Production Years:
1971-1977
Chassis Codes:
S102A (RX-2 Coupe), S122A (RX-2 Sedan), S108A (RX-3 Coupe), S128A (RX-3 Sedan), S138A (RX-3 Station Wagon)
Engine Codes:
10A (Rotary), 12A (Rotary)
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners of Mazda RX-2 and RX-3 models from 1971-1977 undertaking restoration, maintenance, or repair.
Comparison To Oem:
Presents itself as a cost-effective alternative to official factory shop manuals and CD-ROMs, offering comparable or identical technical data.
Accessibility:
Delivered via email, eliminating shipping wait times and costs, making it immediately accessible.
Versatility:
Compatible with all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac, ensuring broad usability.
Completeness:
Stated to be a complete workshop manual, covering all aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive workshop service and repair
Specific Systems Covered:
Lubrication & Maintenance, Suspension, Brakes, Cooling System, Electrical System, Engine (Rotary), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual/Automatic), Heating and Air Conditioning, Emission Control Systems, Body, Wiring Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
Likely several hundred pages, typical for a complete workshop manual.
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Engine Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding Mazda's rotary engines (10A and 12A), including apex seal replacement, rotor housing machining, and peripheral port seal adjustments.
Fuel System Diagnostics:
In-depth coverage of Hitachi, Mikuni, or Solex carburetor tuning and rebuilding, fuel pump servicing, and fuel line inspections.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Extensive wiring diagrams for all models, troubleshooting guides for ignition systems (including distributor and electronic ignition), lighting, instrumentation, and charging systems.
Transmission Overhaul:
Procedures for manual transmission disassembly, inspection, and reassembly, as well as automatic transmission servicing.
Suspension And Steering:
Details on front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear leaf springs, ball joint replacement, shock absorber servicing, and power steering system maintenance.
Brake Systems:
Disc brake caliper rebuilding, drum brake shoe adjustment and replacement, brake fluid specifications, and hydraulic system troubleshooting.
Routine Maintenance:
Scheduled oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, spark plug indexing and gap settings, and coolant flush procedures.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, symptom-based diagnostics, and repair procedures for rotary engine specific problems like oil seal wear.
Component Rebuilds:
Complete step-by-step instructions for rebuilding major components like the engine, carburetor, alternator, starter motor, and brake calipers.
Alignment Specifications:
Factory specifications for front and rear wheel alignment (camber, caster, toe).
Body Repair:
Information on panel alignment, door adjustments, and common bodywork repair techniques.
Depth:
Extensive, suitable for professional mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts. Covers full engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and in-depth electrical diagnostics.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Numerous exploded views, wiring diagrams, and illustrations to aid in repair and disassembly.
Readability:
Searchable PDF for quick access to information.
Printability:
Fully printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual as needed.
Image Clarity:
Assumed high quality, consistent with factory or reputable aftermarket manuals, enabling clear viewing of diagrams and text.
Digital Binding:
N/A (Digital delivery)
Digital Paper Simulation:
N/A (Digital delivery)
Displacement Codes:
10A (approx. 1.0L or 50 cu in per rotor, total 1.0L) / 12A (approx. 1.15L or 70 cu in per rotor, total 1.15L)
Rotor Design:
Single rotor (10A in early RX-2), twin rotor (12A in most RX-2/RX-3, also 10A in some early RX-2)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition, potentially advancing to electronic ignition in later models within the range. Points, condenser, ignition coil specifications provided.
Power Output 10A:
Typically around 90-100 hp (SAE gross) depending on application and emissions controls.
Power Output 12A:
Typically around 100-130 hp (SAE gross) depending on application, carburetor configuration, and emissions controls.
Carburetion:
Single or twin barrel downdraft carburetors (e.g., Hitachi, Mikuni, Solex). Manual covers adjustment, rebuilding, and troubleshooting of these units.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (later models may require specific octane ratings).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher recommended, viscosity typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific recommendations). Rotary engines require a separate oil injection system for apex seal lubrication.
Oil Injection Type:
Dedicated 2-stroke or rotary-specific oil, injected directly into the intake manifold or engine housing. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Apex Seals:
Critical wear components. Manual details inspection, replacement, and lubrication requirements.
Rotor Housing Clearance:
Manual will provide specific tolerances for wear and surface finish requirements for rebuilds.
Type:
4-speed manual transmission standard on many models. Some models offered a 5-speed manual later in the production run.
Type:
3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., Torqueflite based) was an option on some models.
Manual Gearbox:
Clutch operation, shift linkage adjustment, and internal component inspection procedures covered.
Automatic Gearbox:
Fluid level checks, filter replacement, and basic troubleshooting for automatic transmissions are likely included.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
Body Styles:
Coupe, Sedan, Station Wagon (RX-3 only)
Wheelbase:
Varies by model and body style, typically around 95-100 inches. Manual may contain precise measurements.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2200-2500 lbs depending on body style and engine. Manual will list specific weights.
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test ratings (e.g., NHTSA, IIHS) existed for vehicles of this era in the modern sense. Manual will not contain such data.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard. Manual details hydraulic system, pad/shoe replacement, and fluid changes.
Seatbelts:
Lap belts standard, shoulder belts may have been optional or standard on higher trims. Manual may cover seatbelt adjustment and replacement.
Body Construction:
Unibody construction, manual covers body panel repair and integrity.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but rotary engines require careful monitoring of oil injection system. Manual will provide specific intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies based on plug type; copper plugs may require more frequent replacement than platinum. Manual will list specific intervals and gap settings.
Coolant Flush:
Generally every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Manual will specify coolant type and capacity.
Lubrication:
Regular chassis lubrication points (grease fittings) are detailed in the manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. Manual will confirm the specific requirement for the braking system.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water. Manual will specify mixture ratio and capacity.
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Premature wear of apex seals is a common issue if maintenance intervals are not adhered to or if the engine is overheated. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Carburetor Issues:
Tuning, flooding, or vacuum leaks in the Hitachi/Mikuni carburetors can cause rough running. Manual provides detailed tuning procedures.
Oil Seals:
Internal oil seals can degrade over time, leading to oil consumption. Manual guides inspection and replacement.
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's commitment to the Wankel rotary engine began with the Cosmo and continued through models like the RX-2 and RX-3, establishing a unique performance niche.
Rx-2 Introduction:
Introduced in 1970 as the Capella Rotary. Initially offered with the 10A rotary engine. Available as a coupe and sedan.
Rx-3 Introduction:
Introduced in 1971 as the Savanna Rotary. Featured the larger 12A rotary engine and was available as a coupe, sedan, and later a station wagon. Known for its sporty character.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Sales Impact:
These models were crucial in establishing Mazda's reputation for innovative engineering and performance, particularly with their rotary engines.
