Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe/Sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians working on classic Mazda rotary vehicles.
Competitors:
Datsun Z-cars (240Z, 260Z), Toyota Celica GT, Ford Capri, various European sports coupes of the era.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Unique rotary engine technology offering smooth power delivery and a distinct sound, sporty handling, attractive styling.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the iconic Mazda RX-3 rotary, providing in-depth technical guidance often unavailable elsewhere for this classic model.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Control, Body & Chassis, Interior, Exterior Trim, Troubleshooting, Specifications
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual
Engine System:
Detailed breakdown of the 13B rotary engine, including apex seals, rotor housing inspection, oil metering, ignition timing, lubrication systems, cooling, and fuel delivery.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Covers manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch service, driveshaft and rear axle inspection, universal joints, and differential service.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering gear inspection and adjustment, power steering system service (if applicable).
Brakes System:
Front disc and rear drum brake service, hydraulic system bleeding, brake pad/shoe replacement, master cylinder and wheel cylinder overhaul, parking brake adjustments.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery service, ignition system (distributor, coils, spark plugs), lighting, gauges, fuses, and relays.
Fuel Cooling Emission:
Carburetor (likely Hitachi) overhaul and adjustment, fuel pump, fuel tank service, radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, and emission control systems (e.g., air injection).
Maintenance:
Routine oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt adjustments, fluid level checks, general lubrication, and tune-up procedures.
Repair Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhauls, brake caliper/wheel cylinder rebuilds, carburetor rebuilds, suspension component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common engine, electrical, and mechanical issues specific to the RX-3 rotary.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing settings, valve clearances (for any rotary-specific setup), fluid capacities, and diagnostic readings.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed component diagrams and exploded views.
Engine Type:
Mazda 13B Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Layout:
Front-mounted, Rotary
Displacement:
1146 cc (69.9 cu in)
Rotor Housing Design:
Two-rotor, naturally aspirated
Horsepower Gross Est:
110-135 hp (depending on carburetor and tuning)
Torque Gross Est:
117-130 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Dual-barrel Hitachi Carburetor (e.g., DCH-32 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based, coil-and-points or electronic ignition (depending on final production spec)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., Mazda 'Jatco' type)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring
Rear Axle Ratio Est:
3.70:1 or 3.90:1 (typical)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official data available for this era; emphasis on structural integrity of the unibody construction.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes.
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering system.
Seatbelts:
Standard three-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers.
Body Construction:
Unit-body construction with integrated safety cage elements.
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio, often with an 8-track player or cassette adapter provision.
Gauges:
Tachometer, speedometer, fuel level, water temperature, oil pressure. Often features a 'key warning' light.
Systems:
None (pre-dating modern driver assistance technologies)
Oil Change Interval Est:
3,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first), synthetic oil recommended for rotary engines.
Spark Plug Replacement Est:
15,000-20,000 miles
Coolant Flush Est:
2 years or 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type Est:
API SF or SG rated 10W-30 or 20W-50 (check manual for specific rotary oil requirements)
Coolant Type Est:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Type Est:
Dexron II/III Automatic Transmission Fluid (for automatic), SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4 gear oil (for manual)
Brake Fluid Type Est:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Rotary Engine Specific:
Apex seal wear, oil seal degradation, carbon buildup in rotor housings, oil consumption, overheating if cooling system is neglected.
Carburetor Issues:
Adjustment drift, fuel leaks, worn throttle shafts, clogging.
Chassis Corrosion:
Typical for vehicles of this age, especially in rust-belt regions. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and strut towers.
Electrical Reliability:
Aging wiring harnesses, connectors, and grounds can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
