Engine Mechanical:
Rotary Engine (12A, 13B variants), Apex seals, Rotor housing, Eccentric shaft, Oil seals, Overhaul procedures, Troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Hitachi) service and adjustment, Fuel pump, Fuel filter, Fuel tank.
Ignition System:
Distributor, Spark plugs, Ignition coils, Timing adjustment, Troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Radiator, Water pump, Thermostat, Hoses, Coolant specifications.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, Oil filter, Oil specifications, Oil change procedures.
Emission Control:
Air injection system, EGR system (if applicable), Emission related components and diagnosis.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch service, Manual transmission overhaul, Gearbox fluid specifications, Shift linkage.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable), Fluid type, Service procedures.
Drivetrain Rear Axle:
Differential service, Axle shaft replacement, Gear oil specifications, Driveshaft and U-joints.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson strut system, Control arms, Ball joints, Bushings, Shock absorber replacement.
Suspension Rear:
Live axle or semi-trailing arm setup, Bushings, Shock absorber replacement.
Steering:
Steering box/rack and pinion, Tie rod ends, Steering column, Power steering system (if equipped).
Brakes Front:
Disc brake system, Caliper service, Pad replacement, Rotor inspection/replacement.
Brakes Rear:
Drum brake system, Shoe replacement, Drum inspection, Wheel cylinder service.
Parking Brake:
Parking brake mechanism, Cable adjustment and replacement.
Electrical System Wiring:
Complete wiring schematics, Lighting system, Charging system (alternator/generator), Starting system (starter motor), Fuses, Relays.
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal/installation, Door mechanisms, Hood and trunk latches, Glass and window seals, Trim.
Body Interior:
Seat removal/installation, Dashboard components, Trim panels, Upholstery.
Climate Control:
Heater core service, Blower motor, Air conditioning system diagnosis and service (if equipped).
Instrumentation:
Instrument cluster diagnosis, Gauges, Warning lights.
Accessories:
Wipers, Washers, Horn, Radio, Power windows/locks (if equipped).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug checks, Fluid level checks, Lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides for all major systems.
Component Removal Installation:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for rotary engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Transmission Overhaul:
Complete procedures for manual and automatic transmission disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.
Brake Service:
Disc brake and drum brake component replacement and bleeding procedures.
Electrical Diagnosis:
Schematic interpretation, component testing, wiring harness repair.
Suspension And Steering Alignment:
Adjustment procedures for wheel alignment, steering system checks.
Body And Trim Repair:
Procedures for interior and exterior trim panel removal, installation, and minor repair.
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic flowcharts and fault code interpretation (where applicable for the era).
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from simple fluid changes to complete engine rebuilds and transmission overhauls.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific recommendation.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 15,000-20,000 miles, or as specified in the manual. Rotary engines use specific spark plug types.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Recommended every 24,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SE or SF service category oil. Viscosity grade typically 10W-30 or 10W-40, depending on ambient temperature. Consult manual for precise recommendations.
Transmission Oil Type Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, typically SAE 80W-90.
Differential Oil Type:
GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 80W-90.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear and eventual failure of apex seals is a common, albeit potentially catastrophic, issue with rotary engines, requiring engine rebuild.
Carburetor Performance:
Carburetors can become gummed up with age, leading to poor idle, stumbling, or hard starting.
Chassis Rust:
Like many cars from this era, the RX-3 can be susceptible to rust in common areas such as wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans.
Ignition System Reliability:
Older ignition components (coils, points if applicable) can degrade over time, affecting performance and starting.