development.
Model Evolution
Predecessors:
The RX-4 followed in the lineage of earlier Mazda rotary models like the R100 and RX-2/Capella Rotary.
Body Styles:
Available as a coupe, sedan, and station wagon.
Production
Production Period:
1972-1977 (RX-4 designation specifically used from 1972-1977, often referred to as the third generation Capella).
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Reviews:
While specific awards are not commonly cited for the RX-4, it was generally well-regarded for its unique rotary engine and sporty handling in period reviews.
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