🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

R100 (R 100 Coupe)

Body Style:

Coupe

Generation:

First Generation (Mazda Familia Rotary Coupe)

Chassis Code:

Often referred to by its platform derivative, e.g., derived from the Mazda Familia series

Engine Code:

10A (Rotary)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mazda R100 was a pioneering compact sports coupe that introduced the rotary engine to a wider audience, competing with small European sports cars and domestic performance coupes.

Competitors:

Datsun 240Z, Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno (early generations), Alfa Romeo Giulia GT, Ford Capri.

Engine Type:

Unique 2-rotor (10A) Wankel rotary engine, offering a compact, high-revving, and smooth power delivery.

Design:

Distinctive coupe styling with clean lines, sporty proportions, and often a characteristic 'bubble' rear window.

Driving Experience:

Known for its nimble handling, lightweight feel, and the unique sound and acceleration characteristics of the rotary engine.

Usefulness:

Essential for owners and mechanics maintaining the iconic R100, providing crucial technical data and procedures for preserving this unique vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

Regions Covered:

Global (primarily based on North American and Japanese specifications)

Estimated Pages:

300-500 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Rotary Engine (10A), including apex seals, rotor housing, rotor, eccentric shaft, lubrication, cooling, and combustion.

Lubricating System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, oil pressure testing, and oil type specifications.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, coolant type and capacity, and system pressure testing.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (likely Hitachi or Mikuni side-draft), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, and emissions control components (if applicable).

Electrical System:

Ignition system (distributor, coil, spark plugs), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, and component testing.

Clutch:

Clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, clutch pedal adjustment, hydraulic system (if applicable), and removal/installation.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (likely 4-speed or 5-speed), gear lubrication, internal components, shift linkage, and removal/installation.

Propeller Shaft:

Driveshaft, universal joints, balancing, and inspection.

Rear Axle:

Differential, axle shafts, bearings, and fluid specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components (springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings), alignment specifications, and replacement procedures.

Steering:

Steering box, tie rods, steering column, linkage, and adjustment procedures.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (drum or disc), master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, pads/shoes, hydraulic fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, and parking brake.

Body And Trim:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window mechanisms, interior trim, and weather stripping.

Chassis And Frame:

Frame inspection, rust repair, and structural components.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

Heater core, blower motor, ducting (if factory AC equipped).

Emissions Control:

Early emissions systems, PCV valve, air injection (if equipped).

Maintenance:

Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, and ignition timing adjustment.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine performance, electrical issues, and mechanical failures.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds.

Adjustment:

Carburetor tuning, ignition timing, clutch pedal, brakes, and suspension alignment.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Torques Specifications:

Torque values for critical fasteners across all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive and detailed, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including electrical testing, compression testing (adapted for rotary), and visual inspections.

Rebuild Procedures:

Full rebuild procedures for major mechanical components like the rotary engine and transmission.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely to be searchable if OCR processed, but older scans may be image-based.

Quality:

Variable, depending on the original source and scanning process. Aim for clear, legible text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Mazda 10A (Wankel Rotary)

Displacement:

984 cc (equivalent to approx. 1.0L, but rotary displacement is calculated differently)

Configuration:

Two-rotor, naturally aspirated

Horsepower:

Approximately 100-110 hp (net, depending on market and tuning)

Torque:

Approximately 100-110 lb-ft (net, depending on market and tuning)

Redline:

Typically around 6,000-7,000 RPM

Compression Ratio:

Typically around 9.4:1 to 9.8:1 (rotary specific) - actual effective compression is different from piston engines.

Carburetor:

Single Hitachi or Mikuni side-draft downdraft carburetor (e.g., 40mm or 45mm).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for optimal performance and longevity, though leaded was common when new).

Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 20W-50 (refer to manual for exact specification). Rotary engines often require specific oil properties.

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4-5 US quarts (refer to manual for exact capacity and filter refill).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission.

Type:

Rarely offered with an automatic transmission in this model.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios will be detailed in the manual, crucial for performance tuning.

Fluid Type:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 typically). Refer to manual for exact specification.

Capacity:

Approximately 1.5-2.0 US quarts (refer to manual).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 3,995 mm (157.3 in)

Width:

Approximately 1,575 mm (62.0 in)

Height:

Approximately 1,295 mm (50.9 in)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2,285 mm (89.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 850-950 kg (1,874-2,094 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to manual for specific GVWR.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No standardized crash test data available for this era and model. Safety features were minimal by modern standards.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard).

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering system, typically non-assisted.

Seatbelts:

Lap belts or three-point front seatbelts (depending on market and year).

Body Structure:

Unibody construction, but lacks modern crumple zones and safety cage reinforcement.

💡 Technology Features

Audio:

Basic AM/FM radio, often with a single speaker. Cassette players were not standard in early models.

Instrumentation:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. Warning lights for various systems.

Features:

Virtually none by modern standards. Features would be limited to basic safety systems like seatbelts and potentially head restraints.

Features:

No electronic connectivity features. Focus is on mechanical operation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact interval and oil type).

Spark Plugs:

Inspect at 15,000 miles, replace as needed (specific plug types for rotary engines). Refer to manual for correct part numbers and gap.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 6 months or 7,500 miles, replace as needed.

Fuel Filter:

Replace as needed, typically every 15,000-20,000 miles or if symptoms of fuel starvation appear.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid:

Check level periodically, change every 30,000-50,000 miles or as recommended in the manual.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 10W-30 or 20W-50 recommended (verify with manual).

Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (verify with manual).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with manual).

Rotary Engine Apex Seals:

Wear and failure of apex seals leading to loss of compression, rough idle, and smoking are common issues with older rotary engines. Proper lubrication and avoiding over-revving are critical.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume some oil as part of their lubrication system. Excessive consumption can indicate seal wear.

Carburetor Issues:

Aging diaphragms, worn jets, and vacuum leaks in the carburetor can lead to poor running conditions.

Cooling System:

Radiator leaks, water pump seal failure, and degraded hoses can cause overheating.

Ignition System:

Distributor wear, coil failure, and incorrect spark plug types can affect engine performance and starting.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Development:

Mazda's commitment to the rotary engine, starting with the NSU license and their own development, was a bold move that defined their brand for decades.

Predecessor:

Based on the Mazda Familia chassis, sharing many components with the piston-engined versions.

Successor:

The R100 was succeeded by other rotary coupes and sedans like the RX-2, RX-3, and later the iconic RX-7 series.

Production Years:

1968-1973

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Significance:

Key model in proving the viability of the rotary engine in a mass-produced passenger car and establishing Mazda's performance credentials.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Impact:

Recognized as a significant vehicle for introducing Mazda's rotary technology to the global market, paving the way for future rotary-powered icons like the RX-7.

Contemporary Reviews:

Often praised for its performance and unique engine but sometimes criticized for fuel economy and reliability concerns associated with early rotary technology.

Historical Significance:

Considered a collector's item and a landmark in automotive engineering for its rotary powertrain.