The Mazda RX-3, a cornerstone of Mazda's innovative rotary engine lineage, was produced from 1971 to 1978. This compact sporty car, available in Coupe, Sedan, and Station Wagon body styles, distinguished itself with its unique rotary (Wankel) engine, typically the 1.0-liter 10A model, offering approximately 100-110 horsepower. Celebrated for its sporting heritage and success in motorsports, the RX-3 represented Mazda's pioneering spirit in automotive engineering, providing distinctive performance characteristics for its era.
This comprehensive workshop repair service manual, written in English, covers all Mazda RX-3 models from 1971 through 1978. It is designed to assist owners, DIY enthusiasts, and professional technicians by providing detailed step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic information, and technical specifications for all major systems, including the rotary engine, transmission, brakes, electrical, cooling, fuel, and chassis. The manual's extensive content, featuring numbered instructions, illustrations, and diagrams, ensures thorough understanding and effective maintenance and repair of the vehicle.
Generation:
First Generation (S108A)
Chassis Code Prefix:
S108A
Engine Code Prefix:
10A (Rotary)
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY enthusiasts, and professional repair shops seeking detailed technical information for the Mazda RX-3.
Value Proposition:
Provides the same level of detail as professional workshop manuals, enabling significant cost savings on repairs and maintenance.
Instruction Style:
Numbered instructions, detailed illustrations, photos, and diagrams for clarity.
Information Enhancements:
Includes notes, cautions, warnings, and enlarged insets for critical information and detailed part examination.
Digital Advantage:
Digital format allows for printing specific sections, protecting the original from contamination.
Years Covered:
1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978
Models Covered:
All RX3 Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but described as comprehensive)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine Service:
Engine Service / Repair (Rotary Engine)
Transmission Service:
Transmission Service / Repair (Manual & Automatic)
Brake System:
Brake System Overhaul and Service
Electrical System:
Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair, Wiring Diagrams
Suspension:
Suspension System Components and Service
Steering:
Steering System Service and Adjustment
Cooling System:
Cooling System Maintenance and Repair
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection / Fuel System Service and Troubleshooting
Emission System:
Emission System Control and Service
HVAC:
Heater/Air Conditioning System Service
Engine Control:
Engine Control System Diagnosis and Repair
Chassis Body:
Chassis and Body Repair, Maintenance, and Specifications
Restraint System:
Restraint System Information (where applicable)
Interior:
Interior Component Service and Trim
Drivetrain:
Differential / Drive Axle Service and Repair
Axles:
Axle Shafts and Components Service
General Maintenance:
General Maintenance Procedures
Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting Common Issues and Diagnostics
Periodic Lubrication:
Periodic Lubrication Schedules and Specifications
Repair Procedures:
Detailed Step-by-Step Repair Procedures
Disassembly Assembly:
Component Disassembly and Assembly Instructions
Cleaning Reinstallation:
Component Cleaning and Reinstallation Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covering diagnostics, maintenance, and full repair procedures used by professional technicians.
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip
Printability:
Full Printable
Zoom Capability:
YES (Zoom IN/OUT)
Displacement:
1.0 Litre (approx. 993cc) - Effective displacement for two rotors
Horsepower Estimate:
Approx. 100-110 hp (Varies by market and specific tuning)
Induction:
Carburetor (e.g., Hitachi, Weber) or early Fuel Injection depending on market/model
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (consider octane rating for older engines)
Apex Seals:
Critical component requiring specific lubrication and maintenance protocols.
Rotor Housing Wear:
Manual covers inspection and potential repair of rotor housing wear.
Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
3-speed Automatic Transmission
Fluid Type:
Specific manual and automatic transmission fluid types detailed within the manual.
Body Styles:
Coupe, Sedan, Station Wagon
Curb Weight:
Approx. 950-1050 kg (2094-2315 lbs) depending on body style and equipment.
Historical Safety:
Safety standards of the era, typically lacking modern active safety features.
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (standard on most models)
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts (may vary by market and year)
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, potentially with an 8-track player depending on trim and options.
Features:
None (standard for the era); features are mechanical.
Oil Change:
Refer to manual for specific intervals (typically more frequent for rotary engines than piston engines).
Spark Plugs:
Manual provides specific replacement intervals and types.
Engine Oil:
Specific viscosity and type for rotary engines (e.g., SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, specific API service classification required).
Coolant:
Proper coolant mixture and type (e.g., ethylene glycol based) as specified.
Apex Seal Wear:
A common concern for rotary engines, detailed in the manual for diagnosis and potential repair.
Carburetor Tuning:
Requires precise tuning for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Rotary Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines consume oil as part of their design; manual covers proper monitoring and topping up.
Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's commitment to rotary engine technology.
Positioning:
Compact sporty car, offering unique performance characteristics from its rotary engine.
Production Years:
1971-1978 (North American market)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Sporting Heritage:
The RX-3 achieved success in various motorsports, particularly in production car racing, highlighting its performance capabilities.
