Description:
The Mazda RX-3 was a significant model for Mazda, showcasing their pioneering rotary engine technology in a compact, sporty package. It competed in the affordable sports coupe/sedan segment.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno, Datsun 1200/Sunny, and other compact sporty cars of the era.
Rotary Engine:
Distinctive rotary (Wankel) engine provided a unique driving experience and compact power unit.
Styling:
Offered in coupe, sedan, and station wagon body styles, with a focus on sporty and stylish design.
User Suitability:
Aimed at technicians, mechanics, and owners who want to perform repairs, maintenance, or learn about the vehicle's intricacies.
Engine Systems:
Rotary engine (12A) overhaul, component replacement, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery (carburetor and early fuel injection on some variants).
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission service, gear changes, clutch assembly, driveline components, differential service.
Braking Systems:
Front disc and rear drum brake systems, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, parking brake.
Electrical Systems:
Complete wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, ignition system, lighting, gauges, switches, fuses, battery service.
Suspension Steering:
Front independent suspension (struts, control arms), rear leaf spring suspension, power steering (if equipped), steering column, steering linkage.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, chassis lubrication, door mechanisms, window regulators, structural components.
Heating Cooling Ac:
Heater core, blower motor, defroster, and air conditioning system service (if factory equipped).
Fuel And Emission Systems:
Carburetor service and adjustment, fuel tank, fuel lines, emission control devices (e.g., air injection).
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (for piston variants, though RX-3 is rotary), lubrication points.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine rebuild (apex seals, rotor housing inspection), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/wheel cylinder rebuilding.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of wiring issues, component testing using multimeters, fault finding based on symptoms.
Alignment Specifications:
Wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, toe), steering alignment.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts. Includes torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, and diagnostic charts.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1146 cc (effective displacement)
Horsepower:
Approx. 90-110 hp (depending on market and specific variant)
Torque:
Approx. 95-105 lb-ft (depending on market and specific variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Primarily downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi), with potential for early fuel injection systems on some later or export models.
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition system, dual ignition on some performance variants.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for exact specifications).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.
Spark Plugs:
N/A (Rotary engine uses a different ignition system, not spark plugs in the traditional sense for combustion initiation).
Engine Oil:
API SE/SF service classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 typically recommended. Rotary engines require specific oil types and can consume oil as part of their operation; manual will specify.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity around 5-6 liters. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 recommended. Capacity typically less than 1 liter. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90). Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent. Capacities around 1.5-2 liters for manual, 4-5 liters for automatic. Manual will specify.
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90). Capacity around 1.2-1.5 liters. Manual will specify.
Apex Seals:
Wear of apex seals is a common issue in rotary engines, leading to compression loss and poor performance. Requires engine rebuild.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil for lubrication of the rotor housings and seals. Owners must monitor and top up oil regularly.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can require frequent adjustment and cleaning, especially with age and fuel variations.