Target Audience:
Do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics alike, aiming to facilitate cost-effective vehicle repair and maintenance.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair information to save money on professional servicing and to enable restoration projects.
Content Quality:
100% complete and intact, no missing/corrupt pages/sections. Detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings, and photos.
Usability:
Bookmarked and searchable for easy navigation, printable pages for workshop use.
Covered Models:
All RX-3 models for 1975 production year
Covered Engines:
All engine variants for the 1975 RX-3
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (specific count not provided, but described as 'complete' and 'hundreds of photos and illustrations')
Manual Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul and rebuilding, engine performance, firing orders, troubleshooting and diagnostics, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, computer diagnostic codes, vacuum diagrams
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission removal and installation, transmission in-car servicing, U-joint and CV-joint service procedures
Braking Systems:
Brakes, brake servicing procedures, complete torque specifications (relevant to brakes)
Suspension Steering:
Front end and alignment procedures and specifications, suspension
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, complete wiring diagrams
HVAC Systems:
Air conditioning service and capacities
Body And Chassis:
Sunroof
Maintenance Procedures:
Factory maintenance schedules and charts, timing belt replacement, timing belt service procedures, serpentine belt routings with diagrams, general repair procedures
Diagnostic Procedures:
Trouble codes, troubleshooting and diagnostics, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, engine performance diagnostics
Rebuilding Procedures:
Engine overhaul and rebuilding, complete disassembly of the machine
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and diagnostics. Suitable for both DIY and professional mechanics.
Torque Specifications:
Complete torque specifications for all major components and fasteners.
Diagrams:
Detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings, and photos, as well as vacuum diagrams and wiring schematics.
Specifications Coverage:
Detailed specifications on every model covered.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions based on complete disassembly of the machine.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code Examples:
12A (typically)
Displacement Cc:
1146 cc (for 12A)
Performance Hp Example:
Approx. 90-100 HP (depending on specific market and emissions controls for the 12A engine)
Performance Torque Example:
Approx. 90-100 lb-ft (depending on specific market and emissions controls for the 12A engine)
Fuel System Type:
Carbureted (typically downdraft or side-draft carburetors)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (as per 1975 regulations, though leaded might have been common initially)
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based ignition system
Oil Type Recommendation:
Specific rotary engine oil required; consult manual for exact API service classification and viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, but critically, designed for rotary apex seals)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant mixed with distilled water
Standard Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed automatic transmission (less common than manual)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron II (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid for automatic; Gear oil for manual (specific grade and quantity in manual)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch (for manual transmission)
Safety Ratings Era:
Safety regulations and testing were less rigorous in 1975 compared to modern standards. Specific crash test ratings (like NHTSA or IIHS) are unlikely to be comparable to today's vehicles.
Braking System Features:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Power assistance may be optional or standard depending on trim.
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts (front), lap belts (rear) were standard or optional depending on market.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column (a safety feature evolving in the mid-70s)
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM radio, likely with analog tuning. Cassette player was an optional upgrade in later years of this generation or other Mazda models of the era.
Driver Assistance Features:
Virtually none by modern standards. Focus was on mechanical systems.
Connectivity Features:
N/A. No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, likely sealed beam units.
Oil Change Interval Recommendation:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or as specified in the manual, with attention to rotary-specific oil lubrication systems.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual, but rotary engines often require specific spark plug types and replacement intervals due to combustion characteristics.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Rotary engines do not use a timing belt; they utilize a chain or direct drive for rotor timing. The manual likely covers rotor timing adjustments and apex seal inspection intervals.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Coolant Capacity:
Refer to manual for specific capacity (typically around 5-6 liters).
Washer Fluid Type:
Water and windshield washer fluid concentrate
Apex Seal Wear:
Common concern with early rotary engines. Symptoms include loss of compression, hard starting, and increased oil consumption. The manual covers inspection and replacement.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can require frequent adjustment and cleaning to maintain optimal performance and emissions.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Proper coolant levels and flushing are critical for rotary engine longevity due to their compact design and heat generation.
Brand Heritage Focus:
Mazda's pioneering work with the Wankel rotary engine.
Rx3 Introduction Year:
Introduced in 1971 (Japan), 1972 (Australia), 1973 (North America).
1975 Model Year Significance:
Represents a mature iteration of the first-generation RX-3, often benefiting from minor updates and refinements over earlier models.
Production Period:
1971-1978 (First Generation RX-3)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan
Rotary Engine Recognition:
The Wankel rotary engine itself was recognized for its smooth operation, compact size, and high power-to-weight ratio. The RX-3 benefited from this technological innovation.
Consumer Ratings Era:
Consumer perception in the 1970s often focused on performance and unique engine characteristics rather than modern metrics like fuel efficiency or safety ratings.