Positioning:
The Mazda RX-3 was positioned as a sporty and affordable compact car, offering unique rotary engine technology to a mainstream audience.
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Chevrolet Vega, Datsun 1200/B210, Toyota Corolla.
Unique Selling Points:
Peppy rotary engine performance, distinctive styling, light weight, and affordable price point.
Covered Regions:
Global (based on factory service content)
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 400-600 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Readability:
PDF format allows for easy searching, zooming, and printing of specific sections.
Engine And Drivetrain:
Rotary engine (12A), lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, propeller shaft, rear axle assembly
Chassis And Body:
Steering system, brake system (including front discs and rear drums), suspension (front and rear), wheels and tires, body construction, interior trim, exterior body panels, HVAC (if equipped)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging system, ignition system, instrumentation, accessories
Emissions Control System:
Details on thermal reactors, air injection systems, and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) systems specific to the 1975 model year emissions standards.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, fluid level checks, lubrication points, belt adjustments, battery maintenance
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, steering system adjustments, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (if applicable to the era)
Alignment Specifications:
Includes factory specifications for wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe).
Torque Specifications:
Provides essential torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Body Repair:
Information on panel alignment, rust repair considerations, and mounting points for trim and accessories.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers complete vehicle teardown, rebuild, and specification settings.
PDF Quality:
Likely scanned from original print, quality can vary but generally readable. Text searchability depends on OCR performed.
Scanned Origin:
Digital copy of a physical factory service manual.
Original Binding:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (original print)
Original Paper:
Heavy-duty paper stock suitable for workshop use.
Engine Type:
Mazda 12A Rotary Engine
Rotor Displacement:
573 cc per rotor (1146 cc total equivalent displacement)
Horsepower Net:
Approximately 97-105 hp (depending on market and emissions equipment)
Torque Net:
Approximately 100-105 lb-ft
Carburetion:
Single or dual barrel Hitachi downdraft carburetor (specific model varies)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (required from 1975 onwards due to emissions regulations)
Fuel Pump:
Mechanical fuel pump operation and testing procedures.
Apex Seals:
Crucial wear item; manual covers inspection and replacement procedures.
Rotary Specifics:
Details on rotor housing wear, eccentric shaft, apex seal grooves, and corner seals.
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition system. Covers points, condenser, coil, and spark plug specifications.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 97.0 inches (2464 mm)
Length:
Approximately 161.4 inches (4100 mm)
Width:
Approximately 63.2 inches (1605 mm)
Height:
Approximately 53.0 inches (1346 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,100 - 2,300 lbs (953 - 1043 kg) depending on body style and equipment
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data available for this era and specific model. Era safety standards were significantly different.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Manual covers inspection, pad/shoe replacement, hydraulic system bleeding.
Seatbelts:
Standard lap and shoulder belts (front), lap belts (rear). Manual may cover inspection and adjustment.
Entertainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio, often with an 8-track player option. Manual covers basic electrical connections for these components.
Braking Assistance:
Power brake booster (standard on most models). Manual covers its inspection and servicing.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical system schematics are a critical part of the manual, essential for troubleshooting modern (for the era) electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. Manual will specify exact interval.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km). Manual details correct gap and type.
Engine Oil:
API SE or SF service classification. Viscosity typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Manual specifies precise grade and capacity.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Typically a 50/50 mix with water. Manual specifies capacity and type.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90. Automatic: DEXRON II or equivalent. Manual specifies capacity and type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual specifies type and bleeding procedures.
Apex Seal Wear:
A common concern with rotary engines, leading to loss of compression. Manual details testing and replacement.
Carburetor Tuning:
Can be sensitive to adjustment and prone to vacuum leaks. Manual provides detailed tuning procedures.
Emissions Control Systems:
Older systems can be complex and require specific knowledge for maintenance and repair, which the manual provides.
Oil Injection System:
Details on the separate oil injection system for apex seal lubrication, and its maintenance.
Mazda Rotary Introduction:
Mazda pioneered the Wankel rotary engine for mass production, starting with the Cosmo in the late 1960s. The RX-3 was a key model in popularizing this technology.
Rx3 Generations:
Introduced in 1971, the RX-3 was available in coupe, sedan, and wagon body styles. The 1975 model represents a later iteration with styling updates and emission control refinements.
Body Styles:
Coupe, Sedan, Wagon offered distinct appearances and practicality.
Production Period:
1971-1978 (RX-3)
