🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-3 Production Years Covered: 1971-1977 Codes Engine Code Primary: 12A (Rotary) Engine Code Alternative: 13B (Rotary, some later models/conversions) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact/Sports Sedan and Coupe Target Audience: Enthusiasts, restorers, and owners seeking to maintain or repair their classic Mazda rotary vehicles. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Datsun (Nissan) Z-cars, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, various European compacts of the era. Key Features Unique Selling Proposition: Rotary engine technology, sporty handling, distinctive styling. Manual Value Proposition: Essential resource for preserving and operating unique rotary-powered vehicles. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Page Count Estimated Page Count: Hundreds (Specific number not provided, but implies comprehensive) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Rotary Engine (12A), including apex seals, rotor housing, lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel injection/carburetion (depending on model variant) Transmission: Manual and Automatic Transmissions (including clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms) Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axles Suspension: Front and Rear Suspension (independent front, leaf spring rear), shock absorbers, ball joints, bushings Brakes: Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, brake lines, master cylinder, brake fluid maintenance Steering: Steering box, tie rods, steering column, power steering (if equipped) Electrical: Ignition system, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, gauges, wiring diagrams Fuel System: Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor(s) or early fuel injection systems Cooling System: Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, fan Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (if applicable) Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis structural components Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, timing adjustments Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault diagnosis for engine and electrical systems Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, rebuild procedures for engines and transmissions Rebuilding: Detailed rebuild procedures for the rotary engine (12A), including rotor apex seal replacement, housing resurfacing, and oil seal replacement. Refurbishing: Guidance on restoring worn components and ensuring proper fitment during assembly. Restoration: Comprehensive information vital for historical vehicle restoration projects. Installation: Instructions for component removal and installation, including specialized tools. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive (covers all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds) Diagnostic Capability: Advanced diagnostics for rotary engine specific issues and electrical system faults. Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized tools required for rotary engine servicing and other repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable, facilitating quick information retrieval. Print Quality Image Clarity: High-quality PDF generally ensures clear diagrams and text. Scalability: PDF format allows for zooming in on detailed diagrams and specifications. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Two-Rotor Wankel Rotary Engine Displacement Cc: 1146 cc (1.2 L) for 12A engine Engine Displacement Ci: 70 cu in (1.2 L) for 12A engine Performance Horsepower Hp 12A: Approx. 90-100 HP (depending on tuning and emissions controls) Torque Lb-Ft 12A: Approx. 100-110 lb-ft (depending on tuning and emissions controls) Redline Rpm: Approx. 6000-7000 RPM (varies) Fuel System Carburetion: Typically Twin Hitachi downdraft carburetors (e.g., HJG 38) or Solex, some later models/markets may have early injection. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (91 Octane recommended, higher if available) Oil Type: API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 20W-50 (specific Mazda recommendations may vary) Lubrication Oil Capacity Quarts: Approx. 5.5-6.5 quarts (including filter) - Consult manual for precise capacity. Cooling System Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 4-speed manual transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: 3-speed automatic transmission Features Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron II or equivalent for automatic; Manual transmission fluid API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Clutch Type: Dry single plate clutch (manual transmission) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 2-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe, 2-door Hardtop Coupe (RX-3), 2-door Rotary Coupe (RX-2) Wheelbase Inches: Approx. 97.0 - 98.4 inches (varies by model and body style) Length Inches: Approx. 160 - 170 inches (varies by model and body style) Width Inches: Approx. 63 - 65 inches (varies by model and body style) Height Inches: Approx. 52 - 54 inches (varies by model and body style) Weights Curb Weight Lbs: Approx. 2100 - 2400 lbs (varies significantly by body style and equipment) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs: Typically around 3000-3200 lbs (consult specific vehicle plate) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: N/A (Vehicles from this era were not subject to standardized government crash testing as we know it today.) Active Features Braking System: Front disc, rear drum brakes are standard. Power assist may be optional. Seatbelts: Lap and shoulder belts (front), lap belts (rear) depending on configuration and market. Passive Features Structural Integrity: Body-on-frame construction (chassis) with integrated body shell. 💡...
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed manual transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed automatic transmission
Features
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent for automatic; Manual transmission fluid API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate clutch (manual transmission)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
2-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe, 2-door Hardtop Coupe (RX-3), 2-door Rotary Coupe (RX-2)
Wheelbase Inches:
Approx. 97.0 - 98.4 inches (varies by model and body style)
Length Inches:
Approx. 160 - 170 inches (varies by model and body style)
Width Inches:
Approx. 63 - 65 inches (varies by model and body style)
Height Inches:
Approx. 52 - 54 inches (varies by model and body style)
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 2100 - 2400 lbs (varies significantly by body style and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Typically around 3000-3200 lbs (consult specific vehicle plate)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Vehicles from this era were not subject to standardized government crash testing as we know it today.)
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc, rear drum brakes are standard. Power assist may be optional.
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts (front), lap belts (rear) depending on configuration and market.
Passive Features
Structural Integrity:
Body-on-frame construction (chassis) with integrated body shell.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional 8-track or cassette player.
Gauges:
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, oil pressure/warning light.
Driver Assistance
Power Steering:
Optional on some models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Pre-digital era)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (conventional, consult manual for specific recommendations).
Spark Plug Inspection Miles:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (specific rotary spark plugs).
Timing Belt Chain Inspection:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have conventional timing belts or chains; they use a fixed timing gear system).
Apex Seal Life Estimate:
Highly variable, but good maintenance practices can extend life significantly. Manual will detail inspection methods.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 10W-30 or 20W-50 (check manual for exact specs and API rating)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for specific DOT rating)
Coolant Mixture Ratio:
50% Ethylene Glycol coolant and 50% Distilled Water
Known Issues
Apex Seal Wear:
Common issue with high mileage rotary engines if not maintained, leading to loss of compression.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in exhaust ports and rotor housings, requiring periodic cleaning or de-coking.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil as part of their lubrication system; however, excessive consumption can indicate seal issues.
Carburetor Issues:
Tuning and maintenance of twin carburetors can be complex.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's pioneering and continued commitment to Wankel rotary engine technology, which began with the Cosmo.
Model Evolution
Rx2 Introduction:
Introduced in 1970 as the Capella Rotary, rebadged as RX-2 for export markets, known for its sporty handling and compact size.
Rx3 Introduction:
Introduced in 1971 as the Savanna Rotary, rebadged as RX-3 for export. Often considered a sportier evolution of the RX-2 platform, with various body styles.
Rotary Engine Development:
These models were crucial in establishing Mazda's reputation for unique engine technology and performance.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Period Rx2:
1970-1978 (export RX-2)
Production Period Rx3:
1971-1978
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Rotary Engine Development Awards:
Mazda's rotary engine technology itself received numerous industry accolades for innovation.
Model Specific Awards:
RX-3 often praised for its performance and handling in period road tests, competing favorably with contemporary sports cars.
Ao escolher uma seleção, a página inteira é atualizada.