The Mazda RX-2, also known by its chassis code SA22C, represents a significant chapter in automotive history, particularly for its pioneering use of rotary engine technology. Produced from 1971 to 1978, this vehicle established Mazda's reputation in the sports car segment. Available in coupe, hardtop coupe, and sedan body styles, the RX-2 offered a unique driving experience powered by its characteristic rotary (Wankel) engine, typically the 12A variant, producing approximately 110-130 horsepower. Its engineering quality and reliability, especially in the context of its innovative powertrain, have made it a sought-after model for enthusiasts and collectors.
This comprehensive factory service repair manual provides essential information for the maintenance and repair of the Mazda RX-2 models from 1970 through 1978. It covers a wide array of systems, including detailed procedures for the rotary engine, transmission, brakes, electrical, suspension, steering, cooling, fuel, and emission control systems. The manual includes step-by-step repair instructions, rebuilding guidance, diagnostic procedures, tuning advice, and critical specifications, all supported by detailed illustrations, diagrams, and photos. This resource is designed to empower owners, DIY mechanics, and restoration specialists with the knowledge to service and maintain their RX-2 effectively, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Generation Codes:
        
        
            SA22C (First Generation, though RX-2 refers to a specific early model)
        
     
    
    
        
            Vin Decoder Reference:
        
        
            Specific VIN structure would be detailed within the manual
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            RX-2 owners, enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Authenticity:
        
        
            Actual Genuine Repair Service Factory Manuals (NOT 3rd party manuals)
        
     
    
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Saves significant labor costs ($50-$60 per hour) by enabling owner servicing
        
     
    
        
            Completeness:
        
        
            COMPLETE official full factory service repair manual
        
     
    
        
            Usability:
        
        
            Easy to use, no advanced computer skills required for printing
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Covered Years:
        
        
            1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Pages:
        
        
            Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but indicated as comprehensive)
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Factory Service Repair Manual
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Service:
        
        
            Engine Service / Repair (Rotary Engine Specifics)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Service:
        
        
            Transmission Service / Repair (Manual and Automatic)
        
     
    
        
            Brake System:
        
        
            Brake System (Hydraulic, Disc/Drum Configuration)
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension System:
        
        
            Suspension (Front and Rear)
        
     
    
        
            Steering System:
        
        
            Steering System
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Cooling System (Radiator, Hoses, Thermostat)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel System (Carburetion, Fuel Pump, Lines)
        
     
    
        
            Emission Control:
        
        
            Emission System
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Heater/Air Conditioning System
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Body:
        
        
            Chassis / Bodywork
        
     
    
        
            Restraint System:
        
        
            Restraint System (Seat Belts)
        
     
    
        
            Interior Trim:
        
        
            Interior Components
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Differential:
        
        
            Differential / Drive Axle
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Troubleshooting Guide (Advanced)
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Diagnostic Procedures
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Step-by-step Repair Procedures for all covered systems
        
     
    
        
            Rebuilding:
        
        
            Rebuild procedures for major components
        
     
    
        
            Restoration:
        
        
            Guidance for restoration projects
        
     
    
        
            Tuning:
        
        
            Tuning procedures (especially for the rotary engine)
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Illustrations:
        
        
            Includes detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos
        
     
    
        
            Diagrams:
        
        
            Includes wiring diagrams and schematics
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Provides all necessary specifications
        
     
    
        
            Notes Cautions Warnings:
        
        
            Includes notes, cautions, and warnings for critical information
        
     
    
        
            Instruction Style:
        
        
            Numbered instructions, detailed substeps
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Compatibility:
        
        
            Compatible with all PC based Windows operating systems and Mac
        
     
    
        
            Searchable:
        
        
            Searchable text functionality for easy information retrieval
        
     
    
    
        
            Printability:
        
        
            Printable without any restriction (entire manual or selected pages)
        
     
    
        
            Resolution:
        
        
            High resolution
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding:
        
        
            Digital Download (Printable on demand)
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper Type Suitability:
        
        
            Suitable for printing on standard paper
        
     
    
    
        
            Delivery Method:
        
        
            Download link on checkout page after payment
        
     
    
    
        
            Software Required:
        
        
            Adobe PDF Reader
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Rotary Engine (Wankel)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code Typical:
        
        
            12A (Rotary)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Range Typical:
        
        
            Approx. 110-130 hp (depending on specific market and configuration)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Range Typical:
        
        
            Approx. 117-130 lb-ft (depending on specific market and configuration)
        
     
    
    
        
            Carburetion Typical:
        
        
            Dual Downdraft Carburetors (e.g., Hitachi, Mikuni)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type Recommended:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline (refer to manual for specific octane rating)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Standard:
        
        
            4-speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional:
        
        
            3-speed Automatic Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Single Dry Plate Clutch
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            Coupe, Hardtop Coupe, Sedan
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Range Lbs:
        
        
            Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (varies by body style and options)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Crash Test Data Availability:
        
        
            Limited modern crash test data available for this era of vehicle
        
     
    
    
        
            Braking System:
        
        
            Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (standard)
        
     
    
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            Front seat belts (lap and shoulder belts common)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Basic AM/FM radio, optional tape player
        
     
    
    
        
            Driver Assistance Features:
        
        
            None by modern standards; basic safety features
        
     
    
    
        
            Connectivity Options:
        
        
            None
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval Engine:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific interval (typically 3,000 miles or 3 months)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Refer to manual for interval (rotary specific plugs)
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Chain:
        
        
            Not applicable (Rotary engine does not use timing belts or chains)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type Recommended:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-30 or 10W-40, API SE or SF)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type Recommended:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with water)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
        
        
            GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
        
        
            Dexron II or equivalent
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Apex Seal Wear:
        
        
            Apex seal wear in the rotary engine, leading to compression loss and oil consumption
        
     
    
        
            Carburetor Tuning:
        
        
            Carburetor performance can degrade over time, requiring periodic adjustment and cleaning
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Connectors:
        
        
            Corrosion and degradation of electrical connectors due to age
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System Reliability:
        
        
            Potential for leaks or blockages in the aging cooling system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Rotary Pioneering:
        
        
            Mazda's early adoption and success with rotary engine technology
        
     
    
    
        
            Predecessor:
        
        
            Mazda Familia Rotary (precursor to RX-2)
        
     
    
        
            Successor:
        
        
            Mazda RX-3, Mazda RX-7
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Period:
        
        
            1971-1978 (for the RX-2 nameplate)
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Japan
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Rotary Engine Impact:
        
        
            Recognized for its pioneering use of rotary engine technology in a production vehicle
        
     
    
        
            Sporting Heritage:
        
        
            Established Mazda's reputation in the sports car segment