1973 Mazda RX-3 Service and Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-3 Year: 1973 Codes Chassis Code General: AP17 Engine Code General: 12A (Rotary) 👋 Introduction Market Position Original Target Market: Sporty compact car...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 521219

Tags: 1973 Car Cars Mazda RX Models RX-3

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Year:

Codes

Chassis Code General:

Engine Code General:

12A (Rotary)

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Original Target Market:

Sporty compact car segment, appealing to enthusiasts and those seeking a distinctive Japanese import.

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors 1973:

Datsun 240Z, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic (early models).

Key Features

Rotary Engine:

Distinctive Wankel rotary engine technology offering smooth operation and a unique power delivery.

Manual Value Proposition:

Vehicle-specific, dealership-level technical data for comprehensive DIY repair and maintenance.

Manual Advantage

Digital Vs Print:

Offers convenience of digital access, searchability, selective printing, and protection from wear and tear compared to traditional paper manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

All Models And Trims:

Repair Scope:

A-Z (All Repairs)

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific factory manual, typically 500-1000+ pages for a comprehensive service manual.

Manual Type

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Digital Format:

Compatibility:

Windows Vista (32/64-bit), XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, macOS

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

Complete overhaul, component testing, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, emission control, ignition system, starting and charging.

Transmission:

Manual transmission repair, clutch service, automatic transmission diagnosis and repair (if applicable to 1973 models).

Drivetrain:

Transfer case, propeller shaft, drive shaft, differential, axle, suspension, steering, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, brake control, parking brake, specifications, troubleshooting.

Electrical:

Wiring schematics, lighting, instruments, gauges, audio/visual systems, horn, wiper/washer system, power locks, engine immobilizer (if applicable), cruise control.

Body And Chassis:

Exterior and interior trim, doors, engine hood, windshield, mirrors, glass, instrument panel, seats, body repair, corrosion prevention.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system diagnosis and service.

Safety Restraint:

Seat belts, supplementary restraint systems (if applicable).

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, lubrication, tune-ups.

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major systems.

Repair:

Detailed repair instructions for components and systems.

Troubleshooting:

Extensive troubleshooting guides with symptom-to-cause correlations.

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, emissions standards.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Factory-level detailed repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and overhaul procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text with clear diagrams and illustrations.

Printability:

All pages are printable, allowing for selective printing of required sections.

Binding Type

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

Displacement:

1146 cc (69.9 cu in)

Rotor Housing Diameter:

70 mm

Rotor Radius:

57 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1 (typical)

Performance

Horsepower Gross Est:

Approx. 100-110 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on specific market and emission controls)

Torque Gross Est:

Approx. 115-125 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (depending on specific market and emission controls)

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Two-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi or Mikuni)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance and longevity)

Lubrication

Oil Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 5.3 US quarts (with filter)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)

Ignition

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs.

Cooling

Cooling System Type:

Water-cooled

Coolant Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 5.0 US quarts

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual transmission

Optional

Transmission Type:

3-speed automatic transmission (optional)

Features

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate diaphragm spring clutch

Fluid Specifications

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase Inches:

97.2 inches

Overall Length Inches:

164.6 inches

Overall Width Inches:

63.6 inches

Overall Height Inches:

51.6 inches (Coupe)

Weights

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 2100-2300 lbs (depending on body style and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:

Approx. 3000 lbs

Wheels Tires

Standard Tire Size:

175SR13 (typical)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x110mm

Wheel Size:

13x5.0J

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Historical Safety Standards:

Designed to meet 1973 US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

Active Features

Brakes Front:

Disc brakes

Brakes Rear:

Drum brakes

Passive Features

Seat Belts:

Standard lap belts (front), lap belts for rear passengers (depending on body style).

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass

Side Windows:

Toughened safety glass

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio (optional).

Speakers:

Typically 2 or 4 speakers.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Optional

Power Steering:

Optional

Connectivity

Vehicle Systems:

Basic electrical and mechanical systems, no advanced digital connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval Miles:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement Miles:

Every 12,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement Miles:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles.

Timing Belt Replacement Miles:

N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use a fixed timing chain and rotor timing).

Fluid Specifications

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mixture)

Known Issues

Apex Seal Wear:

A common concern with older rotary engines is apex seal wear, which can lead to loss of compression and engine performance. Regular oil changes and proper engine operation are crucial.

Carburetor Tuning:

Carburetors require periodic adjustment and cleaning to maintain optimal fuel mixture and performance.

Ignition System Maintenance:

Points and condenser in the distributor require regular inspection and adjustment/replacement.

Cooling System Maintenance:

Regular flushing and coolant replacement are important to prevent corrosion and maintain cooling efficiency, especially due to the rotary engine's higher operating temperatures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Mazda Rotary Pioneering:

Mazda's early adoption and refinement of the Wankel rotary engine technology.

Model Evolution

Rx3 Positioning:

Successor to the R100, offering a more conventional and refined platform with a focus on sporty driving.

Body Styles:

Offered in Coupe, Sedan, and Wagon body styles.

Production

Production Period:

1971-1978 (globally), with 1973 being a significant year in its early production.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Rotary Engine Innovation:

Mazda's rotary engine technology itself has been recognized for its engineering innovation and unique design.