🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-3

Chassis Codes:

S102, S124, S132

Generation Designation:

First Generation

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Personal Luxury Car

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restorers, owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information for classic Mazda rotary vehicles.

Competitors:

Toyota Corolla (AE86), Datsun 240Z, Ford Capri, Alfa Romeo GTV

Unique Selling Point:

Wankel rotary engine technology, stylish design, sporty handling for its era, cult classic status

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978

Model Variants Covered:

Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, GT

Estimated Pages:

Over 700 (estimated based on typical full service manual scope)

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Scope:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) or equivalent comprehensive aftermarket repair manual.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF assumed, often available as scanned reproductions)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Rotary engine (12A) systems, fuel injection (later models), carburetor systems, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust

Drivetrain:

Clutch, manual transmission, driveshaft, rear axle assembly, differential

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (struts, control arms), rear suspension (leaf springs or coil springs depending on year/model), steering gearbox, power steering (if equipped), wheel alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition system, dashboard indicators, wiring diagrams, fuse box layout

Body Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, frame/unibody construction, rust prevention, body repair techniques

Fuel System:

Carburetor identification, adjustment, and overhaul (e.g., Hitachi DCDB), fuel pump operation, fuel lines, fuel tank service.

Emission Controls:

Air injection systems, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) systems where applicable for US market models, emission control routing.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake inspections, tune-ups

Repair:

Engine rebuild/reconstruction (apex seals, rotor housings), transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/drum service, starter/alternator replacement, fuel system cleaning/repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues; symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Engine Rebuild Specifics:

Detailed procedures for rotor housing cleaning and inspection, apex seal installation, side seal installation, corner seal installation, rotor removal and installation, front and rear eccentric shaft seal replacement.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to detailed component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation. Includes torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic parameters.

Special Tools:

Lists and descriptions of specialized tools required for rotary engine disassembly and reassembly, such as tension wrench for eccentric shaft nut, rotor bearing setters, and seal installation tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (likely scanned, searchable text capability varies)

Quality:

Varies based on source scan quality; original factory manuals are high quality.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

12A (993cc twin rotor, effectively 1.3L in piston engine displacement equivalent)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 100-135 hp (SAE Gross) depending on year and emission controls

Torque Range:

Approximately 100-115 lb-ft (SAE Gross) depending on year

Fuel Delivery:

Downdraft carburetors (Hitachi, Mikuni) for early models; early fuel injection systems introduced later in the production run for some markets/models.

Cooling Type:

Water-cooled, pressurized system

Oil System:

Forced lubrication with oil pump. Crucially, separate oil injection system for apex seals (often referred to as 'premix' on older rotaries if system is bypassed or malfunctioning, but factory systems inject oil).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual

Transmission Type:

3-speed automatic (Jatco) was optional on some models.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate diaphragm spring clutch

Rear Axle Type:

Semi-floating rear axle with limited-slip differential (LSD) often available as an option.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 97.4 inches (2474 mm)

Length:

Approximately 167.7 inches (4259 mm) for Coupe

Width:

Approximately 64.0 inches (1626 mm)

Height:

Approximately 52.0 inches (1321 mm) for Coupe

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2200-2500 lbs (1000-1135 kg) depending on body style and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 3100 lbs (1406 kg) - Specific GVWR varies by model and market.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited formal crash test data available for this era; design predates modern standardized testing.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Dual-circuit hydraulic system.

Seat Belts:

Standard lap belts, optional shoulder belts (especially on later models).

Headlights:

Halogen headlights on most models for improved nighttime visibility.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, often with a single speaker. Cassette tape players became available later in the production run. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

Dashboard Layout:

Classic analog gauges including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level.

Features:

No modern driver assistance systems. Basic features include power brakes (front discs).

Features:

N/A

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. Critical for rotary engines.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or as needed, use specific rotary plugs.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF or SG classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Crucially, requires oil for apex seal lubrication (either via factory injection or pre-mix in fuel).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Manual: GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90. Automatic: Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Apex Seal Wear:

The primary concern for rotary engines. Apex seals can wear, leading to loss of compression, poor starting, and reduced power. Requires engine rebuild.

Carburetor Issues:

Carburetors (especially Hitachi) can become clogged or worn, leading to rough idling or fuel delivery problems. Rebuild kits and tuning are common maintenance items.

Chassis Rust:

Like many cars of this era, susceptible to rust in common areas: wheel wells, rocker panels, floor pans, and strut towers.

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coils, and spark plug wires can degrade over time, affecting performance. Rotor timing requires specific attention.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Pioneering:

Mazda's commitment to rotary engine technology, starting with the Cosmo Sport, made the RX-3 a key part of their performance image.

Design Philosophy:

Evolved from the R100, offering more refinement and a sleeker design. Known for its compact size and sporting character.

Facelifts Updates:

Received minor styling updates and powertrain refinements throughout its production run, including changes to lighting, grille, and emissions equipment.

Production Years:

1971-1978

Production Locations:

Japan (Mazda Hōfu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Sales Figures:

Over 250,000 units produced globally, significant success in export markets, particularly North America and Australia.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

Praised by period automotive press for its sporty handling, unique engine, and stylish design. Often lauded as a performance bargain.

Motorsport Heritage:

Successful in various forms of motorsport, including rally and circuit racing, which boosted its performance image.